SMU football leaned on Kevin Jennings and a disruptive defense to beat Boston College 25-16 Saturday at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. The No. 21 Mustangs didn’t produce their usual passing fireworks in the rain, but Jennings accounted for three touchdowns and Marques White supplied three sacks to keep SMU moving forward in the ACC.

The Mustangs improved to 4-1 overall and 2-1 in conference play. Boston College fell to 2-3 and 0-2 in the ACC despite finishing with more total offense.

Jennings completed 20 of 30 passes for 160 yards and two touchdowns, adding a 4-yard rushing score. Kendrick Raphael contributed a 2-yard touchdown run and finished with 45 rushing yards. The production wasn’t flashy, but SMU found enough answers when field position swung its way.

White delivered the biggest defensive play. His sack forced a Mason McKenzie fumble, and Aakil Washington returned the recovery 34 yards to the Boston College 13. Jennings followed with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Randy Pittman Jr., turning pressure on the quarterback into points on the scoreboard.

A punt return later put SMU at the Eagles’ 41. A roughing-the-passer penalty extended the possession, and Jennings connected with Derrick McFall for a 20-yard touchdown. On an afternoon when long drives were difficult to assemble, those shorter fields mattered.

Boston College still had an opening early in the fourth quarter. Facing fourth-and-inches at the SMU 8, the Eagles couldn’t complete a pass to an open Cameron Kossmann. That missed chance helped the Mustangs protect their advantage.

McKenzie finished with 208 passing yards, two touchdown throws and 74 rushing yards. Evan Dickens caught a scoring pass, and Danny Edgehille added a 6-yard touchdown reception with 2:07 remaining. A failed two-point attempt left Boston College down nine.

SMU’s defense recorded five sacks and 13 tackles for loss. Boston College outgained the Mustangs 322-218, but 11 Eagles penalties for 95 yards and missed scoring opportunities undermined that edge.

The win also leaves SMU with details to clean up, including two botched extra-point attempts. Still, the Mustangs showed they can win when their offense isn’t rolling. They’ll take that result into an open week before hosting Virginia on Oct. 17.