Dallas, Tx — SMU delivered an impressive offensive performance Friday night, overwhelming Virginia Tech 51-28 behind quarterback Kevin Jennings, who threw for 350 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Mustangs to an important ACC victory.
Jennings connected with Yamir Knight for three of his four touchdown passes as SMU continued its pursuit of a second Atlantic Coast Conference Championship Game appearance in three seasons.
The victory improved SMU’s record to 7-2 overall and 5-2 in conference play. The Mustangs also extended their remarkable home success in ACC competition, improving to 12-0 since joining the league.
SMU coach Rhett Lashlee praised his team’s opportunity to control its postseason destiny.
“We get a chance to write our story,” Lashlee said.
Jennings completed 24 of 32 passes and continued his productive season as SMU’s starting quarterback. Knight finished with six receptions for 103 yards, providing a major spark in the passing game.
The Mustangs accumulated a season-best 569 total offensive yards, putting considerable pressure on a Virginia Tech defense that struggled to contain their offensive attack.
Virginia Tech coach James Franklin acknowledged that his team was outplayed throughout the contest.
“We did not play well and they played well … For whatever reason, we were bit off in all three phases,” Franklin said. “We got humbled.”
The Hokies fell to 6-3 overall and 3-3 in ACC play despite producing 417 yards of total offense. Running back Jeffrey Overton led their rushing attack with 123 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer completed 28 of 38 attempts for 291 yards and one touchdown.
Mustangs establish control early
Coming off a disappointing 30-27 defeat at Syracuse, SMU responded with an aggressive offensive approach in front of its home crowd.
The Mustangs wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. Dramekco Green powered through the middle of the Virginia Tech defense for a 12-yard touchdown run, giving SMU an early advantage.
Kendrick Raphael added another rushing touchdown as the Mustangs continued to find success on the ground.
SMU maintained its offensive rhythm throughout the first half, building a 20-7 advantage before Jennings connected with Knight for a 46-yard touchdown with 6:09 remaining before halftime.
The touchdown came immediately after SMU’s defense created a major turnover. Edge rusher Marques White knocked the football loose from Grunkemeyer, then recovered the fumble to give the Mustangs possession.
White finished with two sacks, contributing to a defensive effort that recorded four sacks against the Hokies. SMU has now accumulated 151 sacks since the beginning of the 2023 season, the most among FBS programs during that stretch.
Jennings and Knight continue their connection
SMU maintained its offensive dominance after halftime, with Jennings and Knight connecting for two additional touchdowns.
The pair hooked up on scoring passes of 13 and five yards as Virginia Tech struggled to slow down the Mustangs’ passing attack.
Jalen Cooper provided another explosive play with a 50-yard touchdown reception, further extending SMU’s advantage.
Former SMU soccer player Brendan Baird also contributed with three field goals from 47, 26 and 50 yards, giving the Mustangs additional points during their extended scoring stretch.
SMU scored on each of its first eight offensive possessions, producing five touchdowns and three field goals before the streak finally ended with 5:31 remaining.
Virginia Tech safety Brennan Johnson intercepted Jennings after a pass was deflected, ending the Mustangs’ impressive offensive run.
Lashlee praises Jennings’ performance
Jennings continued a remarkable stretch of quarterback play, throwing multiple touchdown passes for the sixth consecutive game.
His interception was his first in five games, dating back to Sept. 26.
Lashlee expressed confidence in his quarterback, emphasizing the consistency and decision-making Jennings has demonstrated throughout the season.
“I’ve run out of ways to tell everybody he’s literally one of the best quarterbacks in America,” Lashlee said. “He was almost flawless.”
Regarding the interception, Lashlee explained that Jennings made the correct decision on the run-pass option before the football was tipped.
Both the coach and quarterback were frustrated by the result, but the mistake did little to diminish an otherwise outstanding performance.
What’s next
Virginia Tech will look to regroup when the Hokies return home to face Stanford on Nov. 14.
SMU faces an important opportunity in its next contest when Wake Forest visits Dallas on Nov. 14 for the Mustangs’ home finale.
With a spot in the ACC Championship Game still within reach, SMU will look to carry Friday night’s offensive momentum into its remaining conference schedule.
