👋 GOOD MORNING - It’s been quite lonely without any college football games from our local teams these past two weeks. But now, it’s time to go bowling.

The Wildcats and Sun Devils both had successful seasons this year, though one program might have exceeded expectations more than the other. Still, it’s always good to be playing for something come season’s end, and that’s just what we have in front of us this week.

Let’s look at the matchups!

— Alex D’Agostino, PHNX Sports Daily Editor

Bowl season is the best, isn’t it?

There’s football on just about every day as we get closer and closer to 2026, while the stakes are high, even if they aren’t.

Honestly, I’m a little disappointed the Pop Tarts Bowl wasn’t an option for either Arizona school. Oh well, maybe another time.

The point is, there are two bowl games on the horizon for Arizona and Arizona State. The Wildcats will play SMU in the Holiday Bowl, while the Sun Devils take on Duke in the Sun Bowl.

Neither team is playing for their lives in the college football playoff this year, but perhaps that makes it less stressful and more fun, even if it’s disappointing to fall short of the big dance.

Arizona (9-3, 6-3 Big 12) vs SMU (8-4, 6-2 ACC)
Game info: Friday, 6:00 p.m., Snapdragon Stadium - San Diego, CA
Last Meeting: W, 28-6 (October 5, 1985)

The Wildcats finished their 2025 with an unbelievable surge. They won five straight to close out conference play and wrested the Territorial Cup back away from the Sun Devils to put the finishing touches on a season that smashed expectations.

If not for some early growing pains, the Wildcats might have been playing for the Big 12 title this season, but alas, it was not to be. Still, Brent Brennan’s squad found themselves ranked No. 17 in the nation at season’s end, with a prominent bowl game against a quality opponent waiting for them.

SMU isn’t going to be an easy matchup, though. The key for Arizona:

What they were doing before season’s end was certainly working, so don’t let the extended break change the philosophy. The Wildcats have won games by being adaptable to what their opponents have given them, above all else.

Offensively, Arizona has put up 32.9 points per game and over 400 yards per game, but their defense has still been the main event. They’ve held opponents to 301.6 yards per game — the 16th-best figure in the country, all while leading the Big 12 in interceptions with 19.

There is a chance they don’t have the services of some of their premier DBs — Dalton Johnson and Treydan Stukes — but as of now, coach Brennan has not revealed any potential opt-outs.

Arizona State (8-4, 6-3 Big 12) vs Duke (8-5, 6-2 ACC)
Game info: Wednesday, December 31, 12:00 p.m.
Last Meeting: W, 36-31 (December 27, 2014)

It might not be the season Sun Devil fans had been hoping for this year, but it’s still been a year full of excitement. There’s been plenty of adversity, to say the least — in terms of injury, transfer portal rumors and stress regarding the future of the coaching staff and overall program.

But now there’s clarity. Coach Kenny Dillingham is locked in to ASU, and the future of the Sun Devils program is in good hands, regardless of what kind of roster turnover occurs.

Duke, meanwhile, stole the ACC title away from Virginia in a stunning overtime game. They finished hot — but they’re beatable. The key:

With backup QB Jeff Sims under center, the biggest key for the Sun Devils is to simply hold onto the football. When ASU holds onto the ball, they can be lethal in the run game. Playing the ball-control game is crucial.

The Sun Devils will likely have to keep the ball on the ground. With Sims under center and star wideout Jordyn Tyson expected to opt out in preparation for the NFL Draft, throwing the ball at a high volume could be risky. The Sun Devils averaged the third-most rushing yards per game (189.4), and the fourth-highest per-carry average (4.9 yards).

Capitol-ized: The Suns furthered their win streak last night, taking down the Washington Wizards on the road by a score of 115-101 without the services of Mark Williams, who served a one-game suspension for his altercation with Jose Alvarado.

Dillon Brooks led the scoring with 26 points, while Devin Booker (22 points) and Collin Gillespie (25 points) helped pour on the offense. Phoenix improves to 19-13 on the season.

Tune-up: The No. 1-ranked Wildcat basketball squad took care of business against South Dakota State for a 99-71 win last night. Freshman Koa Peat had 19 points and 14 rebounds and even made his first career three-pointer. Arizona is 13-0 awaiting conference play.

Let’s do something about this, huh?