SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings had an impressive season, showcasing his ability as a dual-threat quarterback who can make plays both in the air and on the ground. Leading the Mustangs to an 11-win season and a coveted spot in the 2024 College Football Playoff (CFP), Jennings was expected to shine in the postseason. However, his performance in the first round against Penn State raised eyebrows and left fans questioning what went wrong.
Struggles in the Cold
The Mustangs faced a challenging environment on the road against Penn State. The windy and cold conditions seemed to hinder Jennings’ performance significantly. He appeared to lack confidence in his legs, and his passing was off-target. It wasn’t just that he was missing his receivers; his decision-making was puzzling at times. Even when given time in the pocket, Jennings often seemed to throw the ball directly to defenders, leaving Mustangs fans frustrated.
The first half of the game was particularly rough for Jennings. He recorded three interceptions, tying the record for the most interceptions in a CFP game. This unfortunate statistic puts him alongside Blake Sims, who also threw three picks in a CFP matchup during his time at Alabama.
First Half Stats: A Tough Start
Here’s a closer look at Jennings’ first-half performance against Penn State:
- 20 completions
- 36 attempts
- 195 yards
- 1 touchdown
- 3 interceptions
- 3 sacks
- 6 carries
- -3 rushing yards
Three interceptions are bad enough, but two of them were returned for touchdowns, known as pick-sixes. The first was a 23-yard return by Dominic DeLuca, and the second was a devastating 59-yard return by Tony Rojas. With the wind affecting both teams’ kicking strategies, the Nittany Lions opted to go for it on fourth down and were stopped. This gave the Mustangs a short field, and it looked like they might finally score. However, Jennings had a pass tipped at the line at the Penn State 7, leading to DeLuca’s second interception of the day.
Missed Opportunities
The beginning of the game was a struggle for SMU. They managed to drive down to the Penn State 19-yard line, facing a crucial fourth-and-one situation. The wind conditions made kicking a field goal a risky proposition, so the offense stayed on the field. Jennings had a chance to run for the first down but opted to pass to a wide-open Matthew Hibner. Unfortunately, the throw went too far left, resulting in an incomplete pass and a missed opportunity for the Mustangs.
A Glimmer of Hope
Despite the overwhelming odds against him, Jennings did manage to find the end zone. His lone touchdown came with 7:31 left in the game when he connected with Roderick Daniels Jr. for a 28-yard score. However, even with the extra point, the Mustangs were still down by 28 points, leaving fans to wonder if it was too little, too late.
SMU’s Quarterback Depth Chart
It’s worth noting that Jennings didn’t start the season as SMU’s starting quarterback. Preston Stone began the year under center but struggled, completing just two passes for four yards in a game against BYU. This prompted head coach Rhett Lashlee to make a change, turning to Jennings for the fourth game against TCU. Jennings responded with a remarkable nine-game winning streak before falling to Clemson in the ACC Championship game.
Currently, the depth chart for SMU’s quarterbacks looks like this:
| Position | Player |
| 1. | Kevin Jennings |
| 2. | Preston Stone |
| 3. | Keldric Luster |
Interestingly, while Stone is dressed for the game against Penn State, he has entered the transfer portal. According to college football rules, he is technically available to step in if the Mustangs decide to make a change at quarterback during the playoff game.
Looking Ahead
As the Mustangs reflect on their performance against Penn State, the question looms: can Jennings bounce back? His dual-threat capabilities have been proven throughout the season, but the pressure of the playoffs can be a different beast altogether. Will he regain his confidence and lead SMU to victory in the next round, or will the struggles of this game linger?
Fans are eager to see how this talented quarterback will respond. The playoffs are unforgiving, and every play counts. Jennings has the potential to turn things around, but it will require focus, determination, and perhaps a bit of luck. As the Mustangs continue their journey, all eyes will be on their quarterback to see if he can rise to the occasion and lead his team to glory.
