It was more than just the moments from the Holiday Bowl itself that made the night memorable.
A nearly sold out crowd was in attendance at Snapdragon Stadium for the game between Southern Methodist University and the University of Arizona. SMU, after a strong first half, emerged victorious, but other moments before and after the contest stood out.
From the surfing snowman cruising the perfect San Diego wave in the end zone to the “Eggnog Dump” – with a daring trick play in-between – the Holiday Bowl was entertaining from beginning to end.
In the first minute of play, SMU successfully fooled a well-coached Arizona defense with a reverse flea flicker, resulting in an 80-yard gain and a touchdown one play later.
SMU’s mascot, a black pony named Peruna IX, stole the show by making an appearance after all three of SMU’s first-half touchdowns.
Arizona fought to get back into the game, but SMU’s strong start was too much to overcome as the Wildcats fell 24-19.
During the award ceremony, SMU wide receiver Yamir Knight took offensive MVP honors. He finished with seven catches for 104 yards. Ahmaad Moses’ 13 total tackles and a pass deflection earned him the defensive MVP title.
SMU’s Head Coach Rhett Lashlee donned the Holiday Bowl sweater, a tradition for the winning head coach.
The traditions didn’t stop there, as Brian Baumgartner, known best as Kevin Malone from the Emmy Award-winning sitcom The Office, made an appearance for the Holiday Bowl “Eggnog Dump.”
He attempted to soak Lashlee, but Lashlee and the Holiday Bowl sweater stayed surprisingly dry as the actor missed, primarily hitting a group of photographers instead.
Baumgartner was undaunted by his eggnog mishap, saying “It was awesome.”
SMU ended the season by snapping their bowl game losing streak, securing a victory for the first time since 2012.
“We hadn’t won a bowl game, we hadn’t finished the season with a win,” Lashlee said. “And to get to do it here in San Diego at a bowl as prestigious as the Holiday Bowl against Coach (Brent) Brennan and a great team. It’s just a great way to cap off the season,” he said.
