G5 Football Daily

South Florida Claims Historic Hawaii Bowl Victory in Five Overtimes

Joe Londergan

Dec 24, 2024; Honolulu, HI, USA; South Florida Bulls running back Ta'Ron Keith (9) makes a 93 yard return against the San Jose State Spartans during the second quarter at Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex. Mandatory Credit: Marco Garcia-Imagn Images
Dec 24, 2024; Honolulu, HI, USA; South Florida Bulls running back Ta'Ron Keith (9) makes a 93 yard return against the San Jose State Spartans during the second quarter at Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex. Mandatory Credit: Marco Garcia-Imagn Images / Marco Garcia-Imagn Images
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In more ways than one, it was an odd day at the Hawaii Bowl, the only college football game on the schedule for Christmas Eve. The South Florida Bulls emerged victorious 41-39 after five overtimes on Tuesday night against San Jose State. That marked the single longest bowl game in FBS history.

Star USF quarterback Byrum Brown was expected to play a larger role in the game after missing significant time due to injury this season. However, Brown only saw a few moments of game time. Bryce Archie once again led the Bulls to a successful day, completing 24 passes on 34 attempts for 235 yards and one interception.

South Florida rushed for only 56 yards, but found the end zone three times on the ground. Kelley Joiner, Nay'Quan Wright, and Ta'Ron Keith each registered one touchdown rush apiece. Keith made arguably the most electric play of the day, returning a kickoff 93 yards in the second quarter for a touchdown.

Bulls' star wideout Sean Atkins also finished with 11 catches for 104 yards yards on the day. Kicker John Cannon made all seven of his kicks in this game, three field goals and four extra points, including a 41-yarder in the final moments of regulation to force overtime.

USF overcame a San Jose State team that produced more yardage (441-291) and had five fewer penalties (6-11). The Bulls will finish the 2024 campaign with a 7-6 record and a winning record in consecutive seasons for the first time since 2017 and 2018.

San Jose State will fall to 7-6 to end Ken Niumatalolo's first season at the helm of the Spartans.

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Joe Londergan
JOE LONDERGAN

Joe covers college sports from the Group of Five ranks and beyond. He has worked in the sports industry since 2008, earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Louisville, and a Master's degree from Seattle University.

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