UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown, Old Dominion emerged victorious against South Florida, clinching the StaffDNA Cure Bowl with a decisive 24-10 win at Camping World Stadium on January 2, 2024. This victory marks Old Dominion’s first ten-win season since 2016.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Quinn Henicle showcased resilience after a rocky start, recovering from an early fumble to score two critical touchdowns. The Monarchs finished the season with a record of 10-3 and 6-2 in the Sun Belt Conference.
The game opened with South Florida striking first, as safety Jarvis Lee forced a fumble from Henicle, leading to a 28-yard field goal by kicker Nico Gramatica for a 3-0 lead. However, Henicle quickly turned the tide, orchestrating a ten-play drive culminating in a six-yard rushing touchdown, his first of the season.
South Florida responded with a swift offensive display, as quarterback Gaston Moore connected with receiver Christian Neptune for a 42-yard gain, setting up a 31-yard touchdown pass to Jeremiah Koger. This gave USF a brief lead at 10-7.
With starting quarterback Byrum Brown opting out of the game, Moore stepped up but faced challenges as Old Dominion’s defense tightened. A critical interception by defensive back Brandon Crutchfield halted a USF drive, allowing the Monarchs to regain momentum.
The turning point came early in the second half when Jerome Carter intercepted Moore’s first pass. Just three plays later, running back Trequan Jones scored on a 22-yard run, pushing Old Dominion ahead at 14-10.
As the game progressed, Gramatica struggled, missing two field goals—an unusual feat for the experienced kicker. Despite USF’s efforts, Old Dominion maintained control, with Henicle’s impressive 51-yard touchdown run sealing the win late in the game.
Henicle ended the night with 227 total yards and two rushing touchdowns, showcasing his potential as a rising star for the Monarchs. This win is a significant boost for Old Dominion football, while South Florida’s loss marks their fifth consecutive defeat in Central Florida.
As the dust settles on this thrilling Cure Bowl, the focus now shifts to the offseason for both teams. Fans eagerly await the next chapter in Old Dominion’s journey, while South Florida will look to regroup and address their challenges heading into next season.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and the implications for both teams in the upcoming seasons.
