The No. 17 University of Arizona football team, with a record of 9-3, is heading to San Diego for the Trust & Will Holiday Bowl. They’ll face Southern Methodist University (SMU), which has an 8-4 record. The game will kick off on January 2 at 6 p.m. MST at Snapdragon Stadium. Arizona fans can catch the action on FOX. If you’re attending, don’t forget to wear red to cheer on the Wildcats!
This isn’t Arizona’s first trip to the Holiday Bowl. They previously appeared in 1998 and 2009, both times against the University of Nebraska, winning one and losing one. This year marks the 23rd bowl appearance for both teams, making it a significant event for their fans.
Past Matchups
Arizona and SMU have a rich history, having faced each other twice before. Their first meeting was in 1938, where SMU claimed victory with a score of 29-7. They met again in 1985 when Arizona pulled off an upset, defeating No. 3 SMU 28-6 at home. Now, they’ll meet again on this exciting stage.
Wildcats’ Season Highlights
The Wildcats had an impressive season, ending on a high note with five straight wins. Their latest victory was against rivals ASU for the 99th Territorial Cup. Quarterback Noah Fifita played a key role, throwing for 286 yards and a touchdown. His standout performance earned him the Bob Moran MVP of the Territorial Cup.
Mustangs’ Season Recap
SMU’s season ended with a narrow 38-35 loss to the University of California, Berkeley. This defeat knocked them out of the ACC Championship Game. Prior to that, SMU enjoyed a three-game winning streak, defeating teams like the University of Miami and Boston College. Throughout the season, they had an impressive 14 offensive scoring drives that resulted in touchdowns within two minutes.
Quarterback Kevin Jennings emerged as a standout player for the Mustangs, ranking among the top 14 nationally in several categories, including completions per game and passing touchdowns. His leadership has been crucial for SMU’s success this season.
With both teams carrying momentum into this game, fans can expect an exciting showdown. The outcome could significantly impact the trajectory of both programs in the coming years, making this match one to watch.
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