San Jose State preps for another bowl game in paradise — without some key players

San Jose State has returned to the Pacific Islands for its second straight season finale in the Hawaii Bowl.

In 2023’s rendition of the bowl game, SJSU lost to Coastal Carolina 24-14. This time the Spartans will play South Florida on Tuesday night (5 p.m., ESPN).

Last season, Ken Niumatalolo was at his home in Hawaii weighing professional options when San Jose State defensive line coach Joe Seumalo invited him to the team’s pre-bowl practice.

Brent Brennan, then the Spartans’ head coach...