Cure Bowl Takeaways: Old Dominion Runs Past USF

5. The quarterbacks had huge shoes to fill

Both young quarterbacks had and impossible task. There's a reason why USF quarterback Byrum Brown opted out to get ready for the NFL. Gaston Moore threw two tough picks, but he completed 20-of-28 passes for 236 yards. He's not the runner Brown is, though.

Quinn Henicle had to replace star running quarterback Colton Joseph, who's in the portal. He didn't throw well, but he didn't make any massive mistakes, he came up with a game-high 107 yards and a game-sealing touchdown run, and ...

4. Old Dominion knows how to run the ball, and it did

The Monarchs started the season by busting off a few huge runs against Indiana, and it's fitting that a 51-yard touchdown dash put away the Cure Bowl.

The ODU ground attack was held in relative check for most of the night, but that's how this thing works. The trickle becomes a flood, and the few big dashes were enough to take over the game, finishing with 255 yards and three scores. 

Without Brown at quarterback, USF didn't and couldn't run, and ...

3. It was a massively frustrating game for USF

Nothing against a strong Old Dominion team, but without Brown, and with head coach Alex Golesh off to Auburn, and a slew of assistants not around, this was a tough game for the Bulls.

This wasn't anything like the team that could've, and should've, won the American Conference and been preparing for the College Football Playoff right now.

There was chance after chance after chance to take over, but the five turnovers were a killer, and two missed field goals were a gut-punch. Three Bulls combined for four picks, and a botched punt return ruined what should've been a defining moment.

Again, give ODU credit, but this had to be tough for the Bulls fans. This wasn't the 2025 team. And now ...

2. What's next in 2026 for USF?

The Bulls landed a wonderful coaching prospect in Ohio State offensive coordinator Brian Hartline. He has some work to do before taking over the Bulls, but it wouldn't have been shocking if he became the new head man at a Power Four program.

Hartline has a very, very young team returning, and he needs to hit the transfer portal hard for playmakers. Almost the entire offense needs an overhaul, the defensive front is starting over, and ... there's a lot of work to do to be a player in the American race.

1. What's next in 2026 for Old Dominion?

Consider it a minor miracle that Ricky Rahne is still the ODU head coach and not off to, say, Penn State or some upgraded gig.

He's putting something great together in Norfolk, and it showed in this breakthrough season. The program has a style, and now the Monarchs need the quarterback who can run like Colton Joseph.

The defense should return most of the key parts from the Cure Bowl win, and again, the style and system should work once the right fits are in. If the offensive line can stay relatively intact, look out. This should be an early favorite for the Sun Belt title.