25 Facts About Arizona Vs. SMU

Arizona Wildcats: A Storied History

The Arizona Wildcats have a rich history in college sports, particularly in basketball and football. Here are some fascinating facts about this iconic team.

1. The Birth of the Wildcats: The University of Arizona's athletic teams were first called the "Varsity" before adopting the "Wildcats" nickname in 1914 after a hard-fought football game against Occidental College.

2. McKale Center: Opened in 1973, the McKale Center is the home of Arizona Wildcats basketball. Named after J.F. "Pop" McKale, it has a seating capacity of over 14,000.

3. Lute Olson Era: Legendary coach Lute Olson led the Wildcats from 1983 to 2008, transforming the team into a national powerhouse. Under his guidance, Arizona won the NCAA Championship in 1997.

4. Desert Swarm Defense: In the early 1990s, Arizona's football team was known for its "Desert Swarm" defense, which was one of the most formidable defenses in college football.

5. Bear Down: The Wildcats' battle cry, "Bear Down," originated from a dying message by John "Button" Salmon, a student-athlete and the student body president, who urged his teammates to "Bear Down" in his final words.

6. First NCAA Tournament Appearance: Arizona's men's basketball team made its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1951.

7. Notable Alumni: The Wildcats have produced several NBA stars, including Steve Kerr, Gilbert Arenas, and Deandre Ayton.

8. Pac-12 Membership: Arizona is a member of the Pac-12 Conference, one of the Power Five conferences in college athletics.

9. Rivalry with Arizona State: The Wildcats have a fierce rivalry with Arizona State University, particularly in football, where they compete annually for the Territorial Cup.

10. Women's Basketball Success: The Arizona Wildcats women's basketball team reached the NCAA Championship game for the first time in 2021.

SMU Mustangs: A Legacy of Resilience

Southern Methodist University (SMU) Mustangs have a storied past filled with triumphs and challenges. Here are some intriguing facts about the Mustangs.

11. The Pony Express: In the early 1980s, SMU's football team was known for its "Pony Express" backfield, featuring star running backs Eric Dickerson and Craig James.

12. Death Penalty: In 1987, SMU's football program received the "death penalty" from the NCAA due to severe recruiting violations, leading to the cancellation of the 1987 season and a significant impact on the program.

13. Ford Stadium: Gerald J. Ford Stadium, opened in 2000, is the home of SMU football, with a seating capacity of 32,000.

14. Basketball Renaissance: Under coach Larry Brown, SMU's men's basketball team experienced a resurgence, making the NCAA Tournament in 2015 for the first time since 1993.

15. Conference USA to AAC: SMU transitioned from Conference USA to the American Athletic Conference (AAC) in 2013, seeking stronger competition and greater visibility.

16. Doak Walker Award: Named after SMU legend Doak Walker, this award is given annually to the top college running back in the nation.

17. Notable Alumni: SMU has produced several NFL stars, including Eric Dickerson, Doak Walker, and Emmanuel Sanders.

18. Moody Coliseum: The SMU Mustangs basketball teams play at Moody Coliseum, which underwent a major renovation in 2014 to modernize the facility.

19. Rivalry with TCU: SMU has a long-standing rivalry with Texas Christian University (TCU), particularly in football, where they compete for the Iron Skillet.

20. Women's Soccer Success: The SMU women's soccer team has made multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and won several conference championships.

Arizona vs. SMU: Head-to-Head

When Arizona and SMU face off, it's always a thrilling encounter. Here are some key facts about their matchups.

21. First Meeting: The first recorded meeting between Arizona and SMU in football took place in 1930, with SMU winning 20-0.

22. Basketball Showdowns: Arizona and SMU have met several times in men's basketball, with Arizona holding a slight edge in the overall series.

23. Bowl Game Clash: The two teams faced off in the 2010 New Mexico Bowl, where SMU emerged victorious with a 52-10 win over Arizona.

24. Coaching Connections: Former Arizona assistant coach Tim Jankovich later became the head coach at SMU, creating a unique link between the two programs.

25. Recruiting Battles: Both schools often compete for top recruits, particularly in the talent-rich states of Texas and California, adding another layer to their rivalry.

Final Thoughts on Arizona vs. SMU

Arizona and SMU each bring unique qualities to the table. Arizona, with its stunning landscapes and rich history, offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. SMU, on the other hand, stands out with its academic excellence and vibrant campus life. Both have their own charm, making them appealing for different reasons. Whether you're drawn to Arizona's outdoor adventures or SMU's educational opportunities, there's something for everyone. Each has its own set of facts that make it special, and understanding these can help you appreciate what they offer. So, whether you're planning a visit or considering where to study, knowing these facts can make your decision easier. Both places have a lot to offer, and it's all about what fits best with your interests and goals.