UPDATE: Old Dominion University has secured a stunning 24-10 victory over the University of South Florida (USF) in the StaffDNA Cure Bowl held at Camping World Stadium on January 2, 2024. This marks a historic moment for the Monarchs, as they clinch their first ten-win season since 2016.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Quinn Henicle, taking the reins after starter Colton Joseph announced his transfer plans, showcased resilience by overcoming an early fumble to throw for two touchdowns, leading his team to victory. The Monarchs finished the season with a record of 10-3, while USF ends their season at 9-4.
The game kicked off with a bang when USF’s safety Jarvis Lee pressured Henicle, causing a fumble that was recovered by teammate Fred Gaskin. This set up a scoring opportunity for the Bulls, who took an early lead with a 28-yard field goal by kicker Nico Gramatica.
However, Henicle quickly turned the tide, engineering a 10-play drive culminating in a 6-yard rushing touchdown, his first of the season. USF retaliated, reclaiming the lead with a 31-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Gaston Moore to receiver Jeremiah Koger.
USF was hampered by the absence of starting quarterback Byrum Brown, who opted out of the game but supported the team from the sidelines. Despite the setback, Moore kept pushing forward, but a pivotal interception by Old Dominion’s Brandon Crutchfield at a crucial moment shifted the momentum.
After a second interception from Moore to defensive back Jerome Carter, Henicle led the Monarchs to a 22-yard touchdown run by running back Trequan Jones, putting Old Dominion ahead 14-10 late in the third quarter. Jones’s score was his sixth rushing touchdown of the season.
As the game progressed, USF missed multiple scoring opportunities, including a 39-yard field goal attempt by Gramatica, marking a rare off day for the kicker. Old Dominion capitalized on this, pushing their lead further with a 24-yard field goal by Nathanial Eichner.
In a decisive moment late in the game, Henicle sealed the victory with a stunning 51-yard touchdown run, bringing his total offensive yards to 227 for the game. His performance not only highlighted his growth as a quarterback but also demonstrated the strength of the Monarchs’ offense.
This loss extends USF’s streak of defeats in Orlando, with their last victory in the city dating back to 2015. The Bulls have now lost five consecutive games in Central Florida.
As the dust settles on this thrilling bowl game, Old Dominion fans are left celebrating a triumphant end to a remarkable season. With Henicle at the helm, the future looks bright for the Monarchs heading into the next season.
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