ORLANDO, Fla. \u2013 When Old Dominion and South Florida meet in Wednesday\u2019s StaffDNA Cure Bowl, both teams will be chasing their 10th win of the season. <\/p>\n
But players and coaches from both sides emphasize the game\u2019s significance extends far beyond the football field.<\/p>\n
The bowl game, which has raised more than $6.3 million for cancer research over its 10-year history, holds special meaning for many participants, including Old Dominion head coach Ricky Rahne.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy mother\u2019s a breast cancer survivor, so obviously this means a lot to me and to my family,\u201d Rahne said during Monday\u2019s press conference. \u201cIt\u2019s great to be in a bowl that actually stands for something.\u201d<\/p>\n
The game, scheduled for 5 p.m. at Camping World Stadium, brings together two of the top Group of Five programs in the country. Both teams enter with identical 9-3 records and will face each other for the first time in program history.<\/p>\n
South Florida interim head coach Kevin Patrick emphasized the broader perspective the Cure Bowl provides.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s humbling, and it\u2019s a reminder we\u2019re very fortunate to do what we do, be healthy and able to get on the field,\u201d Patrick said. \u201cIt\u2019s a blessing I know none of these guys take for granted.\u201d<\/p>\n
The funds raised through the Cure Bowl directly benefit cancer research at the UCF College of Medicine, where Dr. Annette Khaled leads the Cancer Research Division. The Orlando Sports Foundation has contributed more than $3.5 million to support Khaled\u2019s research efforts.<\/p>\n
For Old Dominion (9-3, 6-2 Sun Belt), a victory would secure just their second 10-win season since moving to FBS in 2014. The Monarchs enter the game on a five-game winning streak and boast the nation\u2019s seventh-ranked rushing offense.<\/p>\n