In a season full of projected close games, why not one more?
Arizona has opened as a 1.5-point favorite over SMU in the Holiday Bowl, set for Jan. 2 in San Diego, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. It marks the eighth consecutive game the Wildcats have either been a 1-score favorite or underdog,l.
The UA (9-3) is 8-4 against the spread this season, 4-1 during the 5-game win streak including three covers in a row. SMU (8-4) is 5-7 against the spread.
Arizona is favored in a bowl game for the seventh straight
time, covering twice including the 2023 Alamo Bowl against Oklahoma. The last time the Wildcats were a bowl underdog was the 2010 Alamo Bowl.
The over/under for the Holiday Bowl is 51.5. Both teams average more than 30 points per game but the total has gone under in eight of 12 games this season for Austin’s including the last four as the Wildcats have allowed only 17 points per game during the win streak
Arizona, which is 10-11-1 all-time in bowl games, its seeking its 10th win in a season for only the fifth time in school history.
