Kevin Jennings plays quarterback away from the spotlight of the Southeastern Conference and the Big Ten. His season numbers aren’t gaudy because it took him three games to win the starting job. His SMU Mustangs haven’t played in many prime TV windows this year.

SMU has a better shot at being taken seriously by beating Clemson, with its brand-name credibility, than if Miami had qualified for the title game.

Cal has won three of its last four games since losing its first four ACC games by a combined nine points. DALLAS — SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings and his teammates have worn shirts throughout their Atlantic Coast Conference debut season declaring the Mustangs as defending champions.