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The Old Dominion Monarchs took some heat Wednesday night as they dominated the South Florida Bulls to win the Cure Bowl and go 10 wins for the first time since 2016.
The problem was with redshirt freshman quarterback Quinn Henicle. He rushed for 107 yards and two touchdowns and passed for another 127 yards in the 24-10 victory. But in the third quarter, Henicle was hit hard by South Florida’s De’Shawn Rucker, who knocked his helmet off as he hit the ground. Rucker was ejected for being targeted.
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Old Dominion quarterback Quinn Henicle (10) shouts as he scores a touchdown in front of South Florida cornerback Jonas Duclona (3) during the Cure Bowl NCAA college football game, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, in Orlando, Florida. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel via AP)
South Florida Bulls cornerback De’Shawn Rucker (22) receives a targeting call for this hit on Old Dominion Monarchs quarterback Quinn Henicle (10) breaking down a turnover during the StaffDNA Cure Bowl between the Old Dominion Monarchs and the USF Bulls on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. (Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Henicle fell and did not move for several moments. He was helped by medical personnel and walked to the sidelines.
However, that wasn’t enough to eliminate Henicle from the match. He came back two plays later and Old Dominion scored on a field goal. Old Dominion received some criticism for allowing Henicle to continue playing after the brutal hit.
Old Dominion head coach Ricky Rahne said Henicle was examined three times for a concussion, according to the school’s website.
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Old Dominion quarterback Quinn Henicle, left, and head coach Ricky Rahne, center right, celebrate after winning the Cure Bowl NCAA college football game against South Florida, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, in Orlando, Florida. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel via AP)
“I didn’t think it was such a big blow,” Henicle added. “It was just football. When you get hit like that, you get up and get back in the game.
“I wasn’t going to let them take me out of the game.”
The Monarchs led 17-10 after the field goal during a scrutinized drive.
Old Dominion quarterback Quinn Henicle (10) reacts after a first down during the Cure Bowl NCAA college football game against South Florida on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel via AP)
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In the fourth quarter, Henicle delivered the final blow with a 51-yard touchdown run.
