Old Dominion Claims Cure Bowl Victory with 24-10 Win Over USF

UPDATE: Old Dominion University clinched a decisive victory over the University of South Florida in the StaffDNA Cure Bowl, winning 24-10 at Camping World Stadium on January 2, 2024. This marks a historic moment for ODU, as they secured their 10th win of the season, the first time reaching this milestone since 2016.

In a performance that showcased resilience, redshirt freshman quarterback Quinn Henicle rebounded from a rough start, including a fumble, to lead the Monarchs to victory. Henicle rushed for two touchdowns, finishing the game with 227 total yards of offense. His performance is particularly notable as he stepped in after starting quarterback Colton Joseph announced his transfer plans earlier this week.

The game began with USF capitalizing on an early turnover. Safety Jarvis Lee pressured Henicle into a fumble, which was recovered by Fred Gaskin and returned 22 yards to the Monarchs’ 41-yard line, setting up a 28-yard field goal by kicker Nico Gramatica to give USF a 3-0 lead.

Henicle quickly responded, orchestrating a 10-play drive that culminated in a 6-yard touchdown run, marking his first rushing touchdown of the season. However, USF was quick to retake the lead when quarterback Gaston Moore connected with receiver Jeremiah Koger for a 31-yard touchdown pass, putting the Bulls ahead 10-7.

The Monarchs, however, were unfazed. After an interception by defensive back Brandon Crutchfield, ODU capitalized with a 22-yard touchdown run from Trequan Jones, reclaiming the lead at 14-10.

Despite a missed field goal attempt by Gramatica, the Bulls continued to apply pressure. But a targeting penalty against Bulls cornerback De’Shawn Rucker led to an ejection and set up ODU for a 24-yard field goal by Nathanial Eichner, extending the lead to 17-10.

Henicle capped off the scoring with a stunning 51-yard touchdown run, solidifying the Monarchs’ victory. This defining moment leaves USF grappling with a five-game losing streak in Central Florida, a streak dating back to 2015.

In the wake of this win, Old Dominion is celebrating not just a bowl victory, but a significant turnaround in their program. As they look to build on this momentum, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Monarchs aim for continued success in the upcoming seasons.

This victory is a testament to resilience and determination, showcasing the heart of a team that has battled through adversity. The impact of this win resonates beyond the scoreboard, marking a new chapter for Old Dominion football.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as both teams regroup and prepare for the next season.