Kevin Jennings Shines as SMU Upsets No. 18 Pitt, Earns Nick Saban’s Praise
Getty Images
Kevin Jennings, SMU quarterback, made a big impression on the college football world when he led the Mustangs to a dramatic victory over previously undefeated No. 18 Pitt, 48-25. Jennings’ weekend was perhaps most memorable before the game when Nick Saban, the legendary Alabama coach-turned-ESPN analyst, publicly honored him for his outstanding season on ‘College GameDay.’
Saban’s keen eye for talent led him to label Jennings as the most underrated player in the country’, a compliment that was not overlooked. The 21-year-old redshirt sophomore was excited to hear it, telling reporters afterwards how much Saban’s praise meant.
“That means a lot, honestly, seeing a legend say something like that,” Jennings said. “I had to go around and show all my friends after that.” The confident quarterback added with a smile, “He wasn’t wrong.”
It’s important to take note of a commendation from a seven-time national champion. Saban’s legacy as one of the greatest college football coaches speaks for itself, and his assessment of talent is almost unsurpassed. The Alabama coach lauded Jennings’ versatility and productivity, stressing his capacity to lead the ACC in passing efficiency while showcasing his dual-threat abilities.
“SMU’s quarterback, Kevin Jennings, may be the most underrated player in the country,” Saban said. “This guy leads the ACC in passing efficiency. All these good quarterbacks we talk about in the ACC—he’s been the most productive. He’s a dual-threat guy and he can beat you with both the run and the pass.”
Saban was right. This season, Jennings has been nothing short of amazing, driving SMU to a 8-1 record and generating discussion about the Mustangs’ potential to be a contender in the ACC. With 12 touchdowns and five interceptions, he has thrown for 1,900 yards and completed 64.8% of his passes, according to sports-reference.com. Jennings’ effectiveness extends beyond his ability to pass; he’s also an explosive runner, amassing 68 carries for 317 yards and three touchdowns. Defenses are constantly on edge due to his ability to gain extra yards on the ground, making him one of the most unpredictable quarterbacks in the nation.
Jennings’ impressive stats are even more impressive when you take into account his ability to make big plays. With a 14.5 yards per completion rate, he is currently the leader in Division I football, demonstrating his accuracy and decisiveness in taking shots downfield. The SMU offense has become a powerhouse thanks to his explosive playmaking, which has helped the Mustangs cement their reputation during their first ACC season.
With remarkable consistency this season, Jennings has been able to rise to the occasion even when faced with more experienced defenses at the Power Five level. The growth he has been showing all year was continued by his steady performance against Pitt. Jennings silenced his doubters and produced some of his best numbers of the season by completing 17 out of 25 passes for 306 yards and two touchdowns on Saturday. Saban’s appreciation of the young SMU quarterback, who has coached his share of dual-threat stars, was exemplified by the performance.
Jennings has become a prominent topic in discussions about the most exciting new players in the ACC as SMU progresses into conference play. The Mustangs have achieved an undefeated 5-0 conference record and he is leading a team that appears ready to compete for top spots. With Clemson’s recent struggles and SMU’s upward trajectory, Jennings and his Mustangs find themselves in the mix for a potential spot in the College Football Playoff, an incredible accomplishment for their first season in a Power Conference.
Saban’s praise was echoed by SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee, who expressed pride in Jennings’ development and resilience while reiterating his quarterback’s sentiments.
“So I didn’t see it, but then I was told about it and then I guess our media team saw it and cut it out and put it (on social media). Ithink he’s the greatest coach to ever do, it looks like he knows what he’s talking about to me, the way Kevin played tonight. I think we’re just fine if nobody talking about us. We know how good Kevin is,” said Lashlee.
“We don’t need anybody to tell us and neither does Kevin. It’s nice to be recognized, our team, I think our defense, you know, I think our defense doesn’t get talked about enough. But I also don’t care, because I’m proud of them and I’m proud of our staff. So pretty cool though, for Nick Saban to say about you, if you’re Kevin, you know, ‘Hey, I think this is maybe the most underrated player in the country,’ and then for (Jennings) to go out and make (Saban) look good.”
Jennings uses the accolades and growing attention to keep pushing forward. The leadership of an emerging talent like Jennings has played a significant role in SMU’s season, which has become one of the most compelling stories in college football. Jennings’ rise has been electrifying in an age when breakout stars are rare, especially for newly minted power conference teams.
