UPDATE: In a thrilling finish, SMU defeated No. 21 Arizona 24-19 in the Holiday Bowl on December 29, 2023, at Snapdragon Stadium, marking a significant victory for the Mustangs. Quarterback Kevin Jennings showcased his talent, throwing for 278 yards and completing 21 of 32 passes, leading his team to a crucial postseason win.
SMU’s victory not only ended a frustrating five-game postseason losing streak but also highlighted their resurgence after last season’s 38-10 defeat to Penn State in the College Football Playoff. This win is especially meaningful for the Mustangs, who last celebrated a postseason victory in 2012 against Fresno State.
The Mustangs dominated early, taking a commanding 24-0 lead at halftime. Jennings executed a spectacular play on the second snap of the game, tossing an 80-yard pass to set the tone. Touchdowns from T.J. Harden and Stone Eby solidified SMU’s lead, showcasing their offensive prowess.
Despite three interceptions thrown by Jennings in the second half, SMU held strong against a determined Arizona team. The Wildcats, led by quarterback Noah Fifita, attempted a comeback with three touchdown passes, including a late effort that brought them within five points. However, SMU recovered an onside kick after Arizona’s last score, sealing the win.
“We didn’t let history repeat itself,” said Jennings in a post-game interview, reflecting on the team’s previous Holiday Bowl heartache.
This matchup was a reminder of the Mustangs’ storied past. In the infamous 1980 Holiday Bowl, SMU squandered a large lead against BYU, losing in one of college football’s wildest finishes. This time, however, they maintained their composure and secured the victory.
Next Steps: With this win, SMU finishes the season at 9-4, while Arizona also concludes their campaign with a 9-4 record, missing out on a potential tenth win for the second time in three years. Fans will be eager to see how both teams build on this season as they look forward to 2024.
As the dust settles on this exhilarating game, the Mustangs can finally breathe a sigh of relief, knowing they have exorcised the demons of their past. Football fans everywhere are already buzzing about this exciting matchup, with many sharing highlights across social media platforms.
