South Florida Bulls vs San Jose State Spartans – Hawaii Bowl Preview – December 24

South Florida and San Jose State are set to square off in the Hawaii Bowl on December 24 at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex in Honolulu. Both teams are eager to cap their seasons with a victory, making this matchup an exciting conclusion to their respective campaigns.

The Bulls come in with a 6-6 record, while the Spartans are slightly better at 7-5. However, San Jose State faces the challenge of playing without their star receiver Nick Nash, whose absence could significantly impact their offensive production. This game promises a battle of adjustments and resilience as both teams aim to overcome their challenges.

Bulls Look to Finish Strong

South Florida’s season has been a mix of highs and lows. When the Bulls win, they win big, averaging almost 50 points per game in their victories. However, their losses reveal a team that struggles to maintain consistency, scoring just 51 points combined in five of their six defeats. This inconsistency will be something they must address to succeed in the Hawaii Bowl.

The Bulls’ quarterback situation has been uncertain since Byrum Brown suffered a lower-leg injury early in the season. In his absence, Bryce Archie stepped up, throwing for over 1,600 yards and nine touchdowns. While Archie has performed admirably, his nine interceptions highlight areas for improvement. Brown’s potential return could offer the offense a significant boost, providing a familiar leader on the field.

Sean Atkins has been the steady hand for the Bulls’ offense all year. The veteran wide receiver not only holds the school record for receptions but also ranks second in career receiving yards. His ability to make plays in crucial moments will be vital against a tough San Jose State defense.

Spartans Adjust Without Their Star

The Spartans’ standout player, wide receiver Nick Nash, will be notably absent in this game. Nash led the nation in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown catches, earning him a spot as a consensus All-American. His decision to opt out of the Hawaii Bowl to prepare for the NFL draft leaves a significant void in the Spartans’ offensive arsenal.

Without Nash, quarterback Walker Eget will look to other playmakers to step up. Eget has had a solid season, passing for over 2,200 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has shown the ability to put up big numbers, throwing for more than 300 yards in four of his six starts. However, the absence of Nash will test his ability to adapt and distribute the ball effectively to his remaining targets.

San Jose State’s defense remains its strength, leading the nation with 20 interceptions this season. Safety Robert Rahimi and linebacker Jordan Pollard are among the team’s top defenders, with Rahimi contributing five interceptions and Pollard leading the team with 110 tackles. However, the defense will also be missing cornerback DJ Harvey, who entered the transfer portal, creating a potential gap in their secondary.

Prediction

This game is shaping up to be a close contest, with both teams bringing unique strengths and challenges to the field. South Florida’s offense has shown it can be explosive, but its inconsistency leaves questions about its ability to perform against a disciplined defense like San Jose State’s. On the other hand, the Spartans will need to find new ways to generate offense without their star receiver and key defensive players.

San Jose State’s defensive prowess and ability to create turnovers give them a slight edge. If Walker Eget can manage the offense effectively and avoid mistakes, the Spartans should be able to control the pace of the game. However, South Florida’s big-play potential means this matchup could come down to the wire.

• Pick: San Jose State 30, South Florida 27