UPDATE: The Holiday Bowl has just announced an exciting matchup between No. 17 Arizona and SMU for the 46th annual game, set to take place on January 2, 2024, at Snapdragon Stadium. This year marks a historic first, as it will be the first time the Holiday Bowl kicks off after the New Year.
The announcement was made during a tense three-hour wait where bowl officials negotiated participant selections, leading to a palpable atmosphere of anticipation and drama. Officials welcomed Trust & Will as the new title sponsor, elevating the event’s profile just before revealing the teams.
As the clock ticked, fans and ambassadors known as Red Coats passed the time with group photos and discussions, demonstrating the event’s festive spirit amidst the delays. “Thank you for your patience,” one official remarked, highlighting the complexities involved in finalizing the matchup.
The road to this matchup was anything but straightforward. Arizona, now a member of the Big 12, enters the game on a five-game winning streak, capped by a 23-7 victory over rival Arizona State last week. Quarterback Noah Fifita has been instrumental in leading the charge, with key contributions from receivers Kris Hutson, Javin Whatley, and Tre Spivey. The ground game is spearheaded by running backs Ismail Mahdi and Kedrick Reescano.
The matchup was further complicated by Duke’s surprise victory over Virginia in the ACC Championship, which reshuffled bowl selections. Following that game, the College Football Playoff committee’s decision to include Miami in the playoffs further limited options for the Holiday Bowl, creating a competitive landscape among several bowls vying for top teams.
In a dramatic twist, Notre Dame announced it would not participate in a bowl game, opening the door for SMU to be selected. As a former PAC-12 team, Arizona’s presence in the Holiday Bowl aligns with its tradition of matching schools from different conferences.
As excitement builds for the January 2 showdown, fans are left to wonder how both teams will prepare for this unique opportunity. The Holiday Bowl promises to deliver an unforgettable experience, blending tradition with fresh narratives that keep college football enthusiasts on the edge of their seats.
Stay tuned for more updates as the teams gear up for this thrilling matchup!
