BREAKING: SMU has secured a dramatic 24-19 victory over No. 21 Arizona in the Holiday Bowl, held on the evening of December 29, 2023, at Snapdragon Stadium. This win not only marks a significant milestone for the Mustangs but also ends a painful five-game postseason losing streak.
Quarterback Kevin Jennings was instrumental, throwing for 278 yards and completing 21 of 32 passes. His standout moment came on a dazzling 80-yard touchdown pass during the second play of the game, setting the tone for SMU’s offense.
The Mustangs dominated early, leading 24-0 at halftime, enough to withstand three interceptions by Jennings in the second half. Despite a late surge from Arizona, led by quarterback Noah Fifita, who tossed three touchdown passes, SMU held on for the victory.
“This win is a testament to our resilience,” Jennings stated post-game. “We’ve worked hard, and it feels great to finally break through.”
SMU’s win is particularly sweet, as it marks their first postseason victory since 2012, when they defeated Fresno State in the Hawaii Bowl. The Mustangs (9-4) now look to build on this momentum after a challenging season, contrasting with Arizona’s disappointing finish, also at 9-4, falling short of a potential second ten-win season in three years.
The game began with an impressive trick play that showcased SMU’s creativity, as Jennings connected with tight end Matthew Hibner after a series of laterals, setting up a touchdown run by T.J. Harden. Harden and Stone Eby each contributed rushing touchdowns, solidifying the Mustangs’ lead.
In the second half, Arizona attempted a comeback, with Fifita throwing a 15-yard touchdown pass to Cameron Barmore with just 33 seconds left, but SMU recovered the ensuing onside kick to secure the win. Fifita finished with 265 yards on 28 of 43 passing, showcasing his talent despite the defeat.
This matchup was particularly poignant for SMU fans, as it served as a reminder of their heart-wrenching loss in the 1980 Holiday Bowl against BYU, where they squandered a last-minute lead. However, this time, the Mustangs held firm and celebrated a well-deserved victory.
As the dust settles, both teams now turn their focus to the offseason. SMU’s victory is a significant boost as they prepare for the next season, while Arizona will need to regroup after falling short of their goals.
With this landmark victory, SMU fans are left hopeful, marking a pivotal moment for the program. Expect to see continued coverage and analysis as both teams reflect on their seasons and plan for the future.
