The SMU Mustangs (9-4) took on the Arizona Wildcats (9-4) in the Trust & Will Holiday Bowl from Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California. SMU shut out Arizona in the first half with T.J. Harden scoring two rushing touchdowns as the Mustangs led 24-0 at halftime.
On the flipside, Arizona’s defense shut out SMU in the second half, while making a comeback. Quarterback Noah Fifita threw three touchdowns, but failed two two-point conversions. The Mustangs held on to a 24-19 win to end a five-game bowl losing streak.
SMU’s offense had 392 yards (278 yards passing, 114 yards rushing), 18 first downs, and the team was penalized six times for 45 yards. Quarterback Kevin Jennings completed 21 of 32 passes (65.5%) for 278 yards, three interceptions, and one carry for four yards.
Running back T.J. Harden had 10 carries for 40 yards and two rushing touchdowns, while Stone Eby had one carry for one yard and one rushing touchdown. Wide receiver Yamir Knight made seven catches for 104 yards.
Kicker Sam Keltner made one field goal for 24 yards and made three extra points. The defense made 64 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, and five pass breakups.
Arizona’s offense had 441 yards (265 yards passing, 176 yards rushing), 26 first downs, and the team was penalized six times for 60 yards. Quarterback Noah Fifita completed 28 of 43 passes (65.1%) for 265 yards, three touchdowns, one interception, and 13 carries for 73 yards.
Running back Ismail Mahdi had 11 carries for 68 yards. Tight end Cam Barmore made five catches for 61 yards and one touchdown, while Javin Whatley made three catches for 47 yards and one touchdown, and Tre Spivey made two catches for 22 yards and one touchdown.
Kicker Michael Salgado-Medina made one extra point. The defense made 52 tackles, three tackles for loss, three interceptions, and four pass breakups.
