UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown, the SMU Mustangs defeated No. 21 Arizona 24-19 in the Holiday Bowl at Snapdragon Stadium on December 29, 2023. This victory not only marked a crucial postseason win for SMU but also ended their five-game postseason losing streak.
Quarterback Kevin Jennings showcased his skills with a remarkable performance, throwing for 278 yards and completing 21 of 32 passes. His standout moment came early in the game, executing a dazzling 80-yard play on just the second scrimmage attempt.
SMU established a commanding lead, going into halftime ahead 24-0. They scored on four of their first five drives, with touchdowns from T.J. Harden and Stone Eby, along with a field goal from Sam Keltner.
Arizona, finishing the season at 9-4, rallied in the second half with quarterback Noah Fifita, who threw three touchdown passes, including a late score that narrowed the gap. However, SMU’s defense held strong, recovering an onside kick to secure the win.
“We didn’t let the past haunt us,” said Jennings after the game. “This is a new chapter for us.”
This victory is particularly significant for SMU, as it marks their first postseason win since 2012, when they triumphed in the Hawaii Bowl. The Mustangs’ performance this season has been a redemption story, overcoming the disappointment of last year’s College Football Playoff defeat.
In stark contrast to the infamous 1980 Holiday Bowl, where SMU lost a commanding lead to BYU, this time the Mustangs maintained their advantage despite three second-half interceptions by Jennings. The historic echoes of past defeats were silenced as SMU celebrated their hard-fought victory.
As fans reflect on this pivotal win, attention now turns to the upcoming season and the potential for both teams to build on their successes. With the transfer portal looming, both Jennings and Fifita have expressed their commitment to their respective teams, signaling a promising future for college football.
Stay tuned for further updates as the college football landscape evolves following this exhilarating Holiday Bowl clash.
