Overview
- SMU raced to a 24-0 halftime lead keyed by an 80-yard reverse-flea-flicker completion, the longest pass play in Holiday Bowl history.
- Quarterback Kevin Jennings went 21-of-32 for 278 yards and set up rushing touchdowns by T.J. Harden twice and Stone Eby despite three second-half interceptions.
- Arizona’s Noah Fifita finished 28-of-43 for 265 yards with three touchdown passes as the Wildcats pulled within five with 33 seconds left before failing to recover an onside kick.
- Arizona’s secondary was without Treydan Stukes, Dalton Johnson and Genesis Smith due to NFL draft preparation, leaving multiple first-time starters in coverage.
- The victory snapped SMU’s five-game postseason skid and left both teams 9-4, with Fifita saying postgame he will return next season.