On Christmas Eve, fans can look forward to the 2024 Hawaii Bowl featuring the South Florida Bulls, who come into the game with a 6-6 record, against the San Jose State Spartans, boasting a 7-5 record. This matchup represents a competitive clash between teams from the American Athletic Conference and the Mountain West.
Head coach Alex Golesh has shown resilience in leading the Bulls to postseason play, especially after facing a challenging schedule and the absence of quarterback Byrum Brown, who has been sidelined since late September due to a leg injury. Brown’s status for the game remains uncertain, but his return would certainly enhance USF’s chances.
On the other side, the Spartans, coached by Ken Niumatalolo, started strong this season with a 4-1 record and concluded with a notable victory over Stanford, securing their seven-win season.
Kickoff for the Hawaii Bowl is slated for 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday in Honolulu. The Spartans are 1.5-point favorites in the betting markets, with an over/under set at 64.5 points, making it the highest total for the bowl season.
If the Bulls can gain Brown back, it would offer a significant edge. However, backup quarterback Bryce Archie has shown capability throughout the season, contributing to their respectable finish with four wins in the last six games. Conversely, the Spartans will be without their standout receiver, Nick Nash, who has opted out of the game to prepare for the NFL Draft. His absence could impact San Jose State’s offensive production.
Despite the lengthy trip for South Florida, San Jose State has prior experience making this journey and seems well-prepared. Niumatalolo’s connection to Hawaii adds a personal touch to the game, potentially giving the Spartans an emotional advantage.
As the excitement builds for this bowl game, both teams have compelling narratives and key players to watch. Fans can expect an entertaining contest with significant implications for both programs moving forward.
In conclusion, the 2024 Hawaii Bowl promises to be a thrilling match where the outcome is uncertain, but both teams have the potential to shine in the spotlight.