UPDATE: In a nail-biting Holiday Bowl showdown, SMU defeated No. 21 Arizona 24-19 on December 29, 2023, at Snapdragon Stadium. The victory marks a significant moment for the Mustangs, who snapped a five-game postseason losing streak, last winning a bowl game in 2012.
Kevin Jennings led the Mustangs with a standout performance, throwing for 278 yards and completing 21 of 32 passes. His impressive play included a dazzling 80-yard touchdown pass on the second play from scrimmage, setting the tone for SMU’s explosive first half.
SMU took a commanding 24-0 lead at halftime, dominating the first two quarters with strong offensive execution. Touchdown runs by T.J. Harden and Stone Eby capped off a series of successful drives, showcasing the Mustangs’ capabilities.
“We came out strong and set the pace early,” Jennings stated after the game. “This win means everything to us.”
Despite struggling in the second half with three interceptions, Jennings and his team managed to hold on to their lead. Arizona’s quarterback, Noah Fifita, threw three touchdown passes, including a 15-yard connection to Cameron Barmore with just 33 seconds left, but SMU recovered the ensuing onside kick to secure the victory.
This win is especially poignant for the Mustangs, who had a painful memory of their last Holiday Bowl appearance, where they squandered a significant lead against BYU in 1980. The ghosts of that game seemed to inspire SMU as they maintained their composure and worked strategically to close out the win.
Both teams finished the season with records of 9-4, with Arizona missing out on a potential tenth win for the second time in three years. The loss raises questions about their postseason prospects and future performance.
The Mustangs celebrated their first postseason victory in over a decade, demonstrating resilience and skill that fans hope will carry into next season. With a renewed sense of team spirit, SMU looks forward to building on this success in upcoming games.
As college football fans continue to buzz about this thrilling matchup, the implications of SMU’s victory resonate beyond just the scoreboard. The Mustangs have proven they can compete at a high level, and with Jennings and Harden showing loyalty by sticking with the program, there’s much to anticipate for the future.
Stay tuned for more updates as the college football landscape evolves in the wake of the Holiday Bowl!
