The 2024 Hawaii Bowl is scheduled for Tuesday, featuring the South Florida Bulls (6-6) against the San Jose State Spartans (7-5) at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex in Honolulu, with kickoff set for 8 p.m. ET. This matchup marks USF’s second consecutive bowl game under head coach Alex Golesh, who previously served as the offensive coordinator at Tennessee. His leadership has turned around a program that won just four games in the three seasons prior to his arrival.
For San Jose State, this bowl appearance continues their strong performance under head coach Brent Brennan, while Ken Niumatalolo takes over the program this year. The Spartans are looking to build on their successful run, having reached four bowl games in the last five years.
A key storyline for the Bulls involves their quarterback, Byrum Brown, who has been sidelined since late September due to a leg injury. Although Golesh has not definitively ruled him out for the game, if Brown is unable to play, Bryce Archie is expected to step in as the starting quarterback.
The odds are close, with San Jose State favored by 1.5 points. The game’s total over/under is set at 64.5 points, the highest among college football bowl games. Both teams have shown impressive form, with USF managing a competitive record in a challenging American Athletic Conference and finishing the season strong with an offense that averaged 50 points and 565 yards over the last three games.
San Jose State, on the other hand, will be without standout receiver Nick Nash, who has opted to enter the NFL Draft. However, fellow receiver Justin Lockhart remains a potent target after a robust regular season.
This bowl game promises to showcase the resilience and creativity of both teams, making it a highly anticipated matchup for college football fans. With the stakes high, both teams will look to finish their seasons on a positive note.
In summary, the 2024 Hawaii Bowl features a compelling clash between two teams that have demonstrated significant growth and potential throughout the season, providing an exciting conclusion to their respective campaigns. As they take the field, fans can expect a game filled with energy and determination from both sides.