Listed as questionable, SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings is preparing to start in a pivotal showdown in the ACC against undefeated Pitt on Saturday. Jennings was injured last week in the fourth quarter of a wild overtime win at Duke when a player's helmet hit his leg in the fourth quarter.
"I should be fine," Jennings told CBS Sports on Wednesday. "Just beat up, but that's part of the game, got to push through it and be able to go out there while you're beat up."
Jennings was listed as questionable Tuesday by SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee. The sophomore has been limited in practices this week, but the quarterback believes he will be ready to play against No. 18 Pitt (7-0, 3-0 ACC). Jennings has not yet been medically cleared for contact, a source told CBS Sports.
Last week's 28-27 win at Duke, was No. 20 SMU's ninth straight road win. He returned to the field after a brief examination in the Mustangs' injury tent. SMU (7-1, 4-0) won despite committing six turnovers, becoming only the second team in the last 20 years to win with a 6-0 disadvantage in turnovers. Jennings threw for 258 yards and one touchdown with three interceptions and two lost fumbles.
Jennings took over for Preston Stone as SMU's full-time quarterback during an 18-15 loss to BYU in Week 2. Stone and Jennings had split reps leading into that game, but the offense struggled with Stone against the Cougars, who have since gone on to lead the Big 12 with an undefeated record.
Jennings, a sophomore from Dallas, has thrown for 1,594 yards and 10 touchdowns with five interceptions in eight games. He's also the team's second-leading rusher, averaging 40.1 yards per contest. His leg injury prompts questions about his viability as a runner this week against Pitt.
"I definitely will be able to do the same thing," Jennings told CBS Sports. "I don't think any of that will bother me. I should be out there playing like myself."
Questions abound about the quarterback situations at SMU and Pitt ahead of the massive showdown between unbeatens in the ACC. Pitt quarterback Eli Holstein suffered an undisclosed injury and did not return in the fourth quarter of the Panthers' 41-13 win against Syracuse last week. Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi announced on his Wednesday radio show that Holstein is medically cleared and expected to play.
Pitt and SMU are set to kick off at 8 p.m. ET Saturday at Gerald J. Ford Stadium.