The 2024 Hawaii Bowl is set to be more than just a picturesque showdown; it promises excitement and competition as the USF Bulls take on the San Jose State Spartans on December 24 at 8 PM ET. This matchup will be held at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex in Honolulu, with the Bulls bringing their 6-6 record and the Spartans entering with a 7-5 mark.
Both teams come to the bowl with much at stake, not only for their seasonal records but also for establishing momentum for future seasons. The Bulls, under the guidance of head coach Alex Golesh, are aiming for their second consecutive winning season after showcasing their abilities by demolishing Syracuse 45-0 last year.
Golesh, now leading the Bulls to their second straight bowl appearance, has emphasized the team's desire to win. He stated, "There’s a team thats wants to be there — a team that's just happy to be there — and a team that's there to win the game.” The Bulls have enjoyed their time of sightseeing on the islands, but their primary goal remains clear: victory.
On the opposing sidelines, San Jose State is led by Ken Niumatalolo, who is also hunting for success. After 16 years at Navy, he now aims to instill his winning culture at San Jose State. Niumatalolo, who holds a 6-5 bowl record from his time at Navy, has made his intentions known, saying, “To finish off with eight wins, which we haven’t done since 2012 and win a bowl game, which we haven’t done since 2015, we want to finish strong.”
The Spartans enter this bowl game favored by 3 points. They have demonstrated offensive prowess, ranking fifth nationally with 352 passing yards per game, led by quarterback Walter Eget. Although San Jose State's top receiver, Nick Nash, has opted out to focus on the NFL draft, the Spartans’ game plan is expected to stay aggressive against USF.
USF's defense, known for its vulnerability, ranks 127th nationally in passing yards allowed, making the matchup intriguing for both teams as the explosive Spartan offense faces off against the falling Bulls defense. On the other side of the ball, the Bulls aim to control the clock through their strong run game with key players such as Kelley Joiner and Nay'Quan Wright anticipated to shoulder the load.
With the potential reinstatement of quarterback Byrum Brown—who had to sit out the regular season due to injury—USF could adopt a dual-threat approach. Brown’s running ability adds another layer of complexity to their strategy, especially with Bryce Archie also contributing as needed.
Over the course of this season, the Bulls faced the NCAA's eighth toughest schedule, colliding with formidable opponents like Alabama and Miami. Despite the struggles, they’ve managed to push through adversity, setting the stage for this climactic matchup. Golesh acknowledged the challenges the team faced, mentioning, "We want to play football and to remind ourselves why we are here," showcasing the determination of the Bulls.
Meanwhile, beyond strategy, this bowl game allows players like USF's Sean Atkins to shine, as it could be his last game as a Bull. Atkins, as the program's all-time leader with 189 receptions, expressed appreciation for the team's camaraderie and the chance to play in Hawaii, saying, "I’m just grateful to be here, grateful for the teammates, and really excited to be here. When you start from where I started, you can just appreciate everything.”
The entire trip has involved significant logistical planning, especially evident through the comments by USF’s director of equipment operations, Jeremy Lees. The Bulls relocated nearly their entire football operation for this 4,700-mile trip, facing substantial challenges along the way. Coach Golesh praised the operations crew for their tireless efforts, recognizing the complexity of planning such logistics to maintain team comfort and preparation.
Kickoff is set for 8 PM ET, and excitement mounts as both teams line up to not only compete but also to showcase their growth. The Hawaii Bowl may not bear the same prestige as the playoff games, but both teams have a chance to end their season on a high note. It is bound to be memorable — not just for the athletes on the field but for fans who have followed their journeys.
With motivations clear and the stakes high, the team’s desire for victory should prevail tonight, regardless of the beautiful Hawaiian backdrop. It’s game night, and the energy is set, as USF and San Jose State prepare to fight for success.
