On Christmas Eve, college football fans can look forward to the 2024 Hawaii Bowl featuring the South Florida Bulls and the San Jose State Spartans. The game will kick off at 8 p.m. ET in Honolulu, showcasing an intriguing matchup between the American Athletic Conference (AAC) and the Mountain West Conference.
The Bulls, led by head coach Alex Golesh, have had a challenging season yet managed to achieve a 6-6 record, securing a spot in the postseason despite losing their starting quarterback, Byrum Brown, to a leg injury for much of the year. Although Brown has been sidelined since late September, there remains a possibility he could take the field. On the other side, the Spartans, under head coach Ken Niumatalolo, finished their regular season at 7-5, wrapping up on a high note with a victory over Stanford.
In terms of betting odds, San Jose State comes into the game as a 1.5-point favorite, with the total points line set at 64.5, the highest for this bowl season. Bruce Marshall, a seasoned expert in college football betting, suggests that his insights could significantly influence the betting choices for this game.
For South Florida, the potential return of Brown would greatly enhance their chances. If he does not play, backup quarterback Bryce Archie has proven capable throughout the season. The Bulls faced tough competition early on, including matchups against teams like Alabama, Miami, and Tulane, but found their rhythm late in the season, winning four of their last six games.
San Jose State will be competing without key receiver Nick Nash, who led the nation in receiving statistics this season but has opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft. Nevertheless, the Spartans still maintain a solid roster, including junior quarterback Walker Eget, who has demonstrated impressive performance in recent games.
This bowl game not only represents a chance for the teams to showcase their resilience and skills on a national stage but also carries personal significance for Niumatalolo, being a Hawaii native.
As fans gear up for this showdown, there’s an air of excitement surrounding both teams and their journeys through the season. It’s a chance for South Florida to prove its mettle and for San Jose State to leave a lasting impression, making the Hawaii Bowl a remarkable event to watch on Christmas Eve.
In summary, expect a thrilling matchup in the 2024 Hawaii Bowl, which will likely showcase grit, determination, and a fight for postseason glory from both South Florida and San Jose State.