Most bowl games have their own story, and the Hawaii Bowl fits that best.
San Jose State University coach Ken Niutarolo returned to his home state to play high school baseball and quarterback for the Warriors. He also began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the university.
More importantly, Niutaroro's father Simi passed away about 10 days before kick-off.
San Jose State is a three-point favorite against South Florida, with the total rising to 63.5. I agree with that line movement and am playing the over.
San Jose State vs. South Florida Odds
| team | spread | money line | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| san jose state | -3 (-110) | -150 | 63.5 or higher (-110) |
| south florida | +3 (-110) | +125 | Less than 63.5 (-110) |
San Jose State vs. South Florida predictions
8pm ET, ESPN
My rationale starts with pace. Out of 134 FBS teams, the Bulls rank 1st in fewest seconds per play, while the Spartans rank 12th. Defensively, both teams are allowing over 26 points per game. Both teams increased their tempo and now all the ingredients for a track meet were in place.
One concern is that San Jose State standout wide receiver Nick Nash will miss this game. The former quarterback led the nation in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches. This will definitely leave a void in the Spartans' offense, but the metrics show the high pace is still there.
I don't have an opinion, but The Action Network's Collin Wilson makes a solid case for +3 underdog USF.
“USF has an explosive advantage in heavy rushing. [Quarterback] Byram Brown is practicing and will add to that advantage,” Wilson told Only Players via text message, referring to Brown's potential return from injury. “[San Jose State] Offensive coordinator Craig Stutzman will have to completely change his passing packages without Nash, which should be a slow start. ”
Learn more here OnlyPlayers.com
Do you want to bet on college football?
I classified them as weak because neither team had a winning record in their respective conferences. The Spartans were competitive against better teams, but Nash is also out, and Brown could return to the Bulls. That's why you have to give away the spread winner.
Pick: 63.5 or higher (-110, Fanatics Sportsbook)
Why trust New York Post Betting?
Doug Kezirian is a contributor to the New York Post and currently serves as chief content officer at sports betting media company Only Players. Doug has over 20 years of experience in the betting field, including 11 years at ESPN as a host, columnist and betting analyst. He is also a rare record of success – 14th place at the 2023 Circa Million and Las Vegas Supercontest ($37,000) and two top-10 finishes at the 2022 William Hill College Football Challenge ($58,000). He made headlines for winning an additional $297,000 in the 2021 NFL Draft.
