US EditionWaves, Trick Plays and Eggnog Chaos: The Holiday Bowl Had It All
Arizona's defense was hampered by multiple opt-outs and penalties as SMU built a 24-0 halftime lead; Wildcats outscored Mustangs 19-0 in second half but fell short.
- On Jan. 2, 2026, SMU Mustangs football team defeated Arizona Wildcats football team 24-19 at Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, recovering an onside kick before an announced crowd of 30,602.
- SMU's opening drives produced multiple touchdowns, including an 80-yard catch by Matthew Hibner, leaving Arizona's secondary undermanned due to opt-outs, and building a 24-0 halftime lead.
- Standouts included Yamir Knight with seven receptions for 104 yards and Ahmaad Moses, who had 13 tackles and was defensive MVP.
- Despite being scoreless after halftime, SMU held on as Arizona forced third quarter interceptions and fourth-down stops but their comeback stalled after Tre Spivey's touchdown.
- Both teams end the season at 9-4 as Arizona closes Brent Brennan's second year, with eight Wildcats entering the transfer portal and their first half shutout since the Territorial Cup.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Waves, trick plays and eggnog chaos: The Holiday Bowl had it all
SMU’s coach Rhett Lashlee raises the Holiday Bowl trophy during the post-game celebration on Friday Jan. 2, 2026. (Photo by Kristos Zafiropoulos) It was more than just the moments from the Holiday Bowl itself that made the night memorable. A nearly sold out crowd was in attendance at Snapdragon Stadium for the game between Southern Methodist University and the University of Arizona. SMU, after a strong first half, emerged victorious, but other …
SMU builds big lead, then hangs on for Trust & Will Holiday Bowl victory over Arizona
Flea flicker is a football termed coined 100 years ago, so named because of its resemblance to a dog using its tail to flick off a flea. SMU has used the play with some success in recent years, so it should have come as no surprise to Arizona when the Mustangs tried a flea flicker two plays into Friday night’s Holiday Bowl. It went like this: Mustangs quarterback Kevin Jennings handed off to running back TJ Harden, who flipped it to teammate Der…
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