Introduction to the Game
Kevin Jennings, the junior quarterback, led his team, SMU, to a significant victory over Clemson, with a final score of 35-24. This win marked SMU’s 20th consecutive regular-season conference win and its 11th straight win in the ACC. The game was a testament to Jennings’ exceptional skills and his ability to perform under pressure.
The Turning Point of the Game
With 6:44 left in the game and SMU leading 29-24, the team needed a scoring drive to secure their win. Jennings took the lead, and with the crowd of nearly 80,000 roaring and the lights in Death Valley flashing, he remained calm and focused. He led the offense out on the field, and despite having limited mobility due to an ankle injury, he managed to keep the drive alive. On 4th and 3, he targeted Yamir Knight, who drew a pass interference call, resulting in a new set of downs. Jennings then converted on 3rd and 10 to Jordan Hudson, setting up first and goal.
The Winning Drive
The drive, which consumed 5:41 of clock, was capped off with a six-yard touchdown run by running back Chris Johnson Jr. on third and goal. This sealed SMU’s win, and Clemson got the ball back with just 1:03 remaining, down 11 and with no timeouts left. SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee praised Jennings, saying, "He didn’t flinch. He didn’t blink. As a matter of fact, he shined." Lashlee also noted that the offense put together "probably the best drive of the year" when they needed it most.
Jennings’ Performance
Jennings finished the game with 290 yards and two touchdowns on 23 of 43 passing. He had one interception in the fourth quarter, but it was not his fault, as it was off Hudson’s hands. Despite his ankle injury, Jennings poured everything he had into his performance, leading three second-half touchdown drives. He also threw a 70-yard touchdown pass to Hudson and led a drive that was capped off by a 22-yard pass to tight end Matthew Hibner.
Team Dynamics
Jennings’ teammates have immense faith in him, with linebacker Brandon Miyazono saying, "I look at Kev, and I was like, ‘Hey, we’re good.’" Miyazono added that Jennings is "so calm and collected," and he would "ride with that dude through anything." This trust and confidence in their quarterback are crucial to the team’s success.
Past Experiences
SMU’s win over Clemson was a significant milestone, and it brought the team one step closer to returning to the exact stages they reached last postseason. The team’s past experiences, including last season’s ACC title game and the College Football Playoff at Penn State, prepared them for this moment. Lashlee noted that the team had been in big moments before, and that experience helped them to stay focused and composed under pressure.
The Road Ahead
With this win, SMU is now one of the few teams left in the conference that still controls its destiny without a loss in ACC play. The team is battle-tested, and with a veteran quarterback like Jennings, they are ready to face any challenges that come their way. Lashlee praised Jennings, saying, "Our quarterback is a stud. We’ve known it for 2 and a half years. I think America kind of knows it, but for whatever reason, they’ve not wanted to act like it. He’s a stud. He’s as good as anybody out there, and he’ll just keep proving to everybody that that’s the case."
Conclusion
SMU’s win over Clemson was a significant victory, and it marked a major milestone in the team’s journey. With Jennings at the helm, the team is poised to make a deep run in the postseason. The team’s experience, combined with Jennings’ exceptional skills, makes them a formidable opponent. As the season progresses, it will be exciting to see how SMU performs and whether they can continue their winning streak.
FAQs
Q: Who led SMU to a victory over Clemson?
A: Kevin Jennings, the junior quarterback, led SMU to a victory over Clemson.
Q: What was the final score of the game?
A: The final score of the game was 35-24 in favor of SMU.
Q: How many consecutive regular-season conference wins does SMU have?
A: SMU has 20 consecutive regular-season conference wins.
Q: How many straight wins does SMU have in the ACC?
A: SMU has 11 straight wins in the ACC.
Q: What was the turning point of the game?
A: The turning point of the game was when Jennings led the offense on a 13-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that consumed 5:41 of clock.
Q: How did Jennings perform in the game?
A: Jennings finished the game with 290 yards and two touchdowns on 23 of 43 passing, despite having an ankle injury.
Q: What does the future hold for SMU?
A: With this win, SMU is now one of the few teams left in the conference that still controls its destiny without a loss in ACC play, and they are poised to make a deep run in the postseason.
