Arizona is headed to the Holiday Bowl to play SMU. Arizona enters the Holiday Bowl on a five-game winning streak. Similar to the 2023 season, Arizona has an opportunity for a 10-win season if it wins its bowl game. SMU finished 8-4 a year after making the College Football Playoff.
Arizona is making its third Holiday Bowl appearance. Arizona defeated Nebraska in the 1998 Holiday Bowl and lost to the Cornhuskers in 2009. SMU is making its second appearance in the Holiday Bowl. BYU beat SMU 46-45 in the 1980 Holiday Bowl on a Hail Mary from Jim McMahon.