Photo Credit: David Frerker / Holiday Bowl
A Homecoming for Brennan
For Brennan, the Holiday Bowl represents a return to familiar territory. The Arizona coach shared personal connections to the storied bowl game, recalling his time as a graduate assistant at Washington in 1999 and watching his brother play in the 1998 edition.
"The University of Arizona is incredibly honored to be in the Trust & Will Holiday Bowl," Brennan said, praising the hospitality of Sports San Diego and its legendary red jackets. He emphasized the significance of playing in California, his home state, and noted that much of Arizona's roster hails from the Golden State.
The Wildcats enter the match-up with one of the nation's top defenses and the country's best turnover margin. Brennan urged fans to snap up the remaining 5,000 tickets, promising an exceptional college football game.
SMU's Postseason Tradition Continues
Lashlee, leading SMU to its seventh straight postseason appearance, acknowledged the Holiday Bowl's prestigious history while looking to improve the Mustangs' recent bowl game record.
"For our school, our fan base, and our players to get to play in this game is a huge honor," Lashlee said, referencing SMU's memorable 1980 Holiday Bowl appearance featuring Eric Dickerson and Craig James.
The SMU coach praised Arizona's formidable defense, highlighting their ranking as the second-best turnover defense in the country and noting that only two teams have scored over 30 points against them in regulation this season.
Culture Over Opt-Outs
Both coaches addressed the elephant in the room: player opt-outs that have affected other bowl games this season. However, neither anticipates significant issues with their rosters.
"We have a really healthy culture," Brennan said, noting his team's excitement about the matchup. "The vibe of this football team, the way they show up for each other, the way they compete, has really been a lot of fun."
Lashlee echoed similar sentiments, reporting a spirited practice before his flight to San Diego. The SMU coach honored 29 seniors at their team banquet, all eager to play one final game for the Mustangs.
Portal Timing and Player Decisions
Both coaches discussed the challenges of the current college football calendar, with the transfer portal creating uncertainty around bowl games. Brennan expressed support for the move toward a singular portal window, which would provide more stability for teams entering the second semester.
While acknowledging that some players may enter the portal before the bowl game, both coaches emphasized that their programs' strong cultures have kept rosters intact and players motivated.
New end zone design voted on by the fans.
A Marquee Match-Up
The game features two programs with distinct strengths. Arizona boasts the nation's top turnover margin, having committed only 12 turnovers on offense while their defense ranks second nationally in takeaways. The Wildcats' defense is top five against the pass and ranks in the top 20 in both scoring and total defense.
SMU, coming off a College Football Playoff appearance last year, brings a high-powered offensive attack and a winning tradition that has become habitual for the program.
"It's going to be a hell of a football game," Brennan promised, urging fans one more time to secure their tickets before they're gone.
With both teams bringing talented rosters, respected coaching staffs, and strong team cultures, the Trust & Will Holiday Bowl appears poised to deliver the compelling matchup both coaches promised.
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