Rhett Lashlee evaluates how Kevin Jennings has responded after tough game vs. Duke

SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee saw QB Kevin Jennings have the worst game of his season, despite a 28-27 overtime win over Duke.

But, the quarterback responded well during practice this week. The No. 21 Mustangs will need it against undefeated Pittsburgh this weekend.

If SMU gets a secure Jennings, the offense should be much more efficient.

“I mean, he’s responded pretty well,” Lashlee said. “This is the first big kind of piece of adversity in his short starting career, you know? Because, obviously, there’s been his first four or five games this year, he’s actually … protected the ball pretty well, and to do such a poor job of that for four quarters the other night, I would think he would tell you, is alarming and concerning at the same time.

“It’s also, if you look at the body of work, he has a chance to prove that’s the exception, not the rule, because if you’re looking at his data this year, he hadn’t had more than a turnover in a game until Saturday night. So I think he’s taken it personal in a good way.” 

Jennings went 13-of-24 passing for 258 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions in the win.

“I think his teammates picked him up on Saturday night,” Lashlee said. “His teammates picked him up this week and were excited for him to go out and play. And he’s not gonna be perfect. He’ll turn it over again at some point. You know, the one really bad interception thrown back across your body can’t happen. And then just the ball security with the ball can’t happen.”

This season, Jennings has 1,594 yards, 10 touchdowns, five interceptions and a 64.3% completion percentage. He also has 321 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns.

As a member of the Class of 2022, Jennings was a three-star recruit out of Dallas (Texas( South Oak Cliff, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 206 overall prospect in the state, the No. 85 quarterback in the class and the No 1,378 overall prospect in the class.

SMU takes on Pittsburgh at home Saturday night at 8:00 p.m. ET on ACC Network. Primetime provides a chance for Jennings to bounce back in a big way.