At a Glance
- SMU defeats No. 21 Arizona 24-19 in the Holiday Bowl.
- Kevin Jennings throws 278 yards and 21 of 32 passes.
- The win ends SMU’s five-game postseason losing streak.
- Why it matters: The victory restores SMU’s national standing and gives momentum after a long slump.
SMU’s early 24-0 advantage and Kevin Jennings’ 278-yard performance keep the Mustangs ahead as they defeat No. 21 Arizona 24-19 in the Holiday Bowl.
SMU’s Early Dominance Sets Tone
SMU led 24-0 at halftime, a cushion that survived three interceptions by Jennings in the second half. Arizona’s Noah Fifita threw three touchdown passes, but the Mustangs never blew the lead.
- First-half scoring: Harden 3-yard run, Eby 1-yard run, Keltner 24-yard field goal.
- Turnovers: Jennings intercepted twice; Arizona intercepted once.
- Key play: An 80-yard completion on the second play from scrimmage highlighted the Mustangs’ explosive offense.
Key Plays and Stats
The second-play play-action involved a handoff to Harden, a pitch to Knight, a toss back to Jennings, a pass to tight end Matthew Hibner, and a final run by Harden for a touchdown.
| Team | Record | Bowl Result | Passing Yards | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMU | 9-4 | Won 24-19 | 278 | 3 |
| Arizona | 9-4 | Lost 19-24 | 265 | 3 |
Coach Rhett Lashlee said:
> “These guys brought our program back. In the last three years, we won 31 games. We’ve won more games in the ACC than anybody. These guys have put us back on the national stage.”
Arizona Coach Brent Brennan reflected:
> “I love the heart and the fight and to get back into it the way they did. The throws this guy made at the game, incredible. I’m proud of this team. I’m disappointed and (mad) about tonight, but I’m not going to let that wreck how I feel about the team.”
Key Takeaways
- SMU ends a five-game postseason slump with a 24-19 win.
- Kevin Jennings’ 278-yard game includes a spectacular 80-yard play.
- Both teams finish 9-4, but SMU’s victory restores momentum after a long losing streak.
The Holiday Bowl win gives SMU a fresh start heading into the next season, while Arizona looks to rebound in their upcoming game against Northern Arizona.
