SMU's Kevin Jennings Reveals Catalyst For Second-Half Demolition vs. California

The SMU Mustangs' 59-20 win over California at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, at face value, looks like an easy win for Rhett Lashlee's team.

But it wasn't. At least initially.

The Mustangs were down 20-17 at halftime, with Lashlee knowing that his team had to flip the script if it were to keep its winning streak rolling.

And they did just that.

SMU scored a whopping 42 unanswered points to steamroll California in devastating fashion, with Kendrick Raphael, in his first game against his former team, running wild for 104 yards and 2 TDs.

But he wasn't alone.

READ MORE:  SMU Offensive Line Earns PFF Honor After Fueling 59-Point Win Over Cal

Ty Hawkins rushed for 60 yards, Christian Rhodes rushed for 41 yards and 2 TDs, and EJ Kelly added 20 yards and a touchdown from his two carries.

In total, the Mustangs ran for 256 rushing yards, and for quarterback Kevin Jennings, the run game was pivotal in the Mustangs' second-half dominance.

"Yeah, I think just able to establish a run game," Jennings said. "Every time we handed the ball off, it was six plus six plus every single time. So, I think just getting that down and making them respect the run game.

"I think it kind of helped us out, the whole offense in the pass game and all of that So, I'm very grateful to have those backs that we got, and they helped open the game a lot for us."

READ MORE:  SMU's Rhett Lashlee Names Defensive Masterclass As Catalyst In 59-20 California Win

When you have a defense that is pitching a shutout and a run game that sees several backs pick up big yardage, that is a good recipe for winning a football game.

All but one back averaged over 5 yards per carry, meaning first downs were coming at will, and the offense was always in favorable down-and-distance situations.

That is winning football.

And we haven't even spoken about the passing game either, as Jennings threw for 223 yards and 3 TDs.

So, you can look at a variety of different reasons for SMU's second-half explosion, and when you see 59 points on the scoreboard, you could be forgiven for thinking that Jennings had a career day.

But a rushing attack that managed 256 yards and 5 TDs, yeah, that'll be a key reason why you win that game.