South Florida had an exciting time at the Hawaii Bowl.

It took an incredible five overtimes for the Bulls to secure their Christmas Eve victory.

South Florida triumphed with a score of 41-39 against San Jose State during the Hawaii Bowl held in Honolulu. The crucial moment in the fifth overtime came when quarterback Bryce Archie connected with receiver Keshaun Singleton.

This victory marks consecutive bowl game wins for the Bulls, having also won the 2023 Boca Raton Bowl against Syracuse. Meanwhile, San Jose State faced disappointment, suffering its fourth straight bowl game loss.

In the second half, South Florida nearly lost their advantage. After leading 21-10 at halftime, San Jose State made a strong comeback, taking a 27-24 lead in the fourth quarter thanks to a touchdown run by Lamar Radcliffe following an interception by Noah McNeal-Franklin.

Nonetheless, the Bulls managed to push the game into overtime with a last-second effort in regulation. The suspense continued as the game extended into five overtimes at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex, lingering well past midnight and into Christmas Day back in Florida.

Highlights from the Hawaii Bowl between South Florida and San Jose State

Final Score: South Florida 41, San Jose State 39 – Bulls take the Hawaii Bowl

Five thrilling overtimes!

South Florida successfully converted their two-point attempt and subsequently halted San Jose State’s pass attempt, preventing a tie.

San Jose State 39, South Florida 39: Tied after four overtime periods

A pass interference call against South Florida gave San Jose State another opportunity to equalize, which they managed to do.

San Jose State 37, South Florida 37: All square after two overtimes

Kickers Kyler Halvorsen and John Cannon exchanged successful field goals in the second overtime, prompting a third overtime.

When a game is tied after two overtimes, two-point conversion attempts will be used to determine the winner.

San Jose State 34, South Florida 34: Spartans force a second overtime

Right at the last moment!

San Jose State managed to convert two critical fourth-down plays, pushing the Hawaii Bowl into a second overtime. On fourth-and-goal from the South Florida 4-yard line, SJSU quarterback Walker Eget threw a touchdown pass to receiver Matthew Coleman.

Coleman led the game with 12 receptions for 119 yards and a touchdown for San Jose State.

South Florida 34, San Jose State 27: Bulls start overtime with a quick touchdown

Bryce Archie and Payten Singletary connected for a 23-yard gain right away in overtime, with Ta’Ron Keith running in from the 2-yard line to give the Bulls an early lead in the first overtime.

San Jose State 27, South Florida 27: John Cannon hits a tying field goal

What a way to keep it tied!

Thanks to a 41-yard field goal by South Florida kicker John Cannon with two seconds left, the game remained tied, giving fans extra Christmas Eve football to enjoy.

After regaining possession with 42 seconds left on the 50-yard line, the South Florida offense managed to gain 27 yards over seven plays to set up Cannon’s tying kick.

San Jose State 27, South Florida 24: INT leads to go-ahead touchdown

What a crucial interception!

For South Florida, the play by San Jose State’s Noah McNeal-Franklin was key. Following a sack that forced a field goal on South Florida’s previous drive, he intercepted Bulls quarterback Bryce Archie, allowing the Spartans to score a go-ahead touchdown.

Running back Lamar Radcliffe scored from two yards out, giving SJSU its first lead of the game, much to the delight of Spartans supporters.

South Florida 24, San Jose State 20: Bulls add a field goal

In an effort to close out the Spartans’ scoring run, the Bulls managed to score a field goal to widen their lead.

John Cannon nailed a 33-yard field goal that capped off a 15-play, 60-yard drive for South Florida, but a crucial sack by San Jose State’s Noah McNeal-Franklin on a third-and-4 play at the Spartans’ 6-yard line halted the Bulls’ progress.

There were 13 minutes left in the game on a festive Christmas Eve in Honolulu.

South Florida 21, San Jose State 20: Walker Eget connects with Jackson Canaan for a touchdown

Things were getting exciting!

San Jose State scored 13 straight points to bring themselves within one point of South Florida, adding tension to the Hawaii Bowl.

Quarterback Walker Eget found tight end Jackson Canaan with a 5-yard touchdown pass, completing a six-play, 85-yard drive. A significant 23-yard connection from Eget to wide receiver Matthew Coleman and a 15-yard pass interference penalty on South Florida assisted in the drive’s success.

South Florida 21, San Jose State 13: Spartans kick another field goal

San Jose State’s initial drive in the second half concluded much like their previous drive at the end of the first half, with kicker Kyler Halvorsen scoring another field goal.

Halvorsen’s 22-yard field goal concluded an 11-play, 77-yard scoring march, which happened after the Spartans defense managed to keep South Florida from advancing for a first down following the halftime break.

Halftime: South Florida 21, San Jose State 10

At first glance, the stats may suggest a competitive game, yet the Bulls enjoy a two-possession advantage with half the game remaining. San Jose State has struggled primarily due to turnovers, including a costly fumble near the goal line that prevented them from taking an early 7-0 lead.

South Florida’s quarterback, Bryce Archie, has completed every pass he’s attempted so far. Meanwhile, the Spartans have managed to score in their last two possessions. If it weren’t for a 93-yard kickoff return touchdown right at the end of the first half, the scoreline could be even tighter. Fortunately for the Spartans, they managed to put points on the board with a field goal just before the halftime buzzer.

This season, San Jose State has had difficulties performing in the latter halves of games, so if that pattern continues today, they may face a challenging second part of this contest.

South Florida 21, San Jose State 7: Bulls respond with fake reverse kickoff return touchdown

In a flash, the Bulls are back ahead by two touchdowns. Special teams played a crucial role for South Florida, executing a fake reverse on the kickoff after Chalk’s touchdown that caught the San Jose State coverage off guard, allowing return specialist Ta’Ron Keith to sprint 93 yards for a touchdown.

South Florida 14, San Jose State 7: Spartans counter, Chalk scores

San Jose State has been able to move the ball effectively, racking up more yards than their opponents. However, their struggles with ball security have significantly favored South Florida. Eventually, late in the second quarter, the Spartans put together a successful drive, concluding with a short touchdown run from Floyd Chalk IV.

With a little over two minutes remaining in the first half, South Florida is up by a touchdown.

South Florida 14, San Jose State 0: Bulls convert turnover into touchdown

The Spartans had a chance to tie the game but, following a tipped pass from quarterback Walker Eget which was intercepted by USF’s Tavin Ward, their opportunity vanished. This turnover turned into advantageous field position for the Bulls.

It took South Florida just five plays to score again with a four-yard touchdown run by Kelley Joiner.

End of 1st Quarter: South Florida 7, San Jose State 0

After 15 minutes of play, South Florida leads San Jose State 7-0. Both teams started slowly offensively, but things soon picked up. Each team put together promising drives, yet only South Florida was able to translate theirs into points. San Jose State squandered a golden opportunity with a fumble in the end zone that kept them scoreless.

The Spartans have possession as they drive forward at the start of the second quarter. South Florida quarterback Bryce Archie has completed all eight of his passes so far.

South Florida 7, San Jose State 0: Bulls strike first in Hawaii

Following a deep pass to Atkins, South Florida quickly capitalized to score. Nay’Quan Wright secured his eighth touchdown of the season, putting the Bulls ahead 7-0 early in the game.

San Jose State fumbles at the goal line

The offense began slowly, but the Spartans had a chance to score early when TreyShon Hurry reached for the pylon. Unfortunately, he lost grip of the ball, resulting in a fumble that was ruled out of the end zone, giving South Florida the ball.

South Florida responded with their best offensive series of the game, bolstered by a 42-yard pass from Bryce Archie to Sean Atkins.

When is the Hawaii Bowl between USF and San Jose State?

The Hawaii Bowl featuring the South Florida Bulls and the San Jose State Spartans is set to kick off at 8 p.m. ET at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex in Honolulu.

How to watch USF and San Jose State in the Hawaii Bowl

The Hawaii Bowl matchup will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
Viewers can also stream it live on Fubo, which currently offers a free trial.

Are there bowl games on Christmas?

No bowl games are scheduled for Christmas Day. The action will resume on December 26 with three games: Pitt vs. Toledo in the GameAbove Sports Bowl, Rutgers vs. Kansas State in the Rate Bowl, and Arkansas State against Bowling Green in the 68 Ventures Bowl.

San Jose State’s last 5 bowl games:

• 2023: Hawaii Bowl vs. Coastal Carolina – L, 24-14
• 2022: Famous Idaho Potato Bowl vs. Eastern Michigan – L, 41-27
• 2020: Arizona Bowl vs. Ball State – L, 34-13
• 2015: Orlando Citrus Bowl vs. Georgia State – W, 27-16
• 2012: Military Bowl vs. Bowling Green – W, 29-20

South Florida’s last 5 bowl games:

• 2023: Boca Raton Bowl vs. Syracuse – W, 45-0
• 2018: Gasparilla Bowl vs. Marshall – L, 38-20
• 2017: Birmingham Bowl vs. Texas Tech – W, 38-34
• 2016: Birmingham Bowl vs. South Carolina – W, 46-39
• 2015: Miami Beach Bowl vs. Western Kentucky – L, 45-35

South Florida vs. San Jose State: Hawaii Bowl predictions

YSL News: Spartans favored by a narrow margin

• Scooby Axon: San Jose State
• Jordan Mendoza: San Jose State
• Paul Myerberg: South Florida
• Erick Smith: South Florida
• Eddie Timanus: San Jose State
• Dan Wolken: San Jose State

Adam Burke, VSiN: San Jose State (-3.5)

Burke states, “Both teams should be adequately motivated for this game, so we don’t have to be concerned about their mindset. The primary consideration is whether quarterback Byrum Brown can…“`html

Talking about (the match involving South Florida) and hopefully we get some advance notice. For now, I lean towards San Jose State due to their stronger defense and the uncertainty around Brown’s performance if he ends up playing.

Cameron Zunkel, ClutchPoints: South Florida to triumph

Zunkel remarks, “This game could turn out to be quite exciting. San Jose State is missing (wide receiver) Nick Nash along with a few other key players, which will make it more challenging for them to score. Since Nash isn’t playing, I’m going with South Florida for the victory.”

Hawaii Bowl: Odds – South Florida vs. San Jose State

The San Jose State Spartans are favored to win against the South Florida Bulls, as per BetMGM.

Odds updated as of Tuesday, Dec. 24

• Spread: San Jose State (-1.5)
• Moneyline: San Jose State (-120); South Florida (+100)
• Over/under: 66.5

College Football Bowl Game Schedule: Complete Postseason Lineup

The college football bowl season kicked off on Dec. 14 and will continue until Jan. 20, concluding with the College Football Playoff championship game in Atlanta. Click here to view the schedule of all upcoming bowl games, including the College Football Playoff, alongside results from already finished matches.
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