Kevin Jennings injury: What happened to SMU QB during matchup against Louisville

SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings was injured in the first quarter of their game against Louisville on Saturday. He went down on a play where he ran with the ball and was hit hard by a Louisville defender.

He tried to get back into the game on the next play after a false start, but SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee kept him off the field for the rest of the drive.

What happened to Kevin Jennings?

Kevin Jennings was banged up after running the ball on a play in the first quarter. He scrambled in the pocket before finding open space and running all the way to the 5-yard line. However, when he went down, he did not feel right and went to the sideline.

Backup quarterback Preston Stone came into the game at that point and after a false start that brought the Mustangs back to the 10-yard line, threw a touchdown pass to wide receive Key'Shawn Smith. It ended an impressive 75-yard touchdown drive.

When will Kevin Jennings return?

While the coaching staff did not allow Jennings to return to the game immediately after he was hurt, instead allowing Stone to finish the drive, Jennings did return to the field on the next offensive drive for SMU.

How would Kevin Jennings' absence affect SMU's offense?

Jennings has returned to the game, so SMU does not need to worry about playing without its quarterback for now. However, if he reaggravates his injury, the team will need to adapt and adjust.

Through the first five games of the season, Jennings has displayed an ability to throw and run with the ball. He has completed 59 of 93 passing attempts, and thrown for 733 yards and six touchdowns. Additionally, he has 149 rushing yards on 34 carries and a touchdown.

Having Jennings as the quarterback for SMU is a struggle for defenses because of his ability to run with the ball. They always need to be prepared for him to run, and as a result, it opens up space downfield. If Preston Stone needs to step back in, that will no longer be the case.

However, Stone is a capable quarterback if he needs to play. He has completed 24 of 43 passes this season and thrown for 336 yards and three touchdowns.