The South Florida Bulls triumphed over the San Jose State Spartans, taking home the coveted trophy from the 2024 Hawai'i Bowl after a gripping showdown on December 24, 2024. The game, played at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex in Honolulu, Hawaii, ended with the Bulls winning 41-39 after five overtime periods. This match marked the longest game recorded since the NCAA instituted the overtime rule.
With 6,720 fans witnessing the action, both teams entered the contest with matching 7-6 records, eager to secure their place as bowl champions. The first half showcased the Bulls building up to what seemed like an unassailable lead, capitalizing on two key turnovers created by their defense. A significant play was when Spartans' QB Walker Eget threw a tipped pass, resulting in the Bulls scoring two quick touchdowns. The Bulls surged to a 21-7 lead, fueled by a spectacular 93-yard kickoff return by Ta’Ron Keith after the Spartans had momentarily narrowed the gap.
San Jose State showed resilience, reducing the deficit and managing to score with on-site adjustments led by their quarterback Eget. Despite scoring briefly before halftime, the Spartans found themselves trailing 21-10 as they entered the locker room. The second half was markedly different; the Spartans emerged with determination. They settled down and capitalized on their running game, piecing together significant drives.
The tide shifted late in the game, with standout performances from Spartans' players like running back Floyd Chalk IV and receiver Matthew Coleman. An impressive touchdown connection from Eget to Coleman cut South Florida's lead to just one point at 21-20. With the Spartans' defense hardening, they managed to take their first lead of the game, 27-24, late in the fourth quarter, following Radcliffe’s two-yard plunge.
But destiny had other plans for the Spartans. With less than two minutes remaining, the Bulls launched their final drive, strategically reaching midfield. QB Bryce Archie orchestrated the drive, culminating with John Cannon nailing a 41-yard field goal to even the score at 27 and send the game to overtime.
From there, the tension rose as both teams exchanged touchdowns and field goals through four overtimes. A key moment came when the Spartans seemed poised to turn victory on one of Eget's sneaks, but it was negated by holding, leading to another derailing of their ambitions. Each overtime seemed to heighten the stakes, with neither team backing down.
Finally, it was the fifth overtime where the Bulls claimed the lead thanks to convincing throws from Archie to Singleton. And the climax was reached when Mac Harris batted down Eget's pass attempt, sealing the hard-fought 41-39 victory for South Florida. It was their second consecutive bowl victory, their first back-to-back wins since the 2016-2017 season.
San Jose State, meanwhile, faced disappointment, as they sought their first bowl victory since 2015 after showing incredible grit throughout the contest. Eget finished the game with 280 passing yards and two touchdowns, leading his team valiantly through adversity and showcasing the potential for future seasons.
This thrilling matchup not only highlighted the athletic prowess of both teams but also left fans eager for what’s to come next season. The history established with this match ensures it will be remembered for years to come as one of the more exciting clashes to occur during the holiday bowl season.
