Pitt Gets Update on SMU Starting QB

The Pitt Panthers got an update on the SMU Mustangs starting quarterback.

Sep 28, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs quarterback Kevin Jennings (7) in action during the game between the Southern Methodist Mustangs and the Florida State Seminoles at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

PITTSBURGH -- The No, 18 Pitt Panthers travel to face off against ACC newcomer in No. 20 SMU Mustangs, who want to have their starting quarterback ready for the game.

Redshirt sophomore quarterback Kevin Jennings threw an interception in the fourth quarter of the Duke game on Oct. 26 and suffered a low hit, forcing him into the medical tent. He did come back out and helped lead SMU to a 28-27 win in overtime.

SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee announced that Jennings is questionable for the Week 10 matchup vs. Pitt.

Pete Thamel of ESPN had sources tell him that Jennings will try and play against Pitt. He hasn't fully practiced this week, as he is limited, and will need full clearance for contact before he plays in this game.

Sources: SMU QB Kevin Jennings is expected to try and play on Saturday. He’s been limited in practice this week and Rhett Lashlee has listed him as questionable. Jennings has been spotted in open practice and needs to be cleared for contact before he can go. ⁦W/@Arlenv1⁩ pic.twitter.com/P3osYq2wRl

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 30, 2024

He had a poor game, overall, against the Blue Devils, completing 13-of-24 yards for 258 yards and a touchdown, but turning the ball over five times, with three interceptions and two fumbles.

Jennings has had a good season so far, completing 110-of-171 passes, 64.2%, for 1,594 yards and 10 touchdowns to five interceptions. He has also led SMU to a 5-0 record and 4-0 in the ACC, which includes a 66-42 win over rival TCU at home in Week 4 in his first start and also a 34-27 win over then ranked No. 22 Louisville on the road in Week 6.

Redshirt junior Preston Stone started the season for the Mustangs at quarterback, but Lashlee named Jennings the starter from their fourth game onward, after an 18-15 loss to BYU at home in Week 2.

Stone started the entire 2023 regular season for SMU, completing 206-of-344 passes, 59.9%, for 3,197 yards and 28 touchdown to six interceptions, before suffering a late injury. This allowed Jennings to showcase his talent, leading SMU to 26-14 win over Tulane in the AAC Championship game.

Pitt also may not have their starting quarterback ready to go, as head coach Pat Narduzzi didn't confirm if redshirt freshman Eli Holstein would start, after he departed the Syracuse game early in the fourth quarter.

Holstein ran 13 yards on a quarterback keeper and went hard out of bounds after a tackle from Orange redshirt junior safety Duce Chestnut. He went into the medical tent and then left and went into the locker room.

Redshirt junior quarterback Nate Yarnell took over for Holstein for the rest of the game in his absence.

This may potenitally put both Yarnell and Stone against each other, as two backups looking to get their team the victory in an intense, ranked matchup in primetime.

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