Late Breakaway Run Seals Old Dominion 24 to 10 Win Over South Florida in the 2025 Staff DNA Cure Bowl

Staff DNA Cure Bowl

Old Dominion closed the 2025 Staff DNA Cure Bowl with a decisive second half surge, defeating South Florida 24 to 10 after controlling key moments on both sides of the ball and capitalizing on late turnovers.

The Monarchs entered the game focused on ball control and discipline, and that approach became clear early as both teams traded punts and stalled drives through the opening possessions. South Florida struck first with a 28 yard field goal midway through the first quarter following a short field created by a forced fumble, taking a brief 3 to 0 lead. Old Dominion answered late in the quarter when quarterback Quinn Henicle capped a 75 yard drive with a 6 yard rushing touchdown, giving the Monarchs a 7 to 3 advantage.

South Florida responded early in the second quarter with its best offensive sequence of the night. Quarterback Gerry Moore connected with tight end Jaden Koger for a 31 yard touchdown pass to regain the lead at 10 to 7. That score, however, would mark the final touchdown for the Bulls. Missed field goals, sacks, and penalties repeatedly halted South Florida momentum as Old Dominion adjusted defensively.

The turning point came after halftime. Old Dominion leaned heavily on its rushing attack, with Trequan Jones and Henicle consistently moving the chains. Jones broke free for a 22 yard touchdown run early in the third quarter, swinging the lead back to the Monarchs at 14 to 10. The Monarchs added a 24 yard field goal later in the quarter, extending the margin to 17 to 10 while forcing South Florida into long down and distance situations.

Defensively, Old Dominion applied steady pressure throughout the second half. Moore threw 3 interceptions, including a costly pick early in the third quarter that led directly to points. South Florida also missed 3 field goal attempts on the night, leaving valuable scoring opportunities on the field. Special teams miscues compounded the issues, highlighted by a muffed punt recovered by Old Dominion deep in Bulls territory during the fourth quarter.

With South Florida pushing to stay alive late, Henicle delivered the final blow. Facing pressure with just over 2 minutes remaining, the quarterback broke containment and raced 51 yards for a game sealing touchdown, pushing the lead to 24 to 10 and effectively ending the contest. Old Dominion then intercepted a final South Florida drive to close out the victory.

Henicle finished as the centerpiece of the Monarchs offense, contributing both through the air and on the ground while managing the game efficiently. The Old Dominion rushing attack consistently won at the line of scrimmage, wearing down a South Florida defense that spent extended stretches on the field. The Monarchs defense recorded multiple sacks and turnovers, a decisive factor in the outcome.

The result caps a strong bowl performance for Old Dominion and reinforces the program’s progress against conference opponents. For South Florida, the loss highlights ongoing issues with offensive consistency and execution, particularly in the red zone and on special teams. The Bulls will enter the offseason with clear areas for evaluation, including quarterback development and discipline under pressure.

As the 2025 postseason concludes, Old Dominion leaves the Cure Bowl with momentum and confidence heading into the next season, while South Florida turns its focus to restructuring after a night where missed opportunities defined the final score.