2024 Hawaii Bowl Preview: SJSU vs. USF
A Clash to End the Season in Paradise
2024 Hawaii Bowl Preview: San José State vs. University of South Florida
The 2024 Hawaii Bowl brings together San José State University (SJSU) and the University of South Florida (USF) for an intriguing clash. Both teams enter with unique storylines, aiming to finish their seasons on a high note. With the backdrop of sunny Honolulu, Hawaii, this game promises to be a thrilling end to the year for both squads.
Betting Preview:
Total Over/Under: 63.5
Spread: San José State -3.5
USF PPG: 31.4
SJSU PPG: 27.5
San José State Spartans
2024 Record: 7-5
Season Overview:
San José State had a solid regular season, finishing with a respectable 7-5 record. They played in a highly competitive Mountain West Conference, with their biggest strength being an explosive passing attack. The Spartans ranked fifth in the nation in passing yards per game, averaging 325.3 yards.
Key Players:
QB: Walker Eget – Eget stepped in midway through the season for Emmett Brown, guiding the Spartans to a 4-4 record in his eight starts. He finished the regular season with 2,224 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
WR: Justin Lockhart – Lockhart, Eget’s top target, will need to step up in the absence of Nick Nash, who is sitting out to focus on the NFL Draft. Lockhart is just 27 yards away from reaching the 1,000-yard milestone for the season.
Strengths:
High-powered Passing Game: SJSU boasts the ninth-fastest offense in the nation, running 2.54 plays per minute.
Ball-hawking Defense: The Spartans lead the nation with 20 interceptions, tying for first with Texas and BYU.
Uptempo Style: The Spartans' quick-paced attack puts constant pressure on defenses.
Weaknesses:
Inconsistent Play: At times, SJSU has struggled with consistency, especially in high-pressure games.
Struggles in the Run Game: The Spartans have one of the nation’s worst rushing attacks, averaging just 81.4 yards per game.
Bowl Game Struggles: SJSU has lost three straight bowl games, with their last victory coming in the 2015 Cure Bowl.
University of South Florida Bulls
2024 Record: 6-6
Season Overview:
USF finished at an even 6-6, showing flashes of potential under head coach Alex Golesh. The Bulls struggled at times in the highly competitive American Athletic Conference (AAC), particularly against top-tier opponents. Notably, USF did not defeat a team with a winning record throughout the season.
Key Players:
QB: Bryce Archie – After taking over for Byrum Brown, Archie threw for 1,679 yards, with nine touchdowns and nine interceptions. His performance will be key to USF’s success.
RB: Kelley Joiner – A dynamic playmaker, Joiner provides the Bulls with a major offensive weapon.
Strengths:
Fast-Paced Offense: USF leads the nation in plays per minute, averaging 2.86.
Scoring Surge: The offense found its rhythm late in the season, averaging 39.3 points per game in the final six games of the year.
Explosive Plays: Joiner and Archie have been able to generate big plays, making the Bulls dangerous when they’re clicking.
Weaknesses:
Inconsistent Passing Attack: USF’s passing game has been erratic, with inconsistent performances from Archie throughout the year.
Pass Defense Issues: The Bulls have struggled to defend the pass, ranking among the worst in the nation in pass defense.
Defensive Vulnerability: USF allows 29.0 points per game, which could be problematic against an offense like SJSU’s.
Cody’s Prediction:
San José State 33, South Florida 26
SJSU’s high-flying passing game will be too much for USF’s struggling pass defense. Justin Lockhart will surpass 1,000 receiving yards in what could be a defining performance in his final game for the Spartans. Additionally, Floyd Chalk IV will have a standout game, making key contributions in the backfield.
Alex’s Prediction:
San Jose State 35, South Florida 28
This time in Hawaii, the Spartans will come away with a victory. The preparation and new energy provided by Ken Niumatalolo, along with the spread-and-shred offensive attack designed by Craig Stutzmann, will have the Bulls on their heels and give the Spartans a much-needed bowl victory to close out the 2024 season.
Great job!!