By: Ethan Horner
(Photo/JFS Media)
ORLANDO, Fla. — Old Dominion overcame a slow offensive start and a halftime deficit to defeat South Florida 24-10 in the 2025 StaffDNA Cure Bowl at Camping World Stadium.
The Monarchs entered the matchup looking to finish a strong season on a high note, while the Bulls were attempting to close out the year with another bowl victory. Instead, ODU's defense took control in the second half and helped the Monarchs finish the season with 10 wins.
The game began with both defenses setting the tone.
Old Dominion's defense quickly forced a three-and-out, and Devin Roche provided the Monarchs with excellent field position by returning the ensuing punt 48 yards to the USF 32-yard line. Despite the favorable starting point, the Bulls' defense came through and stopped ODU on fourth down.
The Monarchs continued to create problems for USF's offense, forcing another three-and-out. Ricardo Williams Jr. recorded a sack on third down to end the possession.
ODU appeared to be gaining momentum offensively before quarterback Quinn Henicle lost a fumble under pressure from the USF front. The Bulls recovered and returned the ball 22 yards to the ODU 41-yard line, setting up their first scoring opportunity.
USF capitalized with a 29-yard field goal to take an early 3-0 lead.
Old Dominion answered with its best offensive drive of the opening quarter. The Monarchs marched 75 yards over 10 plays before Henicle finished the possession with a six-yard designed quarterback run, giving ODU a 7-3 advantage.
Second Quarter
The second quarter became a defensive battle.
USF attempted a 48-yard field goal but missed, and ODU's offense was unable to take advantage as the Bulls forced another three-and-out.
USF eventually found the end zone when quarterback Gaston Moore connected with freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Koger for a 31-yard touchdown. The score put the Bulls ahead 10-7 with seven minutes remaining in the half.
USF's defense continued to frustrate Henicle and the Monarchs. The Bulls also appeared to be building another scoring drive, but ODU defensive back Brandon Crutchfield intercepted Moore to stop the possession.
The Monarchs could not capitalize on the turnover. Henicle missed a pair of open receivers during the ensuing drive, including opportunities that could have resulted in touchdowns. ODU eventually attempted to get points on the board, but a botched snap ended the field-goal opportunity.
USF took its 10-7 lead into halftime.
Third Quarter
The momentum began to shift immediately after halftime.
USF opened the second half by forcing another ODU three-and-out, but the Monarchs' defense answered. Defensive back Jerome Carter intercepted Moore and returned the ball deep into USF territory, giving ODU another short field.
The Monarchs took advantage this time.
Running back Trequan Jones broke free for a 22-yard touchdown run, putting ODU back in front 14-10.
USF had an opportunity to respond but missed a 39-yard field-goal attempt, keeping the Monarchs ahead.
Later in the quarter, Henicle took a hard hit from USF defender De'Shawn Rucker. The play resulted in a targeting penalty, sending Rucker to the locker room and moving the ball to the USF 9-yard line.
ODU couldn't find the end zone but added a field goal to extend its advantage to 17-10 heading into the fourth quarter.
Fourth Quarter
USF entered the final quarter needing a touchdown to tie the game.
The Bulls' defense initially gave them a chance, forcing ODU to punt after pinning the Monarchs at their own 1-yard line. USF took possession at the ODU 44 following the punt and appeared to be in position to make a serious push.
A big play later in the drive looked like it could put the Bulls inside the red zone, but two dead-ball unsportsmanlike conduct penalties erased the progress. One of those penalties was assessed to interim head coach Kevin Patrick. The penalties moved USF all the way back to its own 44-yard line, and the Bulls eventually had to punt.
USF then got another opportunity when ODU was forced to punt, but the Bulls muffed the return. ODU long snapper Brendan Durkin recovered the ball at the USF 38-yard line.
The Monarchs were unable to turn the mistake into points after missing a 38-yard field-goal attempt, keeping USF within one score.
From there, however, ODU's defense continued to shut the door.
The Monarchs eventually pulled away late, finishing the game with a dominant fourth quarter and securing a 24-10 victory. ODU scored 17 unanswered points after halftime and held USF scoreless throughout the second half.
Henicle finished the night as the game's MVP, rushing for 107 yards and two touchdowns while adding 127 yards through the air. His biggest play came late in the fourth quarter when he broke loose for a 51-yard touchdown run to put the game away.
For Old Dominion, the victory capped a 10-win season and gave the Monarchs their first bowl victory since 2016.
For USF, the loss ended a 9-4 season in disappointing fashion as the Bulls were held scoreless after halftime.
The Cure Bowl ultimately belonged to Old Dominion, with the Monarchs' defense and Henicle's second-half play turning a seven-point halftime deficit into a 24-10 victory in Orlando.