SMU Triumphs in Holiday Bowl with Strategic Play and Resilience

Kevin Jennings, the quarterback for SMU, delivered a standout performance in the Holiday Bowl, throwing for 278 yards. His most notable play was an 80-yard completion on a creative razzle-dazzle play during the second play from scrimmage. This performance helped SMU defeat No. 21 Arizona 24-19 on Friday night.

Jennings completed 21 of 32 passes, setting up two touchdown runs by T.J. Harden and one by Stone Eby for the Mustangs (9-4). The victory marked a significant milestone as SMU ended a five-game postseason losing streak that included a 38-10 loss to Penn State in the opening round of last season’s College Football Playoff. Arizona also finished with a 9-4 record.

Coach Lashlee Expresses Pride in Team’s Performance

SMU coach Rhett Lashlee praised his team’s efforts, stating, “These guys brought our program back. In the last three years, we won 31 games. For these guys to do that, two of those years were our first two years in the ACC. We’ve won more games in the ACC than anybody. These guys have put us back on the national stage, with the college playoff berth and now a Holiday Bowl win, and just giving our program a lot of momentum.”

The Mustangs took a commanding 24-0 lead at halftime, which proved enough to overcome three interceptions by Jennings in the second half and three touchdown passes by Arizona’s Noah Fifita. Unlike their previous visit to the Holiday Bowl, the Mustangs did not squander their lead this time.

A Historic Comeback in the 1980 Holiday Bowl

In the 1980 Holiday Bowl, SMU led BYU 45-25 with about four minutes left. However, the game took a dramatic turn as Jim McMahon led a comeback capped by a 41-yard Hail Mary to Clay Brown, resulting in a 46-45 win for BYU. This remains one of the wildest finishes in college football history.

Fifita threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Cameron Barmore with 33 seconds left, but SMU recovered the ensuing onside kick, securing their victory.

Execution of a Unique Play

The Mustangs didn’t wait for halftime to showcase their talent. On second-and-8 from the SMU 19, Jennings handed off to Harden, who pitched it to wide receiver Yamir Knight, who then tossed it back to Jennings. The QB hit tight end Matthew Hibner, who was tripped up at the 1. Harden scored on the next play.

“It’s amazing to see how we executed that play,” Jennings said. “We don’t run it that much, but this time we executed it.”

Lashlee added, “What’s funny is, we carried it most weeks and I know that these guys have jokes sometimes. We got to the last game of the year and it was like, we haven’t run it this year. We just made sure to make it the second play of the game.”

Strong Start and Consistent Performance

SMU scored on four of its first five possessions. Harden scored on a 3-yard run late in the first quarter to cap an 87-yard drive, Eby scored on a 1-yard run midway through the second quarter to finish a 94-yard drive, and Sam Keltner kicked a 24-yard field goal on the next possession.

Jennings’ pass was intercepted by Michael Dansby at the Arizona 4 early in the third quarter, and Fifita capped the drive with a 28-yard touchdown pass to Javin Whatley. The two-point conversion attempt failed.

Jennings threw another interception on SMU’s next possession, this one by Riley Wilson, and the Wildcats had a first down on the Mustangs 14, but they gained just 4 yards and turned it over on downs.

Arizona’s Efforts and Future Outlook

Fifita threw a 10-yard scoring pass to Tre Spivey to close to 24-12 midway through the fourth quarter. Wilson intercepted a pass again, but the Mustangs got the ball back a few plays later when Alexander Kilgore intercepted Fifita’s pass.

Fifita was 28 of 43 for 265 yards. Arizona coach Brent Brennan expressed pride in his team’s effort, stating, “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.”

Loyalty in the Era of NIL and Transfer Portal

In a rare showing of loyalty in the era of NIL and the transfer portal, the two redshirt junior quarterbacks, Jennings and Fifita, have chosen to remain at their schools and appear set to finish their careers where they started.

Key Takeaways and Upcoming Games

Arizona: The Wildcats fell short of their second 10-win season in three years.

SMU: The Mustangs won a postseason game for the first time since 2012, when they beat Fresno State 43-10 in the Hawaii Bowl.

Up next:

• Arizona: Hosts Northern Arizona on Sept. 5.
• SMU: Hosts UC Davis on Sept. 12.