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SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Kevin Jennings threw for 278 yards, highlighted by an 80-yard completion on a razzle-dazzle play on the second play from scrimmage, and SMU Mustangs beat No. 21 Arizona Wildcats 24-19 in the Holiday Bowl on Friday night.

Jennings completed 21 of 32 passes, and set up two touchdown runs by T.J. Harden and one by Stone Eby for the Mustangs (9-4). They snapped a five-game postseason losing streak that included a 38-10 defeat to Penn State in the opening round of last season's College Football Playoff. Arizona also finished 9-4.

SMU was up 24-0 at halftime, a big enough lead to overcome three interceptions by Jennings in the second half and three touchdown passes by Arizona's Noah Fifita. And unlike its last visit to the Holiday Bowl, the Mustangs didn't blow the big lead.

Led by the "Pony Express" backfield of Eric Dickerson and Craig James in the 1980 Holiday Bowl, the Mustangs took a 45-25 lead over BYU with about four minutes left. But in one of the wildest finishes in college football history, Jim McMahon led a comeback capped by a 41-yard Hail Mary to Clay Brown as time expired for a 46-45 win.

Fifita threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Cameron Barmore with 33 seconds left but SMU recovered the ensuing onside kick.

The Mustangs didn't wait for the halftime fireworks to put on a show. On second-and-8 from the SMU 19, Jennings handed off to Harden, who pitched it to wide receiver Yamir Knight, who then tossed it back to Jennings. The QB hit tight end Matthew Hibner, who was tripped up at the 1. Harden scored on the next play.

SMU scored on four of its first five possessions. Harden scored on a 3-yard run late in the first quarter to cap an 87-yard drive, Eby scored on a 1-yard run midway through the second quarter to finish a 94-yard drive and Sam Keltner kicked a 24-yard field goal on the next possession.

Jennings' pass was intercepted by Michael Dansby at the Arizona 4 early in the third quarter, and Fifita capped the drive with a 28-yard touchdown pass to Javin Whatley. The two-point conversion attempt failed.

Jennings threw another interception on SMU's next possessionm this one by by Riley Wilson and the Wildcats had a first down on the Mustangs 14, but they gained just 4 yards and turned it over on downs.

Fifita threw a 10-yard scoring pass to Tre Spivey to close to 24-12 midway through the fourth quarter.

Wilson intercepted a pass again, but the Mustangs got the ball back a few plays later when Alexander Kilgore intercepted Fifita's pass.

Fifita was 28 of 43 for 265 yards.

In a rare showing of loyalty in the era of NIL and the transfer portal, the two redshirt junior quarterbacks, Jennings and Fifita, have chosen to remain at their schools and appear set to finish their careers where they started.
 

• [rv AP/rv Coaches] SMU 24, [17 CFP/21 AP/20 Coaches] Arizona 19
• SMU (9-4), Arizona (9-4)
• Snapdragon Stadium – San Diego, Calif.

• First bowl win for SMU since the 2012 Hawaii Bowl (W, 43-10 vs Fresno State)
• Longest Pass Completion – 80 yards from Kevin Jennings to Matthew Hibner
  • 80-yard pass ties Holiday Bowl record
  • SMU bowl record was 71, Kyle Padron to Cole Beasley vs. Nevada, 2009 Hawaii Bowl
• TJ Harden was 10-40 rushing with 2 TDs
  • First Mustang with multiple rushing TDs in a bowl game since Xavier Jones (2) in the 2019 Boca Raton Bowl
• SMU had 3 rushing TDs
  • Most in a bowl game since 3 vs Pitt in the 2012 BBVA Compass Bowl (1/7/12)
• Yamir Knight hauled in 7 receptions for 104 yards
  • Second 100-yard receiving game this season
    • Most receptions in a bowl game since James Proche had 9 in the 2019 Boca Raton Bowl (Dec. 21, 2019)
    • Most receiving yards in a bowl game since Darius Johnson went 7-120 in the 2012 BBVA Compass Bowl (Jan. 7, 2012) 

• Offensive MVP – Yamir Knight - https://x.com/CFBONFOX/status/2007311768201335095
• Defensive MVP – Ahmaad Moses - https://x.com/CFBONFOX/status/2007312308624830639

• SMU led 14-0 after the 1^st quarter and 24-0 at halftime
  • Most points in the first half of a bowl game for SMU since 31 in the 1^st half of the 2009 Hawaii Bowl (W, 45-10 vs Nevada)
• 1^st half totals: SMU 24, Arizona 0
  • Passing: SMU 18-23, 248 yards, UA 7-13, 43 yards
  • Total Yards: SMU 328, UA 132
  • 1^st Downs: SMU 16, UA 7
  • 3^rd Downs: SMU 3-6, UA 1-5

• SMU held Arizona to 2-5 on fourth down
  • Stop: 4^th & 2 on the SMU 35 at 5:23 2^nd Qtr
  • Stop: 4^th & 1 on the Arizona 44 at 11:30 3^rd Qtr
  • Converted: 4^th & 1 on the Arizona 40 at 6:01 3^rd Qtr
  • Stop: 4^th & 6 at the SMU 10 at 0:00 3^rd Qtr
  • Converted 4^th & 2 on the SMU 10 at 8:47 4^th Qtr 

• SMU scored on one drive in under 2 minutes
  • Opening TD (TJ Harden 1 yard run) – 3 plays, 83 yards in 0:56
    • 7^th touchdown scoring drive under a minute this season
• SMU has recorded 15 touchdown drives in under two minutes this season
• TJ Harden capped off SMU's opening drive with a 1-yard touchdown
  • 3 plays / 83 yards, 0:56
  • Kevin Jennings 80-yard pass to Matthew Hibner on the second play of the drive
    • Longest pass since Jennings 80-yard touchdown pass to Matthew Hibner (80t) vs. Pitt., Nov. 2, 2024

• SMU is 9-4 this season
• SMU is 38-16 under Rhett Lashlee
• SMU has won at least 9 games for the third straight season (2023 11-3, 2024 11-3, 2025 9-4)
  • Longest stretch since 4 straight seasons from 1981-84
  • 31 wins in three seasons ties the program record
    • 31 (1981 10-1, 1982 11-0-1, 1983 10-2)
    • 31 (1982 11-0-1, 1983 10-2, 1984 10-2)
    • 31 (2023 11-3, 2024 11-3, 2025 9-4)

• Kevin Jennings (#7, QB, RS Jr.) – All-ACC Honorable Mention, Maxwell Award Watch List, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Watch List, Davey O'Brien Award Watch List, Manning Award Watch List, East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 List, Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Semifinalist, Phil Steele All-ACC Second Team, Athlon Sports All-ACC Third Team
  • 19-7 as a starter
  • 21-32 passing for 278 yards with
  • 1-4 rushing
  • Entering the game
    • 2^nd ACC / 9^th NCAA FBS in passing yards per game at 280.3
    • 3^rd ACC / 15^th NCAA FBS in passing yards per game at 3,363
    • 3^rd ACC / 15^th NCAA FBS in passing TDs at 26
    • 2^nd ACC / 19^th NCAA FBS in total offense per game at 284.4
    • 3^rd ACC / 26^th NCAA FBS in points responsible for at 180
    • 2^nd ACC / 16^th NCAA FBS in points responsible for per game at 15.0
    • 6^th ACC / 32^nd NCAA FBS in completion percentage at 61.1%
• 8 different receivers caught a pass
  • At least 7 players have a catch in 41 of the past 44 games, including every game this season
  • Yamir Knight 7-104 (2nd 100-yard game this season)
  • Jordan Hudson 5-17
  • Jalen Cooper 3-41
  • Matthew Hibner 2-85
  • Stone Eby 1-18
  • Dramekco Green 1-11
  • Chris Johnson Jr. 1-4
  • Derrick McFall 1-(-2)
• Rushing Leaders
  • TJ Harden – 10-40 with 2 TDs
    • 3^rd game this season with multiple rushing TDs
  • Dramekco Green – 7-35
  • Chris Johnson Jr – 5-16 

• Total Yards: SMU 392, Arizona 441
• Passing Yards: SMU 278, Arizona 265
  • SMU entered the game 2^nd ACC / 12^th NCAA FBS with 283.5
• Rushing Yards: SMU 114, Arizona 176
• Total plays: SMU 64, Arizona 79
• 3^rd downs: SMU 3-10, Arizona 8-16
• Sacks: SMU 1, Arizona 0
  • SMU entered the game 2^nd ACC / 17^th NCAA FBS with 2.83
• Red Zone: SMU 4-4, Arizona 2-3
  • SMU entered the game 1^st ACC / 6^th NCAA FBS in red zone defense .705
  • SMU entered the game 3^rd ACC / 25^th NCAA FBS in red zone offense .900 

• Captains: Kevin Jennings (#7, QB, Jr.), Alexander Kilgore (#54, LB, Jr.), Ahmaad Moses (#3, S, Sr.), Logan Parr (#71, OL, Sr.) 
• SMU had 1 sack, 5 TFLs & 5 Pass Breakups
  • 1 sacks: (entered game 2^nd ACC / 17^th NCAA FBS at 2.83): Billy Walton III (1)
    • Isaiah Smith entered the game 3^rd ACC / 19^th NCAA FBS at 0.71
  • 5 TFLs  (entered game 6^th ACC / 26^th NCAA FBS at 6.4): Isaiah Smith (1), Billy Walton III (1), Deuce Harmon (1), Brandon Miyazono (1), Woo Spencer (1)
  • Isaiah Smith entered the game 2nd ACC / 6th NCAA FBS at 1.42
  • 5 PBUs: Tyren Polley Jr. (1), La'Modrick Spencer (1), Marcellus Barnes Jr. (1) Ahmaad Moses (1), Jaelyn Davis-Robinson (1)
  • Tackle leaders: Ahmaad Moses 13 (10 solo), Brandon Booker 7 (4 solo)
• SMU had 1 takeaway (1 interception)
  • Interceptions: Alexander Kilgore (2^nd INT this season)
  • Have 28 takeaways this season (entered the game 1^st ACC / 5^th NCAA FBS in takeaways – 27)
  • Have 18 interceptions this season (entered the game 1^st ACC / 7^th NCAA FBS in interceptions – 17)
    • Ahmaad Moses entered the game 3^rd ACC 7^th NCAA FBS in total interceptions with 5
  • Have 10 fumble recoveries this season (entered the game 2^nd ACC / 10^th NCAA FBS in fumble recoveries – 10)
  • Have 3 defensive TDs (entered the game 3^rd ACC / 10^th NCAA FBS defensive TDs – 3)

• SMU Football (@SMUFB)
  • TJ Harden 1-yard TD run https://x.com/SMUFB/status/2007259448767824073?s=20
  • TJ Harden 3-yard TD run https://x.com/SMUFB/status/2007267772947149019?s=20
  • Stone Eby 1-yard TD run https://x.com/SMUFB/status/2007273600622178711?s=20
  • Peruna field run https://x.com/SMUMustangs/status/2007272063191679358?s=20
  • Alexander Kilgore INT https://x.com/i/status/2007305158678720938
  • Bowl Celebration https://x.com/CFBONFOX/status/2007313150094483650
  • Kevin Jennings on field interview https://x.com/CFBONFOX/status/2007309596529176634
• SMU Highlights and Head Coach Rhett Lashlee postgame radio | SMU Radio Network on KTCK "The Ticket" 96.7 FM/1310 AM (Rich Phillips pxp, Scott Garner analyst, Steve Lansdale sideline) – Courtesy Learfield / SMU Athletics
  • Highlights: https://tinyurl.com/28ccf2wz
•  SMU Postgame Press Conference - https://www.facebook.com/holidaybow
• Photos – Courtesy SMU Athletics: https://smu.box.com/s/8h3vwebygxlddfwzp542agkri1otp1ex 

• 5-17 receiving
• Kevin Jennings (#7, QB, RS Jr.) -- All-ACC Honorable Mention, Maxwell Award Watch List, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Watch List, Davey O'Brien Award Watch List, Manning Award Watch List, East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 List, Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Semifinalist, Phil Steele All-ACC Second Team, Athlon Sports All-ACC Third Team
  • 21-32 passing for 278 yards with
  • 1-4 rushing

• RJ Maryland (#82, TE, Sr.) -- John Mackey Award Watch List, College Football Comeback Player of the Year Watch List, Senior Bowl Top 300 List, East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 List, Phil Steele All-ACC Second Team, Athlon Sports All-ACC Second Team, Dave Campbell's Texas Football All-Texas First Team
  • DNP

• Isaiah Smith (#1, DE, Sr.) - All-ACC Second Team, Phil Steele All-ACC Fourth Team
  • 2 tackles, 1 TFL

• SMU scored 24 points 

• SMU was 21-32 passing for 278 yards

• SMU had 1 sack

• SMU had 1 interception return(s) for 0 yards

• Marcellus Barnes Jr. (#8, CB, So.)
  • 1 ta`ckle, 1 PBU
• Joshua Bates (#64, OL, So.) - All-ACC Honorable Mention, Rimington Trophy Watch List
  • Started all 13 games this season at center
• Stone Eby (#44, TE, RS-Sr.)
  • 1-1 rushing with 1 TD
  • 1-18 receiving
  • First touchdown this season
• Dramekco Green (#21, RB, Fr.)
  • 7-35 rushing and 1-11 receiving
• TJ Harden (#27, RB, Sr. ) - East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 List
  • 10-40 rushing with 2 TDs
  • 3^rd game this season with multiple rushing TDs
• Deuce Harmon (#7, CB, Sr.) - All-ACC Honorable Mention
  • 1 tackle, 1 TFL Started all 13 games this season
• Matthew Hibner (#88, TE, Gr.) - All-ACC Honorable Mention, John Mackey Award Watch List
  • 2-85 receiving
  • 80-yard reception from Kevin Jennings tied the longest of his career (11/2/24 vs Pitt)
• Jordan Hudson (#2, WR, Sr.) - All-ACC Third Team, East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 List, Phil Steele All-ACC Second Team, Athlon Sports All-ACC Second Team
  • 5-17 receiving
• Alexander Kilgore (#54, LB, Jr.) - Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, Allstate AFCA Good Works Team nominee, Athlon Sports All-ACC Fourth Team
  • 3 tackles, 1 INT
  • 3^rd career INT
• Chris Johnson Jr. (#6, RB, So.)
  • 2-5 rushing
  • 1-4 receiving
• Sam Keltner (#95, K, Fr.)
  • 3-3 PAT
  • 1-1 FG (Made 24)
• Yamir Knight (#8, WR, Jr.) - All-ACC Honorable Mention
  • 7-104 receiving
•  Derrick McFall (#0, RB, Fr.) – Doak Walker Award Watch List
  • 3-6 rushing
• Jeffrey M'ba (#6, DT, So.) - All-ACC Honorable Mention
  • DNP
• Wade McSparron (#43, P, RS Fr.)
  • 3-133 punting with a long of 52
• Ahmaad Moses (#3, S. Sr.) – All-ACC First Team, Walter Camp Award Semifinalist, Senior Bowl Top 300 List, East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 List, Athlon Sports All-ACC First Team, Phil Steele All-ACC Second Team, ACC DB of the Week (9/2)
  • 13 tackles, 1 PBU
• Addison Nichols (#63, OL, RS Jr.) -- Rimington Trophy Watch List, East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 List, Phil Steele All-ACC Third Team, Athlon Sports All-ACC Third Team
  • Started 13 games at RG at SMU (started all 12 games at Arkansas in 2024)
• Isaiah Nwokobia (#23, S, RS Sr.) - All-ACC Honorable Mention, Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Watch List, Bronco Nagurski Trophy Watch List, Chuck Bednarik Watch List, Senior Bowl Top 300 List, East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 List, Walter Camp All-America Second Team, Sporting News All-America Second Team, Athlon Sports All-America Third Team, Phil Steele All-America Fourth Team, All-ACC Team, Phil Steele All-ACC First Team, Athlon Sports All-ACC First Team, Dave Campbell's Texas Football All-Texas First Team
  • DNP (injury) https://x.com/it_zaay/status/2006033196983419250?s=20
• Logan Parr (#71, OL, Gr.) – All-ACC First Team, East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 List, Phil Steele All-ACC Second Team, Athlon Sports All-ACC Second Team, Dave Campbell's Texas Football All-Texas First Team
  • Has started 38 of the 40 games played at SMU
• Cameron Robertson (#9, DE, Sr.) - Athlon Sports All-ACC Third Team
  • 3 tackles
• Terry Webb (#4, DT, 5th Yr. ) - All-ACC Honorable Mention, East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 List, Dave Campbell's Texas Football All-Texas Second Team
  • 2 tackles
•  PJ Williams (#59, OL, RS Jr.) - All-ACC Second Team, Outland Trophy Watch List, East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 List, Athlon Sports All-ACC First Team, Phil Steele All-ACC Fourth Team, Dave Campbell's Texas Football All-Texas Second Team
  • Has started the last 28 games he has played