Overview
- Quarterback Kevin Jennings threw for 278 yards, highlighted by an 80-yard trick-play completion to Matthew Hibner that set up the opening touchdown.
- Hibner’s 80-yard reception was the longest pass play in Holiday Bowl history and helped springboard SMU to a 24-0 halftime lead.
- SMU scored on four of its first five drives, including two short touchdown runs by T.J. Harden and a 1-yard score by Stone Eby, plus a 24-yard field goal.
- Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita passed for 265 yards and three second-half touchdowns, pulling the Wildcats within five before an onside kick try failed in the final seconds.
- The result snapped SMU’s five-game postseason skid and left both teams at 9-4 after the game at Snapdragon Stadium was televised nationally on FOX.