UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown, Old Dominion University has triumphed over the University of South Florida with a decisive 24-10 victory in the StaffDNA Cure Bowl, held at Camping World Stadium on January 3, 2024. This win marks a significant milestone for the Monarchs, clinching their first ten-win season since 2016.
Old Dominion’s redshirt freshman quarterback, Quinn Henicle, overcame an early fumble to lead his team to victory, scoring two crucial touchdowns. Henicle’s performance was particularly impressive given that he stepped in after starting quarterback Colton Joseph announced his intent to enter the transfer portal earlier this week.
The game kicked off with South Florida striking first. Defensive plays were pivotal as safety Jarvis Lee pressured Henicle, resulting in a fumble recovered by safety Fred Gaskin, who returned it 22 yards to the Monarchs’ 41-yard line. The Bulls capitalized on this early turnover, with kicker Nico Gramatica converting a 28-yard field goal to give USF a 3-0 lead.
However, Henicle quickly responded, orchestrating a 10-play drive culminating in a 6-yard touchdown run, marking his first rushing touchdown of the season. This momentum shift saw Old Dominion take a brief lead before USF’s quarterback Gaston Moore, filling in for the opted-out Byrum Brown, connected with receiver Jeremiah Koger for a 31-yard touchdown pass, putting the Bulls ahead 10-7.
The game took a turn in the second half when Old Dominion’s defense shone through. Defensive back Jerome Carter intercepted a pass from Moore early in the third quarter, setting the stage for a 22-yard touchdown run by running back Trequan Jones, bringing the score to 14-10.
Despite opportunities, USF struggled to capitalize, with Gramatica missing two field goals, including a 39-yarder, marking a rare off day for the kicker. A critical moment occurred when Henicle fumbled again, but a targeting penalty against Bulls cornerback De’Shawn Rucker allowed Old Dominion to retain possession deep in USF territory.
Henicle ultimately sealed the game with an explosive 51-yard touchdown run, bringing his total offensive yards to 227 and securing the victory for the Monarchs. This game not only highlights Henicle’s potential but also marks the Bulls’ fifth consecutive loss in Central Florida, a streak that dates back to 2015.
As Old Dominion celebrates this significant win, they have set their sights on future successes, while USF will need to regroup and address their challenges ahead. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how each team adjusts for the upcoming season.
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