San Jose State falls to South Florida in 5-overtime Hawaii Bowl thriller
The Spartans mounted a second-half comeback but could not hold onto a late lead over the Bulls.
Each of the last three years, San Jose State football’s season has ended in a bowl game loss. This time it was a 41-39 defeat in five overtimes to South Florida in the Hawaii Bowl.
In the fifth overtime period, the Bulls started with the ball and converted the two points with a reception by Keshaun Singleton. On SJSU’s attempt to respond, a pass from SJSU quarterback Walker Eget intended for Justin Lockhart was deflected, ending the ball game.
The Bulls led 21-10 at the half but were outscored by the Spartans 17-3 in the second half.
SJSU took its first lead of the game on the back of a momentum-shifting interception by linebacker Noah McNeal-Franklin that set the Spartans up with the ball on the two-yard line after a 27-yard return.
Spartans freshman running back Lamar Radcliffe punched it in, giving them the lead.
But fellow tailback Floyd Chalk IV was stuffed on a third-and-1 on their final possession of regulation, forcing the Spartans to punt with 53 seconds left.
A 13-yard return from USF’s Sean Atkins set the Bulls up in prime position to drive downfield.
Six plays later, the Bulls kicker John Cannon converted a 41-yard kick that sent the game to overtime.
The first three overtime periods saw each team score and the fourth period saw neither reach the endzone.
SJSU wide receiver Matthew Coleman, who filled in for 2024 Fred Biletnikoff Award finalist Nick Nash, led the Spartans in receiving with 119 yards on 12 receptions, including a touchdown in the first overtime and a two-point conversion in the third overtime.
Eget was 33-of-58 passing with two touchdowns and an interception.
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