SMU Heisman Candidate Kevin Jennings Shatters Records In Win Over Missouri State

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The SMU football program still needs to fine-tine some things in order to reach its ACC goals, as demonstrated even in Saturday's 34-24 non-conference win at home on Saturday over Missouri State.

But in the end, the numbers added up – especially the numbers produced by Kevin Jennings.

The Mustangs QB threw for 464 yards to become SMU's  career passing leader. He also reached the 78-TD mark (67 passing, 11 rushing) and broke Tanner Mordecai's previous school record of 76 in that category.

Oh, and with his 722 career completions and 9,162 yards passing, Jennings surpassed the 9,081 yards and 718 completions Ben Hicks had from 2016-18.

“Absolutely fantastic,” SMU coach Rhett Lashlee said of Jennings, who is viewed on The Hilltop as a Heisman Trophy candidate. “He was awesome. He made us go.”

The problems here for the No. 22-ranked Mustangs? They actually allowed themselves to fall into an early 10-point hole against an opponent that really isn't in their weight class.

But Jennings provided the lift, as he finished 33-of-39 passing … with another school record stuffed onto his stat sheet, as he had 21 consecutive completions.

He totaled three touchdowns and an interception and also rushed for one score.

“You can see why their quarterback is a Heisman Trophy candidate,” said Casey Woods, the first-year coach at Missouri State (1-3) who last year served as SMU's offensive coordinator.

The Mustangs committed a handful of early turnovers and errors (including two missed field goals) to put themselves in temporary jeopardy.

“A little adversity came early, but we knew we had to respond. … That’s what we did," Jennings said. ”I feel like we played a pretty good game in the second half. You just can’t start that slow again."

SMU's best chance to avoid pitfalls? That would be Jennings playing at the highest possible level.

For now, though, the QB and his team get to savor a history-making win..

“Got a lot more to be done,'' Jennings said, "but this is a blessing.''

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