Photo: Pgiam / E+ / Getty Images
Orlando, FL - Old Dominion closed its season with a statement performance Wednesday night, defeating South Florida 24-10 to capture the Cure Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.
The Monarchs leaned heavily on their rushing attack and defense to control the game from start to finish, improving to 10-3 on the season.
Quarterback Quinn Henicle played a central role, rushing for 107 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries.
His most impactful moment came late in the fourth quarter, when he broke free for a 51-yard touchdown run that put the game out of reach.
Old Dominion finished with 255 rushing yards, consistently winning at the line of scrimmage and limiting South Florida’s offensive opportunities.
Running back Devin Roche added 100 yards on 19 carries, helping the Monarchs dominate time of possession.
South Florida opened the scoring with a 28-yard field goal, but Old Dominion responded with a six-yard rushing touchdown by Henicle late in the first quarter.
The Bulls briefly tied the game in the second quarter on a 31-yard touchdown pass from Gaston Moore to Jeremiah Koger, sending the teams into halftime tied at 10.
The second half belonged to Old Dominion.
A Jerome Carter interception early in the third quarter set up a 22-yard rushing touchdown by Trequan Jones.
Nathanial Eichner later added a 24-yard field goal to extend the lead.
South Florida struggled offensively, finishing with just 52 rushing yards.
Moore passed for 236 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions.
The win marked Old Dominion’s second 10-win season and its first Cure Bowl victory under head coach Ricky Rahne.