Game Overview

San José State (7-5) faces off against South Florida (6-6) in the 2024 Hawai'i Bowl on December 24 at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex in Honolulu, Hawaii. This game features two teams with contrasting strengths—San José State’s balanced offensive attack and South Florida’s explosive, yet inconsistent playstyle. Both teams will look to finish their seasons on a high note in what promises to be an exciting clash.

Betting Odds

San José State is a slight favorite, with the spread set at -3. With both teams boasting potent offenses, the total is set at 63.5, reflecting expectations of a high-scoring game. However, SJSU’s superior balance and ability to win close games make them the preferred pick to cover.

Team Analysis

San José State Spartans

San José State has had a season marked by resilience, finishing with a 7-5 record. The Spartans’ offense is led by quarterback W. Eget, who has thrown for 2,224 yards and 11 touchdowns this season. Wide receiver N. Nash has been a standout performer, racking up 1,382 yards and 16 touchdowns, making him a constant threat to opposing defenses.

On the ground, F. Chalk IV provides a reliable rushing option with 661 yards and 9 touchdowns on the season. Defensively, the Spartans have struggled at times, particularly against strong rushing teams. However, their ability to limit big plays and force turnovers gives them an edge against an error-prone South Florida offense.

South Florida Bulls

South Florida enters the bowl game with a 6-6 record, relying heavily on their explosive rushing attack led by K. Joiner, who has tallied 766 yards and 11 touchdowns this season. Quarterback B. Archie has been inconsistent, throwing for 1,679 yards with 9 touchdowns and 9 interceptions, which highlights the Bulls’ struggles in the passing game.

Defensively, the Bulls have been porous, allowing 30+ points in four of their last five games. While they can occasionally capitalize on turnovers, their inability to stop the run and contain explosive plays has been their Achilles' heel. This matchup against a well-rounded SJSU offense poses a significant challenge.

Recent Performance

San José State

The Spartans finished the season strong with a thrilling 34-31 victory over Stanford. Prior to that, they had faced tough competition, including a close loss to UNLV and a decisive win over Oregon State. Despite a mid-season dip in form, San José State has shown they can perform in high-pressure situations, making them a dangerous opponent in bowl games.

South Florida

South Florida has been inconsistent, with their last outing resulting in a 35-28 loss to Rice. They showcased their offensive potential in a dominant 63-30 win over Tulsa but have struggled to string together complete performances. Their defense, in particular, has been vulnerable, allowing 35 points or more in three of their last five games.

Head-to-Head Matchup

This will be the first meeting between San José State and South Florida. Both teams will look to exploit the other’s weaknesses, with SJSU likely to lean on their balanced offense and USF hoping to break through with explosive plays. However, SJSU’s consistency and ability to win close games give them the edge in this matchup.

Prediction