SMU triumphed over No. 21 Arizona 24-19 in the 2025 Holiday Bowl, marking a notable win for the Mustangs. It was a dominant first half for SMU, where they surged to a 24-0 lead, allowing them to withstand three second-half interceptions thrown by quarterback Kevin Jennings. Arizona fought back with three touchdown passes from Noah Fifita, including a late score that made the game close. However, SMU managed to recover an onside kick to secure the victory. The game showcased the resilience of both quarterbacks who opted to finish their college careers at their respective schools.

By the Numbers
  • Kevin Jennings passed for 278 yards and threw three interceptions.
  • Noah Fifita completed 28 of 43 passes for 265 yards and recorded three touchdown passes.
Yes, But

The outcome reflected a struggle for Arizona despite a late-game rally, as they failed to capitalize on SMU's turnovers. While Fifita showcased his talent, the Wildcats ultimately fell short due to missed opportunities and a strong performance by SMU's defense.

State of Play
  • SMU established dominance early in the game, scoring on four of their first five possessions.
  • Arizona's comeback included two touchdown passes from Fifita, but they could not secure the needed momentum as they faltered on critical downs.
What's Next

With both quarterbacks committed to their programs, they will be crucial to their teams' future strategies. SMU can build on this momentum for the upcoming season, while Arizona will need to address their late-game execution to compete at a higher level.

Bottom Line

SMU's victory illustrated the importance of strong early-game performances and the ability to hold onto leads, while Arizona's challenge highlights the necessity for consistency and capitalizing on scoring opportunities in high-stakes games.