Arizona football is favored to win the Holiday Bowl against SMU, with predictions ranging from close scores to decisive victories, based on team strengths, recent performance, and motivation levels, with most experts expecting Arizona to secure its 10th win of the season.
USC quarterback Caleb Williams will not play in the Holiday Bowl against Louisville as he is expected to forego his senior season and enter the 2024 NFL draft. Despite Williams' stellar play, USC had a disappointing season, finishing 7-5. Backup Miller Moss is likely to start in Williams' absence.
USC quarterback Caleb Williams, considered the potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, will not play in the Holiday Bowl against Louisville, indicating that he is prioritizing his NFL future. Williams had an impressive season, completing 68.6% of his passes for 3,633 yards with 30 touchdowns and five interceptions, in addition to rushing for 11 touchdowns.
USC quarterback Caleb Williams, projected as the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NFL draft, will not play in the Holiday Bowl against Louisville on Dec. 27. Williams, who won the Heisman Trophy last year, is expected to forgo his senior season. Backup quarterback Miller Moss will start in his place, with coach Lincoln Riley expressing interest in giving Moss more playing time. USC may also explore options in the transfer portal for additional quarterbacks.
The Holiday Bowl has filed a lawsuit against the Pac-12 Conference and the regents of the University of California, claiming more than $3 million in damages after UCLA backed out of its scheduled appearance in the game a few hours before kickoff against North Carolina State in 2021. The Pac-12 says the lawsuit is without merit and plans to defend against it. Pac-12 Commissioner George Kliavkoff also told USA TODAY Sports by phone Wednesday that the league tried to resolve the dispute privately through mediation and offered the Holiday Bowl an interest-free loan to help with its financial troubles.
The San Diego Bowl Game Association, which runs the Holiday Bowl, is suing the Pac-12 Conference and the University of California Regents for $3 million in compensatory damages after UCLA withdrew from the 2021 game due to COVID-19 concerns. The bowl organization claims it lost nearly $8 million due to the cancellation, including $3.6 million in ticket revenue and $1.4 million that had to be returned to the game's title sponsor. The Pac-12 plans to defend against the lawsuit and seek the fees owed by the Holiday Bowl under their agreement.
The Holiday Bowl has filed a lawsuit against UCLA and the Pac-12 for more than $3 million in damages after the Bruins withdrew from the bowl hours before kickoff nearly two years ago due to COVID-19 concerns. The Holiday Bowl alleges that UCLA's decision to pull out of the 2021 Holiday Bowl cost the organization millions in reimbursements for tickets and sponsorships. The Pac-12-Holiday Bowl partnership dates back more than 25 years. The Holiday Bowl was one of five bowl games canceled in 2021 due to the pandemic.
The San Diego Bowl Game Association is suing the Pac-12 Conference and the University of California Regents for a minimum payment of $3 million in compensatory damages after the UCLA football team backed out of the 2021 Holiday Bowl due to positive COVID-19 tests. The bowl lost over $8 million in total, and the lawsuit alleges a failure of responsibility and accountability from the defendants. The Pac-12 plans to defend against the lawsuit and is also seeking payment for Oregon's participation in the 2022 Holiday Bowl.