As Arizona gears up for its bowl showdown against SMU, the Wildcats are more than ready to trade practice reps for real game action. After nearly a month of hitting each other in practice, the energy inside the program is shifting from preparation to anticipation.
“It’s kind of like the end of training camp,” said head coach Brent Brennan. “You’re just ready to play someone else.”
And it’s not just any game. It’s a nationally televised bowl matchup with all the bells and whistles-prime exposure, high stakes, and a quality opponent. For Arizona, this is more than just a reward for a strong season-it’s a measuring stick and a momentum-builder.
The Layoff: Blessing or Burden?
Extended time between the regular season finale and bowl kickoff can be a double-edged sword. Rust is always a concern, but so is readiness. Brennan, though, is choosing to see the upside.
“For us, this has been a great month,” he said. “A lot of young players got real coaching and real reps.”
That development time matters, especially for a program trying to build something sustainable. It’s not just about the starters staying sharp-it’s about the depth getting stronger, the future getting brighter.
Balancing the Bowl Week Buzz
Bowl games come with distractions-festivities, events, and a schedule that’s anything but routine. Brennan knows that.
He’s lived it. And he wants his players to soak in the experience without losing focus.
“This is way different than a regular road game,” he said. “The Holiday Bowl is doing great things for our guys, and I want them to enjoy it. These are the moments you remember.”
But when it’s time to flip the switch, Brennan expects his team to be locked in. Practice intensity matters.
Game readiness matters. The Wildcats aren’t just here for the swag bags-they’re here to win.
Transfer Portal Buzz and Recruiting Momentum
The transfer portal opened on Friday, and Arizona’s success this season is already paying dividends. Brennan sees the Wildcats’ exciting brand of football as a magnet for talent.
“I think we’ve got some outstanding players coming back,” he said. “And our coaches?
They’re gangster recruiters. We’re good at this.”
That confidence is rooted in results. Arizona built this year’s team off a 4-8 foundation.
They identified talent, recruited relentlessly, and developed players who bought into the vision. That formula is now part of the program’s identity-and it’s one they believe will continue to attract the right kind of athlete.
An “Extra Life” for a Special Group
Bowl season isn’t just a reward-it’s an extension. More practices, more meetings, more time together. For Brennan and his players, that’s the real win.
“Since we got bowl eligible, we’ve talked about this extra life,” Brennan said. “It’s more time for this group to be together.”
Every team has a shelf life, and when the season ends, that group is never quite the same again. Players graduate.
Some transfer. Others go pro.
So every extra day matters. And Arizona is making the most of it-on the field and off.
From the grind of practice to the joy of team outings, the Wildcats are embracing the full bowl experience. They’re not just preparing for SMU-they’re building something that lasts beyond this game.
And if the past month is any indication, Arizona’s not just happy to be here. They’re ready to show they belong.