UPDATE: Old Dominion University has clinched the 2024 Cure Bowl title with a decisive 24-10 victory over the University of South Florida (USF) at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, just moments ago. This win marks a significant milestone for the Monarchs, securing their first ten-win season since 2016.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Quinn Henicle demonstrated resilience after a rocky start, bouncing back from an early fumble to score two crucial touchdowns. Henicle’s performance was especially noteworthy as he stepped in for starting quarterback Colton Joseph, who announced his intention to enter the transfer portal on January 2, 2024.
The game kicked off with USF seizing the early momentum, forcing a turnover when safety Jarvis Lee pressured Henicle, leading to a fumble recovered by Fred Gaskin. The Bulls capitalized on this mistake, scoring first with a 28-yard field goal from kicker Nico Gramatica, taking an early lead at 3-0.
Henicle quickly regrouped, orchestrating a 10-play drive culminating in a 6-yard rushing touchdown, marking his first rushing touchdown of the season. This score put Old Dominion ahead at 7-3 before USF responded with a 31-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Gaston Moore to Jeremiah Koger, reclaiming the lead at 10-7.
The game intensified as USF’s hopes were dashed by a turnover — a key interception by Old Dominion’s Brandon Crutchfield on the ODU 20-yard line. The Monarchs capitalized again after a second interception by defensive back Jerome Carter, which set up a 22-yard touchdown run from running back Trequan Jones, pushing Old Dominion ahead 14-10.
USF attempted to narrow the gap, but Gramatica missed a 39-yard field goal, marking his second miss of the game — a rare occurrence in his college career. The Monarchs extended their lead with a 24-yard field goal from Nathanial Eichner after a fumble recovery at the USF 4-yard line.
The game concluded with Henicle sealing the victory with a stunning 51-yard touchdown run, finishing the night with 227 total yards and two rushing touchdowns.
This defeat marks a continued struggle for USF, which has not won in Orlando since 2015 and now faces a five-game losing streak in Central Florida.
As the celebrations commence for Old Dominion, all eyes will be on the future of both programs as they prepare for the upcoming season.
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