Hardcore sports fans go wild for 93-yard kick return in the Hawaii Bowl… the only live sport on Christmas Eve
The most die-hard sports fans looking for live sports to watch on Christmas Eve, hours before opening night, had one choice: South Florida vs. San Jose State in the Hawaii Bowl from Honolulu.
One moment in particular caught the attention of gridiron fans during a 93-yard touchdown on USF’s Ta’Ron Keith kickoff, where it was far from a linear path to the goal line.
Keith caught the ball at the 7-yard line and faked a throw to JeyQuan Smith as he crossed the 10.
Then a hole opened up in the middle of the Spartans’ coverage. Keith was touched three times by defenders in front of midfield and broke through all contact.
Two more members of the San Jose State team touched Keith before he got near the goal line, with the latter attempting to push him out of bounds.
Keith dives into the cone for the score and is immediately mobbed by his teammates. And college football fans on social media went wild.
Ta’Ron Keith thrilled his college football crowd on Christmas Eve with a kickoff return
Keith dazzled when he traveled 93 yards for the score in the first half, giving the Bulls two touchdowns
“The Hawaii Bowl after Christmas dinner and a few drinks will hit like crack cocaine,” said one social media user.
“People are treating the Hawaii Bowl tonight like it’s the Super Bowl.”
“Nothing says Christmas Eve like USF and San Jose State playing in the Hawaii Bowl.”
“If you’re with your family and you’re not watching the Hawaii Bowl, you’re a casual.”
A collection of social media posts about Keith’s kick return for South Florida on Tuesday
Keith’s score put the Bulls two touchdowns ahead of the Spartans. His touchdown was USF’s final trip beyond the goal line of regulation.
San Jose State would complete the comeback and send the Hawaii Bowl to overtime.
Because the game ended just before midnight, some college football fans were able to go to sleep and open Santa’s presents on the same day.