South Florida Bulls: 2024 Hawaii Bowl Champions – “Aloha from the Champs!”

The South Florida Bulls delivered a Christmas Eve thriller for the ages, claiming the 2024 Hawaii Bowl title in a heart-stopping 41-39 victory over San Jose State. Played under the bright lights of the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex in Honolulu, Hawaii, the game showcased determination, resilience, and the unyielding spirit of college football at its finest.

After five overtimes, the Bulls emerged victorious, capping off a dramatic night with a decisive pass from quarterback Bryce Archie to receiver Keshaun Singleton. This championship win not only solidified the Bulls’ growing legacy but also underscored their ability to rise to the occasion under immense pressure. Here’s an in-depth look at how the game unfolded and why it will be remembered as one of the most exhilarating contests in bowl history.

A Promising Start for the Bulls

The Bulls came into the Hawaii Bowl riding high on a successful season that saw them bounce back from adversity time and again. Under the guidance of head coach Alex Golesh, the team displayed a perfect blend of youthful energy and seasoned leadership, making them formidable opponents for San Jose State.

The opening moments of the game reflected the Bulls’ readiness. Quarterback Bryce Archie showcased his precision and poise, completing all eight of his first-quarter passes. South Florida struck first with a 42-yard bomb from Archie to wide receiver Sean Atkins, setting up Nay’Quan Wright’s four-yard touchdown run to take an early 7-0 lead.

While San Jose State threatened to answer back with a drive to the goal line, a costly fumble by TreyShon Hurry handed possession back to the Bulls. They capitalized on the turnover, converting it into another touchdown as Kelley Joiner powered through the Spartans’ defense, making it 14-0. By the end of the first quarter, South Florida appeared firmly in control.

San Jose State Fights Back

Despite falling behind, the Spartans were not ready to roll over. They gradually found their rhythm, with quarterback Walker Eget connecting with Floyd Chalk IV for a short touchdown late in the second quarter. San Jose State closed the gap to 14-7.

Just as the Spartans seemed poised for a comeback, South Florida’s special teams delivered a show-stopping moment. A fake reverse on the kickoff return completely fooled San Jose State’s coverage, allowing Ta’Ron Keith to sprint 93 yards into the end zone, extending the Bulls’ lead to 21-7.

The Spartans managed to add a field goal before halftime, but turnovers continued to plague them. A fumble and an interception by South Florida’s Tavin Ward kept San Jose State from fully capitalizing on their offensive drives. The halftime score stood at 21-10 in favor of the Bulls.

Momentum Swings in the Second Half

The second half began with San Jose State displaying a newfound intensity. Kicker Kyler Halvorsen converted a 22-yard field goal to narrow the gap to 21-13. Shortly after, Eget connected with tight end Jackson Canaan for a touchdown, cutting South Florida’s lead to a single point at 21-20.

As the Spartans gained confidence, the Bulls found themselves in a battle. Bryce Archie, who had been nearly flawless in the first half, was intercepted by linebacker Noah McNeal-Franklin in a critical moment. The turnover set up a go-ahead touchdown by San Jose State’s Lamar Radcliffe, giving the Spartans a 27-24 lead early in the fourth quarter.

For the Bulls, this was a pivotal moment. With their lead gone and time slipping away, they needed to regroup. Archie and the offense responded with a clutch drive in the final moments of regulation. After gaining 27 yards on seven plays, kicker John Cannon nailed a 41-yard field goal with just two seconds left on the clock, tying the game at 27-27 and forcing overtime.

Overtime Madness

Overtime in the Hawaii Bowl turned into a Christmas Eve epic, with fans on the edge of their seats as both teams refused to back down.

First Overtime: South Florida struck first with a quick 23-yard pass from Archie to Payten Singletary, setting up Ta’Ron Keith’s two-yard rushing touchdown. However, San Jose State responded immediately, with Eget finding Matthew Coleman in the end zone to tie the game at 34-34.
Second Overtime: The teams exchanged field goals, with Cannon and Halvorsen each converting under intense pressure to push the game to a third overtime.
Third and Fourth Overtimes: NCAA rules now required teams to alternate two-point conversion attempts. The Bulls converted theirs, but a pass interference penalty gave San Jose State a second chance, which they used to stay alive. As the game entered its fifth overtime, exhaustion began to set in for players on both sides.

The Final Play

The decisive moment came in the fifth overtime. Bryce Archie, who had carried the offense all night, rolled out of the pocket and delivered a perfectly timed pass to Keshaun Singleton in the end zone. Singleton’s catch not only sealed the 41-39 victory but also sent South Florida’s players and fans into jubilant celebration.

This win marked the second consecutive bowl victory for the Bulls, who had defeated Syracuse in the 2023 Boca Raton Bowl. For San Jose State, the loss was another heartbreaking chapter, extending their bowl game losing streak to four.

A Night to Remember

The 2024 Hawaii Bowl will be remembered not just for its thrilling conclusion but also for the individual performances that defined it. Bryce Archie finished with over 300 yards passing and three total touchdowns, cementing his status as the team’s offensive leader. Ta’Ron Keith’s contributions on special teams and in the backfield were equally vital, as was the defensive effort led by Tavin Ward, whose interception in the first half set the tone for the game.

For the Spartans, Walker Eget and Matthew Coleman stood out with a dynamic passing attack that kept San Jose State in the game until the very end. Coleman’s 12 receptions for 119 yards highlighted his ability to make plays in crucial moments.

Legacy of the 2024 Bulls

This victory was more than just a win; it was a testament to the resilience and growth of the South Florida football program. Under head coach Alex Golesh, the team has transformed into a perennial contender, capable of competing on the national stage.

The Hawaii Bowl triumph also reflects the program’s commitment to excellence, both on and off the field. From the leadership of veteran players to the emergence of young talent, the Bulls have built a foundation for sustained success.

As the team returned to Tampa with the championship trophy in hand, the message was clear: the South Florida Bulls are here to stay. Their Hawaii Bowl performance will inspire future generations of players and fans, serving as a reminder of what can be achieved with hard work, determination, and an unwavering belief in each other.

Looking Ahead

With back-to-back bowl victories, the future looks bright for South Florida. The program has momentum heading into the 2025 season, with many of its key players expected to return. The lessons learned in Honolulu – about perseverance, teamwork, and handling adversity – will undoubtedly shape the Bulls’ approach in the years to come.

For now, though, the focus is on celebrating a hard-fought victory. As the players bask in the glow of their success, the echoes of “Aloha from the Champs!” will ring proudly across Tampa and beyond.