Get ready for some thrilling college football action tonight as the South Florida Bulls face off against the San Jose State Spartans in the much-anticipated 2024 Hawaii Bowl, broadcast live on ESPN. This game has all the makings of a classic, with intriguing storylines, passionate teams, and a prime location at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex in Honolulu. Let’s dive into the excitement and break down everything you need to know.
A Tale of Two Programs
San Jose State enters the game with a season defined by close matchups, including a tied-at-halftime battle against Boise State that ultimately ended in a 21-point loss. Adding an emotional edge, Spartans’ head coach Ken Niumatalolo, a Hawaii native, has a personal stake in performing well in his home state. Meanwhile, the South Florida Bulls are riding high under the leadership of head coach Alex Golesh, who’s engineered a remarkable turnaround. This marks the Bulls' second consecutive bowl appearance, a feat that’s nothing short of impressive given their struggles before Golesh’s arrival. Let’s not forget last year’s stunning 45-0 shutout victory over Syracuse in the Boca Raton Bowl. With momentum on their side, the Bulls are poised to deliver another memorable performance.
First Quarter Recap: Bulls Strike First
The opening quarter set the tone for a fierce battle. Both teams started slow offensively, but things heated up quickly. South Florida drew first blood, capitalizing on a 42-yard bomb from quarterback Bryce Archie to wide receiver Sean Atkins. Running back Nay'Quan Wright then punched it in for his eighth touchdown of the season, giving the Bulls a 7-0 lead. Meanwhile, the Spartans squandered a golden opportunity with a fumble at the goal line by TreyShon Hurry, handing possession back to the Bulls. As the second quarter kicks off, the Spartans are driving and looking to even the score.
Key Moments to Watch
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San Jose State’s Resilience: Despite early setbacks, the Spartans have shown they can bounce back. Their offense needs to tighten up, especially near the red zone.
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Bryce Archie’s Accuracy: The Bulls’ quarterback is on fire, completing all eight of his passes in the first quarter. Can he keep up this perfect pace?
What You Need to Know About the Game
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Kickoff Time: 8 p.m. ET
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Location: Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex, Honolulu, Hawaii
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How to Watch: Tune in on ESPN or stream live on Fubo, which offers a free trial.
The Bigger Bowl Picture
If you’re wondering about other bowl games around Christmas, you’re out of luck for December 25—there are no games scheduled for the holiday. Action resumes on December 26 with three exciting matchups: Pitt vs. Toledo in the GameAbove Sports Bowl, Rutgers vs. Kansas State in the Rate Bowl, and Arkansas State vs. Bowling Green in the 68 Ventures Bowl. So, while Christmas Day may be football-free, the festive action picks up right after.
Historical Performances: How Do They Stack Up?
San Jose State’s Last 5 Bowl Games:
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2023 Hawaii Bowl: Loss to Coastal Carolina, 24-14
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2022 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Loss to Eastern Michigan, 41-27
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2020 Arizona Bowl: Loss to Ball State, 34-13
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2015 Orlando Citrus Bowl: Win over Georgia State, 27-16
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2012 Military Bowl: Win over Bowling Green, 29-20
South Florida’s Last 5 Bowl Games:
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2023 Boca Raton Bowl: Win over Syracuse, 45-0
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2018 Gasparilla Bowl: Loss to Marshall, 38-20
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2017 Birmingham Bowl: Win over Texas Tech, 38-34
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2016 Birmingham Bowl: Win over South Carolina, 46-39
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2015 Miami Beach Bowl: Loss to Western Kentucky, 45-35
Predictions and Odds
The betting lines are buzzing with excitement. As of December 24, BetMGM lists the San Jose State Spartans as slight favorites:
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Spread: Spartans -1.5
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Moneyline: Spartans -120; Bulls +100
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Over/Under: 66.5
While the Spartans are favored, experts are split. USA TODAY analysts lean slightly toward San Jose State, citing a stronger defense and potential rustiness from South Florida’s quarterback Byrum Brown. However, Cameron Zunkel of ClutchPoints predicts a South Florida victory, pointing to the Spartans’ missing key players, including wide receiver Nick Nash.
Why This Game Matters
Beyond the stats and predictions, the 2024 Hawaii Bowl is a showcase of grit, strategy, and redemption. It’s an opportunity for South Florida to solidify their rise under Alex Golesh and for Ken Niumatalolo to make a statement in his home state. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just tuning in for the love of the game, this bowl matchup promises to deliver an unforgettable evening of football drama.
So, grab your snacks, settle in, and enjoy the ride. The Hawaii Bowl is here, and it’s going to be epic!
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