2025 StaffDNA Cure Bowl

The 2025 college football bowl season kicks off with an intriguing Group of 5 matchup in the StaffDNA Cure Bowl, pitting the Old Dominion Monarchs (9-3) against the South Florida Bulls (9-3). Both teams enjoyed strong regular seasons but enter this game with significant disruptions due to the transfer portal, coaching changes, and opt-outs. This could turn into a lower-scoring, grind-it-out affair at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.

Game Details

• Date: Wednesday, December 17, 2025
• Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
• Location: Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FL
• TV/Streaming: ESPN

Current Betting Odds (as of December 16, 2025)

• Spread: South Florida -3 to -3.5 (-108 to -110)
• Moneyline: South Florida -166 to -220 | Old Dominion +130 to +180
• Over/Under: 53.5 points (some lines as high as 55.5 earlier)

Odds have fluctuated slightly due to news of absences, with USF remaining the favorite but the line tightening from openings around -5.5. (Sources: DraftKings, FanDuel, ESPN, and consensus lines)

Key Team News and Absences

This game exemplifies the modern bowl season chaos:

• Both starting quarterbacks are out: Old Dominion’s dual-threat QB Colton Joseph (over 1,000 rushing yards) has entered the transfer portal, paving the way for redshirt freshman Quinn Henicle to make his first career start.
• South Florida’s dynamic QB Byrum Brown is opting out as he considers his future (portal, NFL, or return).
• USF is without head coach Alex Golesh and offensive coordinator Joel Gordon, both now at Auburn. Most of the offensive staff has departed, leaving interim coach Kevin Patrick (defensive line coach) in charge.
• Additional USF concerns: Receivers Chas Nimrod and Christian Neptune are questionable with injuries; some defensive players may be limited.
• Old Dominion retains head coach Ricky Rahne and more program stability, with key running backs like Trequan Jones (736 yards) and Devin Roche (530 yards) expected to carry the load.

These changes likely dampen both offenses, which were explosive during the regular season.

Old Dominion Monarchs Breakdown

• Record: 9-3 (6-2 Sun Belt)
• Strengths: Balanced attack with elite rushing efficiency (6.1 yards per carry, top-10 yards after contact). Ranked 40th in offensive SP+; explosive plays and strong intermediate/vertical passing. Defense ranked 53rd in SP+ but top-20 in havoc rate, sacks (11th nationally), and limiting big plays.
• Trends: 7-5 ATS; unders hit in 8 of 12 games. Dominant in wins (e.g., over Virginia Tech, Coastal Carolina), but losses to top teams like Indiana and James Madison.
• Motivation: Seeking first 10-win season since 2016 and a showcase for coach Rahne.

South Florida Bulls Breakdown

• Record: 9-3 (6-2 AAC)
• Strengths: One of the nation’s top offenses (9th in SP+; 7.19 yards per play, 5th nationally). Elite rushing (6.2 yards per carry), big-play ability, and pass protection. Defense opportunistic (+9 turnover margin) but more volatile (60th in SP+).
• Trends: 8-3-1 ATS; overs cashed in 7 of 12 games. Wins over Boise State and Florida highlighted their potential.
• Motivation: Aiming for third straight bowl win and first 10-win season since 2017, despite the coaching upheaval.

Expert Predictions and Picks

Analysts are split due to the unknowns, but many lean toward value on Old Dominion given USF’s disruptions:

• Against the Spread: Strong support for Old Dominion +3.5 (or +3), citing better motivation, defensive pressure on USF’s backup QB Gaston Moore, and ODU’s pass rush exploiting a depleted offense.
• Total: Lean Under 53.5 – With inexperienced QBs, missing play-callers, and strong defenses, expect a run-heavy, low-efficiency game.
• Moneyline Upset Potential: Some models and experts (including Rotoworld projections) favor ODU outright due to stability.
• Projected Scores from Sources: USF 27-23 (close win), USF 34-27 (higher total), or lower-scoring affairs favoring the under.

Final Thoughts

While USF boasts superior talent and a home-state advantage, the coaching and QB losses could neutralize their explosive offense. Old Dominion’s sturdy defense and ground game make them a live underdog. This has the makings of a defensive battle – monitor late injury/news updates, but the under and ODU ATS offer intriguing value.