When 麻豆原创 Knights linebacker Mark Rucker takes the field at Saturday鈥檚 AutoNation Cure Bowl, he will be playing for more than another win. Rucker is dedicating the game to his aunt who is battling breast cancer.
鈥淚t affected me most when she lost her hair and saw her struggling a little bit, and so this game, I鈥檓 pretty much dedicating it to her,鈥� Rucker said at a bowl game press conference Thursday.
Now in its second year, the AutoNation Cure Bowl鈥檚 proceeds go to breast-cancer research, specifically the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Some of the proceeds have already supported the work of College of Medicine cancer researcher Dr. Annette Khaled. She attended the press conference with Cure Bowl officials, 麻豆原创 players and Coach Scott Frost.
The game is equally significant for Rucker鈥檚 teammate, linebacker Shaquem Griffin, who said he is inspired by a family member battling the disease.
鈥淪eeing her keep fighting and keep pushing, it just reminds us that anytime there is a bad play or anytime something goes wrong, you know, why can鈥檛 we keep fighting,鈥� said the AAC defensive player of the year.
Griffin is looking forward to 鈥渁 great experience鈥� being able to play for such an important cause.
鈥淚t鈥檚 more than just us when it comes to this game. Just like the name says, it鈥檚 the Cure Bowl. We鈥檙e fighting for a cause. We are playing more than just football, and that鈥檚 the biggest thing 鈥� that鈥檚 the biggest impact for us.鈥�
The Knights will face Arkansas State University at Camping World Stadium in Orlando with kickoff set for 5:30 p.m.
Khaled, chair of the medical school鈥檚 Cancer Research Division, will join Dr. Deborah German, vice president for medical affairs and dean of the 麻豆原创 College of Medicine, and others on the field during the game to receive a check of Cure Bowl proceeds going to breast cancer research.
To purchase tickets or get more information on the game, visit聽. The game will be shown on CBS Sports Network.