Hawaii Bowl announcers Tiffany Greene and Jay Walker get rare moments in the spotlight

It was the night before Christmas when not a single living thing moved in the house… and the only sport on TV was the Hawaii Bowl on ESPN.

The Christmas Eve game between South Florida (6-6) and San Jose State (7-5) didn’t bring the same energy as a major bowl, but when you’re the only major sporting event live on U.S. television, fans will take notice.

The match generated a surprising amount of buzz on social media for a minor bowl game.

People are treating the Hawaii Bowl tonight like it’s the Super Bowl

— Zlatni Topki (@ZlatniTopki) December 24, 2024

In Honolulu, ESPN had play-by-play announcer Tiffany Greene and color analyst Jay Walker in the game, and the pair, who have worked together for years, made the most of their moment in the spotlight.

Greene, who became the first African-American woman to serve as a college football play-by-play commentator for a major network, had the opportunity to direct some big plays, including this kickoff return touchdown by South Florida’s Ta’Ron Keith.

Tiffany Green was VERY excited about that kick return touchdown and later repeat of the big play by USF returner Ta’Ron Keith. pic.twitter.com/FkHDlaYBPK

– Awful Announcement (@awfulanncreasing) December 25, 2024

And here’s Greene with a big interception early in the game.

USF forced an interception that would later lead to points and a 14-0 lead over San Jose State.

Tiffany Greene and Jay Walker at the Hawai’i Bowl on ESPN. pic.twitter.com/eMyo4aHsXn

– Awful Announcement (@awfulanncreasing) December 25, 2024

Unfortunately, not everything went smoothly for Greene and Walker. What was particularly concerning was that Walker’s tone sounded muddy throughout, as if he was making the broadcast from a distance.

Are they actually there? Your co-host literally sounds like he’s on a Zoom call

— HuskerJim (@jimtheplumber63) December 25, 2024

Others on social media were even less charitable in their comments to the announcers.

This is a terrible announcing crew. This isn’t a high profile game, but since it’s the only one on Cmas night and probably has a decent crowd of people looking for a distraction, why this crew and not a better one? Why not send these guys to one of the lunchtime games with fewer eyes/ears?

– Justin Firesheets (@JFiresheets) December 25, 2024

Still, some fans wanted to hear more from Greene and Walker in the future.

Tiffany is great! She has the courage of Gus and a little of Beth Mowins when she announces CFB👍

— Herbie Garcia (@herbieg55) December 25, 2024

(ESPN)