UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown, the Old Dominion Monarchs triumphed over the South Florida Bulls, securing a 24-10 victory in the StaffDNA Cure Bowl held at Camping World Stadium on January 3, 2024. Redshirt freshman quarterback Quinn Henicle showcased impressive resilience, scoring two touchdowns to lead Old Dominion to its first ten-win season since 2016.
The game kicked off with an early turnover as USF’s safety Jarvis Lee pressured Henicle, forcing a fumble recovered by teammate Fred Gaskin. This pivotal moment set up the Bulls for a 28-yard field goal by Nico Gramatica, giving them a 3-0 lead. However, Henicle quickly rebounded, orchestrating a ten-play drive culminating in his first rushing touchdown of the season, putting ODU ahead 7-3.
USF responded swiftly, with quarterback Gaston Moore throwing a 31-yard touchdown pass to Jeremiah Koger, reclaiming the lead at 10-7. Moore stepped in for starting quarterback Byrum Brown, who opted out of the game. Despite a strong start, Moore faced challenges, including an interception by Old Dominion’s defensive back Brandon Crutchfield.
The Monarchs took control after halftime when defensive back Jerome Carter intercepted Moore’s pass, allowing ODU to score on a 22-yard rushing touchdown by Trequan Jones, pushing the score to 14-10. USF’s struggles continued as Gramatica missed a 39-yard field goal, marking an uncharacteristic performance for the Bulls’ kicker.
As the game progressed, Henicle displayed his athleticism with a stunning 51-yard touchdown run, sealing the victory for Old Dominion. He finished with 227 total yards and two rushing touchdowns, highlighting his significant contribution in only his second career start.
The win marks a celebratory milestone for Old Dominion, while USF’s defeat extends their losing streak in Orlando, with their last victory in the city dating back to 2015.
As the Monarchs celebrate this historic win, fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing their trajectory in the upcoming season. The implications of this victory resonate deeply, as Old Dominion not only claims the Cure Bowl but also solidifies its status as a formidable contender in college football.
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