Final time the SMU Mustangs received a bowl sport, the 12 months was 2012 and its league was Convention USA. That was 13 years and two convention in the past, and far has modified throughout the program, which is quickly evolving into one of many powers of the Atlantic Coast Convention.
Regardless of the frustration of barely lacking out on a second-straight Faculty Soccer Playoff berth, SMU flew to San Diego on a enterprise journey, eyeing a signature postseason victory this system lacked for therefore lengthy. The Mustangs completed their mission within the Vacation Bowl, dethroning a ranked Arizona staff in 24-19 vogue. Rhett Lashlee and Co. lastly erased the decade-plus bowl victory drought, securing a third-straight 9+ win season for SMU.
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The Vacation Bowl was the final word story of two halves. The primary half was a commanding 24-0 shutout in favor of the Mustangs. The second half was a mere survival, as Arizona blanked SMU 19-0 throughout the ultimate two frames.
SMU got here out swinging, working a flea-flicker with many transferring components on the second play from scrimmage, releasing up tight finish Matthew Hibner for an 80-yard pickup. Operating again T.J. Harden punched it in for a 1-yard rating a play later, giving the Mustangs the quick begin it desperately craved.
The momentum solely surged after just a few early defensive stops. Harden discovered the top zone once more within the first quarter on a productive drive the place quarterback Kevin Jennings surgically picked aside a typically-stout Arizona passing protection — which lacked a number of All-Large 12 caliber defensive backs. Jennings amassed 248 passing yards within the first half in opposition to a unit which held 5-straight opponents underneath 200.
To begin the second quarter, SMU’s lead ballooned to 21-0 on a drive spearheaded by an unlikely supply. Tight finish Stone Eby — taking reps instead of the absent RJ Maryland — solely had two touches all season, however on the opening drive of the second body, Eby had an 18-yard catch, a devastating block, and a landing run to place the Mustangs up three scores.
With 29 seconds remaining within the interval, kicker Sam Keltner break up the uprights from 24 yards out to supply SMU a 24-0 halftime benefit. Arizona turned the primary staff to attain zero within the Vacation Bowl first half since 2009, when an Ndamukong Suh-led Nebraska pitched a 33-0 shutout on the Wildcats.
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Besides this time, Arizona wasn’t able to lie down and publish a goose egg on the scoreboard. The Wildcats initiated their rally when Michael Dansby intercepted Jennings ultimately zone, stopping SMU from capturing a possible 31-0 lead. Arizona capitalized on SMU’s first turnover of the evening by launching a 96-yard drive, concluding in a 28-yard connection from Noah Fifita to Javin Whatley with 2:38 left within the third quarter, slicing the deficit to 24-6.
The Mustangs’ turnover hiccups then worsened. Jennings threw a jackpot-style heave downfield the place a cluster of Mustangs and Wildcats waited for the skyball to land. After three or 4 deflections, outdoors linebacker Riley Wilson made a diving interception in SMU territory, offering Arizona a golden alternative at a comeback. Nonetheless, the Wildcats failed on fourth down from the 10-yard line to severely inconvenience the rally.
Nonetheless, Fifita went down swinging within the fourth quarter of his 265-yard displaying, main one other landing drive to encroach on SMU’s once-comfortable benefit. This time, he discovered Tre Spivey for a 10-yard rating with 8:40 left, leaving loads of time for a comeback in a 24-12 ballgame. SMU’s offense lastly responded, bleeding 4 minutes of clock and reaching the Arizona 34-yard line, wanting poised to seal the competition. Nonetheless, Jennings fired his third interception of the second half and his second to Wilson, which instantly skyrocketed Arizona’s hopes.
Fifita then delivered his third landing strike of the Vacation Bowl with 33 seconds remaining, hitting tight finish Cameron Barmore who led the Wildcats in receptions (5) and receiving yards (61). However devoid of timeouts, the Wildcats wanted their first onside kick restoration since 2017 to finish the miraculous rebound. Nonetheless, SMU pounced on the ball with none particular groups drama, securing a long-awaited Mustang victory.
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Rhett Lashlee was showered with an egg nog bathtub within the postgame festivities whereas huge receiver Yamir Knight (7 receptions, 104 yards) and free security Ahmaad Moses (13 tackles, 1 go breakup) claimed Offensive MVP and Defensive MVP honors, respectively.
Arizona (9-4, 6-3 Large 12) fell 5 factors wanting its fifth 10-win season in program historical past. The No. 21 Wildcats could have misplaced their alternative for a second season-end rating of the twenty first century, however nonetheless, 2025 was an unbelievable bounce-back 12 months underneath head coach Brent Brennan. This staff stands as one in every of 9 Arizona squads to attain 9 victories and the primary to take action since becoming a member of the Large 12.
SMU (9-4, 6-2 ACC) lastly lifts a bowl trophy after a 13-year wait. The Mustangs, which led within the fourth quarter of all 4 defeats, fell excruciatingly wanting their CFP targets however nonetheless checked off a big purpose. This system’s newfound momentum continues with three-straight 9-win seasons for the primary time because the affluent 1981-84 stretch.
