There weren’t many sporting events on Christmas Eve, but the last one of the night proved to be one of the better bowl games of the college football postseason.
The first round of the College Football Playoff was a bust, with all four games ending in games decided by double digits. The ratings from Saturday proved fans cared more about NFL games that were on at the same time, as people didn’t care to watch college games end in blowouts.
The Hawai’i Bowl had a class college football finish
Tuesday’s matchup in the Hawai’i Bowl between South Florida and San Jose State didn’t have people sleeping on the finish, even as the game didn’t end until nearly 12:30 a.m. ET.
USF took a 21-10 lead into halftime at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex in Honolulu, Hawaii. The Spartans would thunder back in the second half, outscoring the Bulls 17-6 to make it a 27-27 contest after four quarters.
It would take a total of five overtime periods before South Florida would score a two-point conversion that SJSU would not answer to earn a 41-39 victory.
San Jose State outgained South Florida football in total yards
San Jose St. dominated in total yards, outgaining South Florida 441-291 on Christmas Eve. USF was penalized for 74 more yards than the Spartans. However, the Spartans lost the turnover battle 2-1.
Bulls wide receiver Sean Atkins had an incredible night for USF, recording 11 receptions for 104 yards.
With the win, USF improved to 7-6 in 2024 (8-4 in all-time bowl appearances), giving the Bulls a winning season. San Jose State dropped to 7-6 in 2024 and 7-7 in all-time bowl appearances.
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