Overview
- SMU surged to a 24-0 halftime advantage by scoring on four of its first five possessions, sparked by an 80-yard reverse flea flicker to Matthew Hibner that set up the opening touchdown and marked the longest pass play in Holiday Bowl history.
- Quarterback Kevin Jennings went 21-of-32 for 278 yards, overcoming three second-half interceptions as T.J. Harden ran for two scores and Stone Eby added a 1-yard touchdown.
- Arizona mounted a late push with a 19-0 second half as Noah Fifita threw three touchdown passes and led the Wildcats in rushing, but the final onside kick with 33 seconds remaining was unsuccessful.
- The Wildcats were without standout defensive backs Treydan Stukes, Dalton Johnson and Genesis Smith due to NFL draft opt-outs, a depleted secondary that helped open passing lanes for SMU.
- Both teams closed the season 9-4 after Friday’s game at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, with SMU halting a five-game postseason skid.