When USF went to the Boca Raton Bowl in 2023, it was a clear sign that this wasn't the same old South Florida that had won only four games in the previous three seasons combined.
The Bulls made a statement that night, crushing Syracuse 45-0 to finish with a winning record for the first time since 2018.
Last year, USF made national headlines with a five-overtime win over San Jose State in the Hawaii Bowl. Linebacker Mac Harris secred the win by breaking up a fourth-down pass in the end zone, setting off a wild celebration bay the Bulls. Those exhilarting wins raised the expectations for this season, and the Bulls responded with a 9-3 record, including a win over Florida in The Swamp.
But as they head to Orlando on Wednesday to face ODU in the Cure Bowl, there isn't the same buzz about this game as there was the last two seasons. The reason for that is obvious. The program is in transition after Ohio State offensive coordinator Brian Hartline was hired to replace Alex Golesh, who left to become the head coach at Auburn.
Kevin Patrick will serve as the interim head coach while Hartline helps prepare the Buckeyes for the College Football Playoff. Patrick's future, along with those of the assistant coaches Golesh left behind, is in limbo. Also, record-setting quarterback Byrum Brown will not play in what was described as a "mutual" decision with CEO of Athletics Rob Higgins. Brown will be on the sidelines to offer coaching.
Backup Gaston Moore draws the starting assignment in what will be his final collegiate game. On Senior Night against Rice, 30 players were honored for their contributions -- including Brown, who has one year of eligiblity remaining but it's not certain where, or if, he will use it. Also, we should acknowledge that Brown just received his degree. Well done young man!
Thank you!! 🤜🏽🫷🏽 https://t.co/N7YNl7ApFT
— Byrum Brown🏈 (@byrumbrown17) December 14, 2025
Still, even with all the external stuff surrounding the program, there is one more game to this season. Let's take a look at it.
How to watch ODU vs. USF in the Cure Bowl
Date: December 17
Time: 5 p.m.
How to watch: ESPN
How to listen: Q105 radio and streaming on Bulls Unlimited
USF record: 9-3
ODU record: 9-3
What broadcast crew is calling the game?
Dave Neal (pxp), Fozzy Whittaker (analyst), Morgan Uber (sideline)
What are the betting odds for ODU vs. USF?
USF is a 3.5-point favorite on FanDuel Sportsbook. The ESPN matchuo predictor gives USF a 71.4 percent chance of winning
Series between ODU and USF?
This is the first meeting between the two programs.
What is the weather forecast for the Cure Bowl?
The te;mperature will be around 75 degrees at kickoff with a possibility of a passing shower or drizzle.