Without RJ Maryland, Kevin Jennings' star must continue to grow for SMU offense

SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings is one of the highest-graded passers in America this season, per Pro Football Focus. The Mustangs will need his game to elevate even more without tight end RJ Maryland, who was lost for the season to injury.

For SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee, he’s seeing the continued growth from the former South Oak Cliff High star. Against Stanford, he threw for career highs in passing yards (322) and passing touchdowns (3).

He did throw an interception that at first glance was a bad decision, but Lashlee saw something more upon further review. Tight end Matthew Hibner and Jennings were just a bit off. While not okay with a turnover, the progression for Jennings in decision making is there.

“As he continues, each start he just feels to get more comfortable,” Lashlee said this week. “Like I thought at Louisville, he was incredibly comfortable. I thought he was just as comfortable at Stanford. As a matter of fact, you know, I was really upset about the interception. I thought that was the one bad decision. Looking back on it, it was just a miscommunication. He thinks Matt’s coming downhill as he throws it, Matt goes back. It’s more of a miscommunication than it was a careless throw. I just think he’s seeing it clearly because I think the game is slowing down for him. When you have success, that brings confidence and the more confident you are, you’re just gonna play that way.” 

Jennings’ ability to scramble not only for yardage, but to extend plays and find open passing lanes is a trademark of his game to this point. He’s playing at an elite level, which isn’t surprising to his pass catchers.

“Every day Kevin does that at practice. When he does it on Saturday, it‘s nothing new to us,” wide receiver Key’Shawn Smith said Wednesday. “Our D-line is crazy so he has to scramble almost every other play so we‘re used to it. Whichever way he’s going, we just go that way.”

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Against Duke Saturday night, Jennings will need to be on his game once again. The good thing for the Mustangs is they’re unbeaten with Jennings as the starter this year, but he’s also facing one of the best statistical defenses in the country.

“This week’s a big challenge because they give you a variety of looks,” Lashlee said of Duke. “They’re great at disguised the looks pre-snap, making everything look same and then giving you something else. They’re great finding out your tendencies and having a plan to attack the things that your offensive tendencies or your tendencies as a player. Manny’s very cerebral and that’s what he does at a high level. He’s gonna have to see the field well this week and look, our games have gone a lot of the way, the turnover margin, and so has Duke’s so that’s something that’s gonna be a big part of it.” 

Jennings relishes the opportunity to play a big-time game. When the Mustangs beat previously Top 25 Louisville on the road, you could tell he was enjoying the atmosphere. He knows it’s another tough test this weekend.

“Going into a good atmosphere in Duke,” Jennings said this week. “Nighttime game, showcase and show what our team can do. Duke’s a very good team.” 

Whether he’s been carrying the offense or directing one of the best rushing attacks in the ACC, Jennings is the same. SMU’s experienced terrific success this season with him at the helm.

Lashlee sees one thing that hasn’t changed though.

“What I’ve been proud of is he’s stayed humble and he’s just kept being the same person every week. He’s not gotten caught up in all the hype and all this stuff. He’s come in and going to work, trusting his teammates. I think he’ll get better and better.” 

For SMU to stay in the ACC Championship race, Lashlee said it best, Jennings has to get better and better.