The USF Bulls of the AAC will face the Old Dominion Monarchs from the Sun Belt Conference on Wednesday, Dec. 17 at the Cure Bowl in Orlando. Kick-off is at 5:00 p.m.
Both teams enter the contest with 9-3 records and are both making their first-ever appearances in the Cure Bowl.
The Bulls are looking for their third straight bowl win after winning the 2023 Boca Raton Bowl and the 2024 Hawaii Bowl, and for just the third 10-win season in program history. The Bulls are 8-4 all-time in bowl games. Their 66.7% win percentage is third-highest among teams that have played in 10 bowl games, trailing only Army and Marshall. Meanwhile, Old Dominion will be going for its first bowl win since 2016, and also its first 10-win season since 2016.
The USF Athletic Department and quarterback Byrum Brown have reached an agreement that he will not play in the Cure Bowl. Brown will instead hold a clipboard on the sideline and serve as an offensive assistant coach during the game. Brown is coming off one of the best seasons a quarterback has had in program history. He became just the 12th FBS player to pass for 3,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in a season.
Back-up quarterback Gaston Moore will get the start in his final college game. Moore has been with Alex Golesh most of his collegiate career, spending time at UCF, Tennessee, and USF. That is the only change for the Bulls in preparation for the Cure Bowl. Barring injuries, all 30 seniors, minus Brown, are expected to suit up for the Bulls.
Since head coach Alex Golesh left to take the job at Auburn, defensive line coach Kevin Patrick will serve as interim head coach, and Jack Taylor will serve as offensive coordinator.
Patrick said the players are excited for the bowl game and to represent the green and gold one last time: “We’re working hard, and our players are really excited to be playing in this bowl game. It’s a chance to get to 10 wins, and it’s a chance to win our third straight bowl game.”
“All of these guys have so much pride and love for this program. For a lot of them, it will most likely be their last time going on the field of battle. The heart and soul they’ve poured into this program, the love they have for each other, and the respect they have for this game, I don’t think I’ve seen it to that level in the long coaching career I’ve had. I can’t commend these guys enough.”
Patrick is an old-timer with the USF football program as he was an original staff member and was part of the Bulls’ first program win, an 80-3 victory over Kentucky Wesleyan.
Patrick also talked about the hire of new head coach, Brian Hartline: “I think the program has made a great hire and I couldn’t be more happy with the direction it’s going. I was here when we started the program. This place is really unique and special to me. I don’t take this lightly and I’ve got so much pride in USF. I appreciate the staff that is still here and now we’re going about the business of working to win a bowl game.”
Old Dominion will also be without its starting quarterback as Colton Joseph has opted out of the bowl game. Backup Quinn Henicle will be under center in the Cure Bowl. However, the Monarchs will still be a formidable foe, boasting three outstanding receivers. Old Dominion is also excellent at running the ball, but a lot of that came from Joseph, who had 2,624 pasing yards and 1,007 rushing yards this season. Ja’Cory Thomas, Tre Brown III, and Ne’Eem Giddings, the top three receivers from Old Dominion, will play in the Cure Bowl.
Defensively, Old Dominion has an outstanding pass rush, and that defense can pressure the quarterback from all areas on the field. They also have a very deep linebacking corps. They are also one of the top teams in the country in sacks, tackles for losses, and third-down stops. The Bulls have a powerful run game with Sam Franklin, Nykahi Davenport, and Alvon Isaac, but will need to prepare for Old Dominion’s strong front-seven presence.
Keys to a Victory
The Bulls will win this game as long as they don’t get gashed by the Old Dominion run game. The Bulls allowed 205 yards on the ground to Miami and 338 yards to Navy. No other team ran for more than 155 yards on the Bulls’ defense.
Another key for the Bulls in this game will be the turnover nattle. As good as the Monarchs’ offense is, they have a propensity for turning the ball over. USF was one of the best teams in the nation this season in creating turnovers, and that will play a key role for the Bulls in this game.
Linebacker Mac Harris, who led the team in tackles, forced fumbles, and sacks, is looking forward to putting on the green and gold one last time: “It’s amazing, and it’s a blessing. Being able to play with my brothers for the last time, regardless of the location. That’s what matters to me the most. That and being able to leave USF in a better place than where we came in and found it.”