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Arizona-SMU Holiday Bowl Set With Loyal QBs, Few Opt-Outs

Both teams expect near-full rosters, pitting SMU's prolific passing attack against Arizona's elite secondary.

Overview

  • The No. 21 Wildcats face the Mustangs on Friday night at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego.
  • A win would give Arizona its fifth 10-win season all-time, capping a five-game surge in Brent Brennan's second year after a 4-8 finish last season.
  • Both programs report minimal opt-outs, with Arizona offensive lineman Michael Wooten and SMU edge rusher DJ Warner the only publicly identified absences.
  • SMU averages 283.5 passing yards per game behind Kevin Jennings, while Arizona has allowed just 155.9 passing yards per game and nine passing touchdowns this season.
  • Starting quarterbacks Noah Fifita and Kevin Jennings have chosen to stay with their schools, and sportsbooks list Arizona as a slight favorite of roughly 1.5 to 2.5 points.