UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown, the SMU Mustangs defeated No. 21 Arizona 24-19 in the Holiday Bowl, held on December 29, 2023, at Snapdragon Stadium. Quarterback Kevin Jennings led the Mustangs with 278 yards passing, completing 21 of 32 attempts, including a spectacular 80-yard touchdown on a trick play right from the kickoff.
This victory marks a significant turnaround for SMU, snapping a five-game postseason losing streak, with their last bowl win dating back to 2012. The Mustangs (9-4) showcased dominance by taking a commanding 24-0 lead at halftime, allowing them to withstand a second-half surge from Arizona, who also finished their season at 9-4.
The game began with a dazzling play where Jennings handed off to T.J. Harden, who then pitched to wide receiver Yamir Knight, who returned the ball to Jennings. The quarterback connected with tight end Matthew Hibner to set up Harden’s touchdown run. The Mustangs notched four touchdowns on their first five possessions, including a 3-yard touchdown from Harden and a 1-yard run from Stone Eby.
Despite Jennings throwing three interceptions in the second half, SMU’s robust first-half performance proved insurmountable. Arizona’s Noah Fifita threw two touchdown passes, but the Wildcats could not recover from the early deficit. The final moments saw Fifita connecting with Cameron Barmore for a touchdown with just 33 seconds left, but SMU recovered the ensuing onside kick, sealing their victory.
The Mustangs’ win also serves as a redemption for their infamous loss in the 1980 Holiday Bowl, where they squandered a significant lead against BYU. This time, they held their ground, demonstrating resilience and teamwork.
Looking ahead, both teams will focus on building for next season, as Jennings and Fifita remain committed to their respective schools, a rare commitment in today’s college football landscape dominated by transfers.
This exciting Holiday Bowl victory is not just a win for SMU; it symbolizes hope and progress for a program eager to reclaim its competitive edge in college football. Fans are already buzzing about what this means for their future.
Stay tuned for more updates as the college football landscape continues to evolve.
