UPDATE: The SMU Mustangs have just secured a thrilling 24-19 victory against the No. 21 Arizona Wildcats in the Holiday Bowl, held at Snapdragon Stadium on December 29, 2023. This win marks a significant moment for SMU, as it snaps a five-game postseason losing streak and is their first postseason victory since 2012.
In a game electrified by the performance of Kevin Jennings, who threw for 278 yards and completed 21 of 32 passes, SMU jumped out to an impressive 24-0 lead at halftime. Jennings showcased his playmaking ability with a stunning 80-yard touchdown pass on just the second play from scrimmage.
The Mustangs dominated early, with touchdown runs from T.J. Harden and Stone Eby, along with a 24-yard field goal by Sam Keltner. The game took a dramatic turn in the second half as Jennings threw three interceptions, allowing Arizona, led by quarterback Noah Fifita, to claw back into contention. Despite this, Arizona fell short of achieving their second 10-win season in three years, finishing at 9-4 after this hard-fought battle.
The game mirrored a historic Holiday Bowl moment for SMU, recalling their notorious 1980 collapse against BYU. This time, however, the Mustangs held onto their lead despite late-game pressure from the Wildcats. Fifita connected on a 15-yard touchdown pass to Cameron Barmore with just 33 seconds left, but SMU recovered the ensuing onside kick, sealing their victory.
As the game unfolded, the Mustangs’ unique trick play early on set the tone, with Jennings receiving a pitchback from Harden and completing a pass to tight end Matthew Hibner, who was brought down just shy of the end zone. Harden then punched it in from the 1-yard line, demonstrating the Mustangs’ creativity and determination.
This victory not only revitalizes SMU’s postseason aspirations but also highlights the loyalty of both Jennings and Fifita, who have committed to finishing their careers at their respective schools amid the evolving landscape of college football influenced by NIL and the transfer portal.
Fans and alumni are celebrating this pivotal moment, marking a new chapter for the Mustangs as they look toward future seasons with renewed hope.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and other college football news as the postseason continues to unfold.
