To say that SMU Mustangs quarterback Kevin Jennings had a rough first half in the College Football Playoff against the Penn State Nittany Lions would be an understatement. The sophomore from Oak Cliff, Texas, threw three interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns, leaving the Mustangs in a precarious position. As the teams headed into the break in Happy Valley, SMU found itself trailing 28-0. Jennings completed just nine of his 19 passing attempts for 77 yards, and his rushing attempts were equally dismal, netting him a loss of three yards on six carries.
### A Season of Ups and Downs
Despite this challenging performance, it’s essential to recognize that Kevin Jennings had a strong season leading the Mustangs to the College Football Playoff. After starting the season on the bench, Jennings took over as the starter in Week 2, replacing Preston Stone. Under his leadership, SMU won its first eight games and made it to the ACC Championship. However, a mistake-filled start in that game against Clemson resulted in a narrow loss, costing the Mustangs a conference title and a bye in the CFP.
Against Clemson, Jennings showcased his potential by throwing for 310 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure. Throughout the season, he accumulated impressive stats, finishing with 3,050 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Additionally, he contributed significantly on the ground, rushing for 379 yards and five touchdowns. The Mustangs ended the year with an 11-2 record in their inaugural season in the ACC, but their place in the CFP sparked debate, as they didn’t secure any wins against ranked teams in the final CFP poll.
### Fan Reactions to Jennings’ Struggles
As the Mustangs fell behind quickly in the playoff game, fans took to social media to express their frustration with Jennings’ performance. Reactions varied, with some fans harshly criticizing him. One user bluntly stated, “Kid sucks,” while another offered a more supportive sentiment, saying, “Get better, kid.”
The frustration was palpable, especially as one fan reflected on the team’s overall performance, stating, “The rest of the team is showing up. This is a horrible performance. But…he got us here. I don’t want to hear that we didn’t have the horses. Bullshit. Two drives in the red zone with turnovers…” This sentiment underscores the mixed feelings among fans, who recognized Jennings’ role in the team’s journey to the playoffs, yet were disheartened by his mistakes in such a critical game.
### The Nittany Lions’ Defensive Struggles
Interestingly, the Nittany Lions had their own struggles leading into this matchup. They had surrendered a staggering 466 yards and 45 points in their previous game, a 37-45 loss to the Oregon Ducks in the Big Ten Championship. This context adds an extra layer of complexity to Jennings’ performance; if the Mustangs could capitalize on Penn State’s defensive vulnerabilities, the game could have turned out differently.
### Controversy Over CFP Berth
Another layer of intrigue surrounding this matchup was the controversy over SMU’s place in the College Football Playoff. Many fans questioned whether the Mustangs truly deserved their berth, especially after they edged out Alabama in the CFP poll for the final playoff spot. SMU had dropped the ACC Championship to Clemson, yet they still found themselves in the playoff conversation.
Some fans defended SMU’s inclusion, stating, “Still prefer this over Bama being in,” while an Alabama fan weighed in with, “Playoff caliber team though.” This debate highlights the complexities of the selection process and the varying opinions on what constitutes a deserving playoff team.
### The Road Ahead for Jennings and SMU
Looking ahead, Jennings will need to shake off this performance and refocus if he hopes to lead the Mustangs back to playoff contention in the future. The pressure of being a starting quarterback in a major college football program is immense, but Jennings has shown the ability to bounce back from adversity before.
With a strong season behind him, Jennings has the potential to learn from this experience and improve. The Mustangs will undoubtedly look to him as a leader moving forward, and fans will be eager to see how he responds in the coming season.
In summary, while Kevin Jennings faced a challenging playoff debut against Penn State, it’s crucial to remember the bigger picture. His journey from a backup quarterback to leading SMU to the College Football Playoff is a testament to his talent and determination. As the Mustangs continue to build their program, Jennings will be a pivotal figure in their quest for success. The road to redemption is long, but with hard work and resilience, he can turn this setback into a stepping stone for future triumphs.
