HONOLULU (BCSNN) — The 2024 Hawai'i Bowl ended in dramatic fashion as the South Florida Bulls defeated the San Jose State Spartans, 41-39, in five overtimes on Christmas Eve. The game, which stretched well past midnight, was the longest FBS bowl game played since overtime was established in 1996.
South Florida, led by quarterback Bryce Archie, took an early 21-10 lead into halftime but saw San Jose State storm back in the second half to take a 27-24 lead in the fourth quarter. Despite the momentum shift, the Bulls managed to force overtime with a last-minute field goal by John Cannon.
In the first overtime, South Florida scored quickly on a 23-yard catch by Payten Singletary and a subsequent touchdown by Ta'Ron Keith. San Jose State responded with a touchdown by Matthew Coleman on a fourth-and-goal play. The game remained tied through the second and third overtimes as both teams traded field goals.
It seemed like things would never end when in the fourth overtime, USF's Cannon made a 36-yard field goal to tie the game at 37-37.
Them the Bulls scored first in the fifth overtime on a shovel pass from Archie to Singletary. San Jose State appeared to tie it at 39-all on a sneak by quarterback Walker Eget, but it was called back for a holding penalty. South Florida then stopped San Jose State on a pass attempt in the end zone when Mac Harris batted down the ball, securing the Bulls' victory.
It's safe to say these two teams were matched up pretty evenly, but Mac Harris still managed to be a standout on the night. The USF linebacker recorded eight tackles, two of those for a loss, in addition to a deflected pass and a quarterback hurry.
"I'm incredibly proud of our players for their determination and effort. They fought hard and showed great character to come out on top in such a challenging game."
South Florida head coach Alex Golesh
The victory marks South Florida's second consecutive bowl win - a first for the Bulls since 2017, while San Jose State continues its search for its first bowl victory since 2015.
