UPDATE: Old Dominion University has triumphed over South Florida in an electrifying 24-10 victory during the StaffDNA Cure Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. The Monarchs’ redshirt freshman quarterback, Quinn Henicle, showcased resilience, overcoming an early fumble to lead his team to victory with two rushing touchdowns.
This win marks a significant milestone for Old Dominion, achieving 10 wins in a season for the first time since 2016. The Monarchs finished the season with a record of 10-3, including a 6-2 performance in the Sun Belt Conference.
Henicle, thrust into the starting role after quarterback Colton Joseph announced his intention to enter the transfer portal on January 2, 2024, responded to the challenge with impressive play. Despite a rocky start, which included a fumble recovered by South Florida’s Fred Gaskin, Henicle rebounded by orchestrating a 10-play drive that culminated in a 6-yard touchdown run, marking his first rushing touchdown of the season.
South Florida opened the scoring with a 28-yard field goal from kicker Nico Gramatica, taking an early 3-0 lead. However, the Bulls could not capitalize on their momentum, missing a critical 48-yard field goal shortly after.
USF’s quarterback Gaston Moore, who replaced starter Byrum Brown after his decision to opt out, connected with receiver Jeremiah Koger for a 31-yard touchdown pass, giving the Bulls a brief lead at 10-7 with 7:24 left in the first half.
Old Dominion’s defense, however, proved pivotal. Defensive back Brandon Crutchfield intercepted Moore’s pass, allowing Henicle to lead another scoring drive. After a turnover by USF, Henicle watched as running back Trequan Jones rushed for a 22-yard touchdown, reclaiming the lead at 14-10.
Despite two missed field goals by Gramatica, USF continued to push but struggled to regain control. A key moment occurred when Henicle fumbled following a hit from Bulls cornerback De’Shawn Rucker, who was ejected for targeting. ODU recovered the ball and extended their lead with a 24-yard field goal by Nathanial Eichner.
Henicle sealed the game with a stunning 51-yard touchdown run, bringing his total offensive yards to 227 for the game. This performance highlighted his potential and resilience under pressure.
The loss for South Florida continues a challenging trend, marking their fifth consecutive defeat in Orlando, with their last win in the area dating back to 2015.
The Monarchs are set to celebrate this historic victory as they close out their season on a high note. Fans are eagerly discussing Henicle’s future and the implications for Old Dominion’s football program moving forward.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and the implications for both teams as they head into the offseason.
