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Penn State coaches and players have described SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings as dynamic, dangerous and special.
He’s also fearless. He’s not afraid of the Nittany Lions’ nationally ranked defense.
“They’re a very talented group,” Jennings said Wednesday. “They play hard. They have really good D-linemen. Their front seven is pretty great.
“If we execute the way we’re supposed to execute and play our game, there’s no way they can stop us.”
The 6-0, 185-pound Jennings is the engine that powers the Mustangs, Penn State’s opponent in the first round of the College Football Playoff Saturday at noon (TV-TNT) at Beaver Stadium.
SMU (11-2) ranks sixth nationally in scoring with 38.5 points per game and 20th in total offense with 443.1 yards per game.
The Mustangs have scored at least 28 points in 10 consecutive games since an 18-15 loss to BYU. After that game, coach Rhett Lashlee installed Jennings as the starter.
“Jennings is impressive,” Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Allen said. “He really makes them go. He has an extremely live arm. He can run it. He can throw it. His ability to create is what really sticks out to me.
“When things don’t go the way they’re supposed to go, he’s really dangerous. He forces you to be really disciplined.”
Once a three-star prospect from Oak Cliff, Texas, Jennings was redshirted in 2022 and backed up Preston Stone last season. Stone began this season as the starter before Lashlee benched him.
Jennings has completed 66% of his passes for 3,050 yards and 22 touchdowns with eight interceptions. He has rushed 93 times for 379 yards and five TDs.
“He’s a heck of an athlete,” Penn State linebacker Dominic DeLuca said. “He can make plays with his legs and his arm. Third down is really when you have to make sure he stays in the pocket. He’s an athletic…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/smu-quarterback-kevin-jennings-dynamic-044600807.html
Author : Reading Eagle, Pa.
Publish date : 2024-12-19 04:46:00
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