Cure Bowl: Appalachian State Head Coach Shawn Clark Previews Miami (OH) Matchup

Appalachian State State head coach Shawn Clark is no stranger to going up against Miami University. Clark was the offensive line coach at Kent State from 2013-2015. In his three years in the Mid-American Conference, Clark went 2-1 against Miami.

"Playing a very good MAC team," Clark remarked when meeting with the media this week. "Very familiar with Miami. I coached in the MAC for three years, so I know the kind of program they have. I have a lot of respect for coach Martin and how he runs his program. Anytime you get another champion from another conference, that's what bowl games are about. This is going to be one of the best bowl games of all college football this year, right here in Orlando, and we're very proud to represent the Sun Belt and Appalachian State."

Clark went into more detail about his respect for Miami head coach Chuck Martin, who was complimentary of the Mountaineers offense. Clark mentioned how he tries to have a complete offense out there at all times.

"We try to be a very balanced offense and we play to rhythm and tempo and trying to keep things off balance and keep a defense guessing," said Clark. "They're one of the top in the country on the defensive side of the football and the one thing watching their tape is that they don't beat themselves. They make you go the long way and they do it the right way."

One thing Clark was adamant about is how this can end up becoming one of the best bowl games of the year in college football. Just two weeks ago both teams were in their conference championship. Now, they get to face one another.

As of Thursday, the Mountaineers, who were favored by 3.5 points, are now favored by 6.5, which shows how close the game will likely be.

The Cure Bowl will kick off on Saturday, December 16 at 3:30pm ET on ABC.