DALLAS — No. 21 SMU didn’t deliver its usual offensive fireworks Saturday, but the Mustangs found another way to win.

Kevin Jennings threw two touchdown passes and SMU’s defense kept Boston College under control when it mattered most in a 25-16 victory at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. The win moved the Mustangs to 4-1 and gave Rhett Lashlee’s team another ACC victory despite producing only 218 total yards.

Boston College actually outgained SMU 322-218 and controlled possession for more than 33 minutes, but the Eagles couldn’t turn those advantages into enough points.

Jennings finished 20-of-30 passing for 160 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. He also scored on a four-yard run in the second quarter that gave SMU a 13-10 halftime lead.

That score came after Boston College erased an early SMU advantage. Kendrick Raphael opened the scoring with a two-yard touchdown run, but Eagles quarterback Mason McKenzie answered by connecting with Evan Dickens on a 43-yard touchdown.

SMU gradually took control after halftime.

Jennings found Randy Pittman Jr. for a 14-yard touchdown in the third quarter, extending the Mustangs’ lead to 19-10. Then, with Boston College still hanging around late, Jennings delivered the biggest insurance play of the afternoon.

He connected with Derrick McFall for a 20-yard touchdown with 4:37 remaining, stretching SMU’s advantage to 25-10.

McFall finished with three catches for 33 yards and the touchdown, while Jalen Cooper led the Mustangs with five catches for 45 yards. Raphael carried 15 times for 45 yards and a score.

Boston College made one last push when McKenzie hit Danny Edgehille for a six-yard touchdown with 2:07 left, but the ensuing two-point attempt failed. SMU then recovered the onside kick and ran out the clock.

McKenzie finished 20-of-32 for 208 yards and two touchdowns while also leading Boston College with 74 rushing yards.

It wasn’t vintage SMU offense, but the Mustangs avoided turnovers, made their scoring opportunities count and closed the game when Boston College threatened late.

The kicking game also left points on the table. SMU missed two two-point attempts and had an extra point blocked after Pittman’s touchdown. Boston College’s failed two-point try kept the late margin at nine, leaving the Eagles needing another possession and more than one score.

Sometimes surviving is enough.