SAN DIEGO — SMU wasted no time ending more than a decade of bowl frustration.
The Mustangs built a big early cushion, then held firm late, beating Arizona State 24–19 in the Holiday Bowl on Saturday to secure their first bowl victory since 2012.
Quarterback Kevin Jennings fueled the fast start, connecting on an 80-yard strike to tight end Matthew Hibber to set up the opening touchdown and tie the Holiday Bowl record for longest completion. Jennings finished 21 of 32 for 278 yards, spreading the ball to eight different receivers as SMU closed the season at 9–4.
Yamir Knight was the featured target and was named Offensive MVP after seven catches for 104 yards — his second 100-yard game of the season. Hibber added 85 receiving yards, while Jordan Hudson finished with five receptions.
On the ground, TJ Harden supplied the scoring punch. He rushed for two touchdowns, becoming the first Mustang with multiple rushing scores in a bowl game since 2019. SMU totaled three rushing touchdowns, its most in a postseason game since 2012.
The Mustangs controlled the opening 30 minutes, leading 14–0 after the first quarter and 24–0 by halftime while outgaining Arizona State 328–132 before the break. Explosive plays through the air and timely third-down conversions stretched the advantage.
SMU’s defense delivered in key moments, particularly on fourth down, turning the Sun Devils away three times, including a stop inside the 10-yard line to end the third quarter. Safety Ahmaad Moses earned Defensive MVP honors with 13 tackles and a pass breakup. Linebacker Alexander Kilgore added an interception as SMU registered its 28th takeaway of the season.
The win extends SMU’s streak of nine-win seasons to three straight and ties a program record with 31 victories over that span, the school’s best sustained run since the early 1980s.
