USF and Old Dominion are set to face off in the StaffDNA Cure Bowl at Camping World Stadium on Dec. 17 (5 p.m., ESPN).
It’s the first appearance by both programs in the bowl game.
“On behalf of the Orlando Sports Foundation, we are honored to welcome Old Dominion and South Florida to the StaffDNA Cure Bowl,” Alan Gooch, Orlando Sports Foundation CEO and StaffDNA Cure Bowl Executive Director said in a statement. “Gameday is going to be special, as college football fans, cancer survivors and supporters, both teams’ bands and the Orlando Community come together for the Owens Corning March 2Cure at T-Mobile Fiber Fan Fest before entering Camping World Stadium to watch the ODU Monarchs compete against the USF Bulls.”
South Florida (9-3, 6-2 American) spent five weeks in the Associated Press Top 25 poll, climbing as high as No. 18 before finishing fourth in the American Conference. The team is currently at No. 24 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings.
Kevin Patrick took over as interim coach at USF after Alex Golesh left to take the head coaching job at Auburn on Nov. 30.
ODU (9-3, 6-2 Sun Belt) finished as runners-up in the East Division to James Madison. It’s the second bowl appearance in the past three seasons for the Monarchs, who have won five straight games to finish out the regular season.
“Our team is incredibly excited for this opportunity. The Cure Bowl offers an incredible location and a stellar opponent,” ODU coach Ricky Rahne said in a statement. “As the son of a breast cancer survivor, this game holds special meaning to me, and I’m honored to have our team chosen for this game and we look forward to representing Old Dominion.”
The Cure Bowl has raised awareness about breast cancer since its inception in 2015. The organization has raised approximately $6.35 million for cancer research.
Tickets start at $25 plus fees and are currently on sale at CureBowl.com.
Please find me on X, Bluesky or Instagram @osmattmurschel. Email: mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com.