Christmas Eve college football brought fans an unforgettable showdown as South Florida faced off against San Jose State in the 2024 Hawai’i Bowl. The game, held at the Clarence T. C. Ching Athletics Complex in Honolulu, turned into a nail-biting thriller that stretched into five overtimes, ultimately concluding with a dramatic 41-39 victory for the South Florida Bulls.
Heart-stopping moments lead to overtime
Before the overtime drama unfolded, South Florida’s kicker, John Cannon, delivered a heart-stopping moment that tied the game at 27-27. His 36-yard field goal attempt hit the right pole but was ruled successful as it bounced in. This clutch kick sent the game into overtime, igniting excitement among fans.
Fans took to social media to express their enthusiasm over the thrilling game. One fan exclaimed, “Off the crossbar to save Christmas Eve… and to send it to OT.” Another chimed in, “What an Epic finish! South Florida with clutch doing to send it overtime can’t get better than this on Christmas evening.” The excitement was palpable, with many calling it “Christmas Eve football drama at its finest.”
Five overtimes of pure adrenaline
After the game was tied at 27-27 at the end of regulation, fans were treated to a rollercoaster of emotions during five overtimes. The first overtime saw South Florida take the lead with a 2-yard rushing touchdown from Ta’Ron Keith, followed by Cannon’s extra point. However, San Jose State quickly responded with a four-yard touchdown pass from Walker Eget to Matthew Coleman, leveling the score at 34-34 after Kyler Halvorsen’s extra point.
The second overtime brought a shift as the Spartans edged ahead with a 24-yard field goal by Halvorsen. But South Florida wasn’t done yet; Cannon fired back with a 36-yard field goal, tying the game again at 37-37. The tension continued to build as both teams showcased their resilience.
Clutch performances in the final rounds
As the game progressed into the third overtime, the stakes escalated. South Florida’s Bryce Archie connected with Payten Singletary for a two-point conversion, only for San Jose State’s Eget to respond with a successful two-point pass to Coleman, keeping the score tied at 39-39. Fans were on the edge of their seats, witnessing a back-and-forth battle that showcased the determination of both teams.
The fourth overtime ended without any scoring, forcing the game into a fifth and final round. This was where the drama reached its peak. In a climactic moment, Bryce Archie threw a decisive two-point conversion to Keshaun Singleton, sealing the hard-fought 41-39 victory for South Florida.
Fans react to the thrilling showdown
The electrifying nature of the game left fans buzzing with excitement. Many took to social media to share their thoughts on the incredible finish. “What a thrilling finish! Overtime football on Christmas Eve – that’s a holiday gift for fans!” one fan remarked. Another added, “Atta boy John Cannon!” showcasing the appreciation for the kicker’s pivotal role in the game.
The sentiment was clear: this game was not just a contest of skill but a showcase of heart, determination, and the magic of college football. As the players celebrated their hard-earned victory, fans knew they had witnessed something special—a game that would be talked about for years to come.
A memorable Christmas Eve in college football
The 2024 Hawai’i Bowl will be remembered not just for its score but for the sheer drama and excitement that unfolded. With South Florida emerging victorious after five grueling overtimes, the game epitomized the spirit of college football—unpredictable, thrilling, and filled with unforgettable moments.
As we reflect on this remarkable matchup, it’s clear that college football continues to deliver heart-stopping action, especially during the festive season. The players, coaches, and fans all contributed to an atmosphere that made this Christmas Eve one for the books. With such thrilling performances, who can wait for the next season? The anticipation for what lies ahead in college football is already building, and fans are eager for more unforgettable moments like this one.
