| Old Dominion Monarchs (9-3) at South Florida Bulls (9-3) |
| Game Details: Tuesday, December 17, 3 p.m. EST |
| Location: Orlando, FL |
| Where to Watch: ESPN |
Cure Bowl Matchup
Two teams on the rise, both capping off sensational 9-3 seasons, are set to collide in Orlando for a bowl game that feels like much more than just a postseason exhibition. The Old Dominion Monarchs and the South Florida Bulls, two programs that received votes in the coaches Top 25 poll, will meet in the Cure Bowl in what promises to be a clash of high-powered offenses and gritty defenses.
This matchup on ESPN isn’t just a reward for a great season; it’s a chance to make a national statement and for one team to reach the coveted 10-win plateau, a milestone that builds momentum for years to come.
Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Dominion Monarchs | +5.5 | +180 | Over 55.5 |
| South Florida Bulls | -5.5 | -220 | Under 55.5 |
** Odds as of Publication date/time – Subject to Change – Courtesy of FanDuel**
Tale of The Tape
| Old Dominion Monarchs | Team Stats – Avg Per Game | South Florida Bulls |
|---|---|---|
| 32.7 | Points Per Game | 43.0 |
| 223.8 | Passing Yards Per Game | 276.3 |
| 237.8 | Rushing Yards Per Game | 225.4 |
| 19.3 | Opponents Points Per Game Allowed | 23.3 |
| 184 | Opponents Pass Yards Allowed | 252.4 |
| 147.4 | Opponents Rush Yards Allowed | 134.4 |
Statistics from various online sources and courtesy of ESPN and FOX Sports
Key Details
Old Dominion Monarchs
For Old Dominion Head Coach Ricky Rahne, the destination is as meaningful as the game itself. The Cure Bowl has raised over $6.25 million for cancer research, a cause that hits close to home for Rahne, whose mother is a breast cancer survivor.
Old Dominion enters this contest as one of the hottest teams in the country, riding a five-game winning streak to close out the regular season. Their offense has been formidable, ranking 16th nationally with an average of 460.8 yards per game. The ground game, in particular, has been a force, ranking 7th in the nation by churning out an impressive 236.9 rushing yards per contest. This powerful rushing attack has been the backbone of their late-season surge and will be critical against a tough South Florida opponent.
But the real story for the Monarchs has been their defense. Over the final four games of the season, ODU’s defense was nothing short of suffocating, allowing a minuscule 26 points combined. This stingy unit, ranked 33rd nationally in total defense by allowing just 331.4 yards per game, will face its toughest test of the year against the Bulls’ explosive offense.
South Florida
South Florida is preparing for a short bowl game trip from Tampa to Orlando, but their journey this season has been anything but easy. The Bulls are aiming for a 10-win season for the first time since 2017 and are looking to win their third consecutive bowl game. They do so with one of the most electric offenses in all of college football. Ranked second in the nation in total offense (501.7 yards per game) and fourth in scoring (43.0 points per game), USF has been a nightmare for opposing defenses, running a “veer and shoot” offense that pushes the tempo relentlessly.
The engine of this high-powered machine is quarterback Byrum Brown. The 6-foot-3 redshirt junior has been a true dual-threat, throwing for 3,158 yards and 28 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,008 yards and 14 more scores. His combination of size, speed, and decision-making in the option game presents a monumental challenge.
Prediction
Apparently, Vegas likes fives with this game. A five-point spread, and 55.5 over/under…which means nothing. What does mean something is this game… to the Monarchs. Probably not as much to USF.
