Arizona Wildcats Set to Face SMU Mustangs in Holiday Bowl Showdown
Arizona is gearing up to face the SMU Mustangs in the Holiday Bowl on Jan. 2 in San Diego after finishing the regular season with a 5-game win streak. The Wildcats will be looking to secure their fifth 10-win season in school history as they take on SMU, who will be making their second appearance in the Holiday Bowl. The game will kick off at 6 p.m. MT and will be broadcasted on Fox. Arizona, ranked No. 17 in the College Football Playoff rankings, will represent the Pac-12 in this matchup, while SMU will be representing the ACC.
The Wildcats have a 10-11-1 all-time record in bowl games, with their most recent victory coming in 2023 in the Alamo Bowl. Arizona has previously played in the Holiday Bowl twice, with contrasting outcomes. In 1998, they defeated Nebraska to cap off a historic 12-1 season, while in 2009, they suffered a 30-0 loss to the Cornhuskers. Arizona and SMU have faced off twice before, with each team securing a win on their home field. The last meeting between the two teams was in 1985, with the Wildcats emerging victorious.
The Holiday Bowl will take place at Snapdragon Stadium, where Arizona started their 2022 season with a win over San Diego State. The Wildcats will be looking to continue their winning momentum and secure a victory against SMU in this highly anticipated matchup.