Kevin Jennings throws two touchdowns as No. 21 SMU overcomes a slow offensive day to beat Boston College 25-16 and improve to 4-1.
DALLAS - No. 21 SMU didn’t have its usual offensive rhythm Saturday, but the Mustangs still found a way to win.
Kevin Jennings threw two touchdown passes and added another score on the ground as SMU beat Boston College 25-16 at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, improving to 4-1 overall.
The Mustangs managed only 218 total yards, well below their early-season pace, but they avoided turnovers and converted enough scoring chances to stay in control.
Boston College actually outgained SMU 322-218 and held the ball for more than 33 minutes. The Eagles also kept the game within reach deep into the fourth quarter, but the Mustangs answered whenever they needed to.
Kendrick Raphael opened the scoring with a 2-yard touchdown run before Boston College responded with a 43-yard touchdown pass from Mason McKenzie to Evan Dickens.
Jennings then gave SMU a 13-10 halftime lead with a 4-yard touchdown run.
The Mustangs created separation in the second half.
Jennings connected with Roderick Pittman for a 14-yard touchdown in the third quarter, pushing the lead to 19-10. Later, with Boston College still hanging around, Jennings found Derrick McFall for a 20-yard touchdown with 4:41 remaining.
Jennings finished 20-of-30 for 160 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.
McFall caught three passes for 33 yards and the score, while Jalen Cooper led SMU with five receptions for 45 yards. Raphael carried 15 times for 45 yards and a touchdown.
Boston College made one final push when McKenzie hit Darius Edgehill for a 6-yard touchdown with 2:07 remaining, but the ensuing two-point attempt failed. SMU recovered the onside kick and closed out the victory.
McKenzie finished with 208 passing yards and two touchdowns and also led Boston College with 74 rushing yards.
It wasn’t a vintage SMU offensive performance, but that may be the most encouraging part of the win.
The Mustangs didn’t need fireworks. They protected the football, made key plays in the red zone and leaned on their defense when the offense stalled.
Sometimes that’s enough.
