NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
The Old Dominion Monarchs got some heat Wednesday night as they topped the South Florida Bulls to win the Cure Bowl and reach 10 wins for the first time since 2016.
The question was about redshirt freshman quarterback Quinn Henicle. He ran for 107 yards and two touchdowns and passed for 127 more in the 24-10 victory. But in the third quarter, Henicle was hit pretty hard by South Florida’s De’Shawn Rucker, who knocked his helmet off when he hit the ground. Rucker was thrown out for targeting.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
Old Dominion quarterback Quinn Henicle (10) yells 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) gets a goal call for this hit on Old Dominion Monarchs quarterback Quinn Henicle (10) negating 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 went down and did not move for several moments. He was helped back by some medical personnel and went to the sideline.
However, it was not enough to knock Henicle out of the game. He came back two plays later and Old Dominion would score on a field goal. Old Dominion drew some criticism for allowing Henicle to continue playing after the brutal hit.
Old Dominion head coach Ricky Rahne said Henicle was checked for a concussion three times, according to the school’s website.
ESPN STAR REGRETS DIEGO PAVIA HEISMAN TROPHY VOTE AFTER VANDY STAR’S EXPLICIT OUTBREAK
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 that hard of a hit,” Henicle added. “It was just football. When you get hit like that, you get up and get back into the game.
“I wasn’t going to let them take me out of the game.”
The Monarchs led 17-10 after the field goal on the scrutinized drive.
Old Dominion quarterback Quinn Henicle (10) reacts after a first down during the Cure Bowl NCAA college football game against South Florida, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, in Orlando, Florida (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel via AP)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pakinomist APP
In the fourth quarter, Henicle delivered the knockout blow with a 51-yard touchdown run.
