Kevin Jennings Makes History As SMU Destroys Cal With 42 Unanswered Points

SMU spent the first half Saturday looking vulnerable against California. By the time the afternoon ended, the Mustangs had delivered one of their most impressive performances of the season.

No. 23 SMU exploded for 42 unanswered second-half points, crushing California 59-20 at Gerald J. Ford Stadium as quarterback Kevin Jennings added another record to his growing legacy.

The Mustangs improved to 6-1 overall and 4-1 in ACC play, strengthening their position in the conference championship race.

Jennings threw three touchdown passes, becoming SMU’s all-time leader with 74 career scoring throws. The third-year starter surpassed Tanner Mordecai’s previous school record of 72.

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Jennings completed 16-of-23 passes for 223 yards, continuing a productive season that has made him one of the ACC’s most dangerous quarterbacks.

But the afternoon wasn’t always comfortable for the Mustangs.

California controlled portions of the first half, taking a 20-17 lead into the locker room after quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele connected with Chase Hendricks for an early touchdown and the Golden Bears repeatedly challenged SMU’s defense.

Then everything changed.

SMU scored touchdowns on its first six possessions after halftime, overwhelming California with an offensive attack that featured Jennings, running back Kendrick Raphael and freshman Christian Rhodes.

Raphael was particularly impressive against his former team.

The transfer rushed for 104 yards and two touchdowns while adding a 22-yard touchdown reception. His performance was especially meaningful after helping California defeat SMU in last season’s meeting.

Rhodes contributed touchdown runs of five and three yards during the second-half surge.

Jennings delivered the record-breaking touchdown on a 21-yard completion to Derek McFall, then added a 17-yard scoring strike to Jalen Hale.

The Mustangs accumulated 492 yards of total offense, including 306 after halftime.

Equally important was the defensive turnaround.

California managed just 50 total yards in the second half after generating 255 before intermission.

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The Golden Bears opened the third quarter with three consecutive three-and-outs, allowing SMU to build a lead that quickly became insurmountable.

Cal fell to 3-5 overall and 2-3 in ACC play despite Sagapolutele completing 27-of-37 passes for 265 yards and a touchdown.

For SMU coach Rhett Lashlee, Saturday demonstrated the explosive potential of a team that has continued to establish itself among the ACC’s strongest programs.

The Mustangs have now won 11 consecutive conference home games since joining the league in 2024.

SMU travels to Syracuse next Saturday, hoping to maintain its momentum in the conference championship race.

If the Mustangs can combine their second-half offensive efficiency with that same defensive intensity, they’ll be difficult for anyone in the ACC to handle.