Old Dominion Monarchs (9–3, Sun Belt) vs. South Florida Bulls (9–3, American) Dual-Threat Quarterbacks, Tempo Battles, and a Fight for Win No. 10

The StaffDNA Cure Bowl delivers one of the most compelling Group of Five matchups of the postseason, pairing Old Dominion’s punishing ground game and top-25 defense with South Florida’s hyper-tempo “Veer and Shoot” offense. This marks the first-ever meeting between the Monarchs and the Bulls, and both enter at 9–3 with a chance to cap a landmark season by reaching double-digit wins. The setting — Camping World Stadium in Orlando — only adds energy for a USF program traveling just over an hour for its third straight bowl appearance.

📋 Game Information

Matchup Old Dominion Monarchs (9–3, Sun Belt) vs. South Florida Bulls (9–3, AAC) Date Wednesday, December 17, 2025Time5:00 PM ET Location Camping World Stadium — Orlando, FL TVESPN

🏈 THE MATCHUP: GROUND CONTROL VS. EXPLOSIVE TEMPO

OLD DOMINION MONARCHS (9–3) — Sun Belt Contenders Built on Defense and the Run Game

Offense: Elite Rushing, New QB at the Helm

The Monarchs rank 7th nationally in rushing offense (236.9 YPG) and close the season on a five-game winning streak. With dual-threat star quarterback Colton Joseph opting out, the offense now turns to Quinn Henicle, another mobile, decisive quarterback who has flashed upside in previous appearances — including a four-touchdown game in 2024.

Expect a heavy dose of RBs Trequan Jones (736 yards) and Devin Roche (530 yards), who thrive behind an offensive line that has steadily improved as the season progressed.

Defense: Top-25 Unit, Ferocious Pass Rush

Old Dominion features a top-20 scoring defense (19.3 PPG) and a pass defense ranked 23rd nationally (184 YPG). The Monarchs rank among the nation’s elite in sack rate and pressure percentage.

Safeties Jerome Carter (4 INTs) and Mario Easterly anchor a fast, disciplined back end, while linebacker Jeremy Mack Jr. and EDGE Josh Roberts bring consistent havoc for opposing QBs.

SOUTH FLORIDA BULLS (9–3) — Nationally Elite Offense, Question at QB

Offense: If Byrum Brown Plays, USF Is a Top-5 Offense

The Bulls run the 2nd-ranked offense in the country (501.7 YPG) and average 43.0 points per game. Star QB Byrum Brown produced:

• 3,158 passing yards

• 1,008 rushing yards

• 42 total touchdowns

If Brown plays, USF’s offense is nearly unstoppable. If he opts out, the Bulls turn to Gaston Moore or freshman Locklan Hewlett, both capable but lacking Brown’s dynamic explosiveness.

WR Keshaun Singleton (877 yards, 8 TDs) headlines an efficient receiver group, while RB Nykahi Davenport (603 yards) offers balance.

Defense: Opportunistic but Vulnerable vs. the Pass

South Florida forces turnovers (+9 margin, 12th nationally) but struggles defending the pass:

• 117th in passing yards allowed (252.4 YPG)

• Prone to busts on deep shots

• Strong linebacker play, led by Mac Harris

USF must win with pace, turnovers, and explosive plays.

👔 COACHING MATCHUP

Ricky Rahne (ODU)

• 9–3 season

• Identity: defense, physicality, run-game control

• Program stability + five straight wins entering bowl season

Kevin Patrick (USF), Interim Head Coach

• Promoted after HC Alex Golesh accepted the Auburn job

• Must guide USF through QB uncertainty and transition turbulence

🔥 KEY MATCHUP TO WATCH

ODU Secondary vs. USF Tempo

If Byrum Brown plays, this becomes the central battle:

• Can ODU’s excellent secondary eliminate explosive passes?

• Can they communicate assignments vs. USF’s no-huddle warp-speed tempo?

If Brown does not play, ODU’s defense gains a major advantage.

💰 BETTING LINES

Spread South Florida -3.5 Total53.5

⭐ TOP 4 PROP BETS FOR OLD DOMINION vs SOUTH FLORIDA

(formatted EXACTLY like the previous articles)

1. Trequan Jones Over 74.5 Rushing Yards (ODU)

Jones is the centerpiece of ODU’s run-heavy identity. With Henicle making the start and USF struggling to defend the edges, Jones should see a heavy workload — especially if ODU controls tempo.

DraftKings

4.6/5

Tip: Trequan Jones over 74.5 rushing yards

• ODU run-first identity
• Heavy workload expected
• USF weak edge run defense

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2. Keshaun Singleton Anytime TD Scorer (USF)

Singleton is USF’s most dependable scoring weapon and primary deep threat. Whether Brown plays or not, the Bulls scheme touches for him in the red zone and on vertical routes.

BetMGM

4.5/5

Tip: Singleton anytime TD

• USF’s WR1
• Explosive vertical threat
• High TD usage

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3. Old Dominion Team Rushing Yards Over 189.5

ODU averages 236.9 rushing yards per game — seventh nationally. Even without Colton Joseph, Henicle adds mobility, and USF’s defense has struggled with dual-threat QB concepts all year.

FanDuel

4.6/5

Tip: ODU team rushing yards over 189.5

• Top-10 rushing attack
• QB-run element
• USF vulnerable vs physical ground teams

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4. Total Sacks Over 4.5 (Combined)

ODU ranks near the top of the country in sack rate, while USF’s tempo creates both opportunities and mistakes. With new QBs possible on both sides, extra pressure is likely.

Caesars

4.5/5

Tip: Over 4.5 total sacks

• ODU elite sack rate
• QB uncertainty
• High-pressure defensive fronts

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🧾 FINAL PREDICTION

If Byrum Brown plays, USF has the best player on the field and an offense few defenses can slow for four quarters. If Brown does NOT play, Old Dominion becomes the favorite due to its defense and the stability of its offensive identity.

Projected Score (assuming Brown plays):

South Florida 34, Old Dominion 24