DALLAS (AP) — Kevin Jennings had a much different offseason for 16th-ranked SMU, with no questions this time about whether he would be the starting quarterback.

While Jennings was the starter when the Mustangs made their ACC debut last year, going undefeated in conference play, then played in the league championship game and the 12-team College Football Playoff, it is easy to forget that he didn't become QB1 until supplanting then-incumbent starter Preston Stone in the fourth game .

"Just being able to come in knowing I’m a starter, it feels good,” Jennings said this week. “Just having the offense as mine ... being able to lead and be a more vocal leader, it’s been really fun and different.”

The Mustangs , in the AP preseason poll for the first time since 1985, open Saturday night at

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