The Big 12 teams from the West may have missed out on the College Football Playoff.
But it’s bowl season, and the games matter to the programs involved.
With just one more matchup to take in before the long offseason, this is the final send-off we get for the 2025 season.
I preview the Holiday Bowl here.
SMU v. No. 17 Arizona
Friday, January 2
5:00 p.m. PT, FOX
Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, CA
The Mustangs field the No. 4 scoring offense in the ACC, averaging 32.9 points per game. And they get it done mostly through the air.
SMU has the top passing offense in the ACC and is No. 11 nationally in passing yards per game.
But that plays directly into the hands of Arizona’s defense. The Wildcats are elite at defending the pass.
Fielding the country’s top pass efficiency defense and coming into the game No. 4 nationally in interceptions, the matchup favors Arizona.
Danny Gonzales’s system uses variable looks designed to confuse opposing quarterbacks.
SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings doesn’t exactly take care of the ball, either. With 10 interceptions on the season, the UA secondary could have a field day.
Jennings stopped running the ball this year, too, and comes into the game with just 50 yards rushing.
On offense, Arizona is lining up against one of the worst pass defenses in the ACC. The Mustangs allow 284.7 yards passing per game, putting them 16th in the league.
That’s not a good sign if you’re an SMU fan. Seth Doege’s offense thrives when throwing the ball and Arizona has numerous weapons at receiver to take advantage.
And without any significant opt-outs, UA is in a favorable position.
Combined with a crowd that is expected to significantly favor Arizona, it’s fair to expect the Cats to win.
