Preston Stone Named Starter in Dallas
Article By: DALLAS, TEXAS -- SMU finished NDL S30 with an 8-6 record after losing three straight games, becoming less competitive in each.
It was SMU's worst record since NDL S25 and deemed an overall failure of a season despite returning to the ACC Championship Game for the second season in a row. SMU has played for the ACC Championship every season since entering the ACC in S29.
One of the biggest issues that plagued the SMU Mustangs in S30 was an on-going QB controversy as the media and fans alike clamored for Sophomore QB Kevin Jennings to take SMU to the next level.
Despite SMU being competitive and holding a respectable record, head coach Block M eventually made that switch and the wheels fell off for SMU. With Kevin Jennings leading the way the SMU Mustangs lost to AAC side Tulane on the road and crashed out of the NDL Cup. SMU also nearly lost to Louisville after falling behind 27-3 at halftime before Junior QB Preston Stone re-claimed the starting spot and led SMU back to a 39-27 win over the Cardinals.
Stone remained the starter through the end of the season as SMU finished (8-4, 6-2) after a close loss to California in Berkeley to end the season. Stone threw six touchdowns to no interceptions in SMU's final four games of the season.
Despite the momentum, head coach Block M decided to continue the carousel at quarterback and start Jennings in the ACC Championship. Jennings threw three interceptions in the 38-25 loss to eventual ACC Championship Miami. Jennings also got the nod in the Sun Bowl against Oregon as SMU was embarrassed 45-17 in El Paso.
Heading into S31 however, Block M says there will be no controversy.
"I hear the fans and media, I hear you loud and clear, but our best chance to win comes with Preston Stone at the helm. I think this was proven by Preston leading us to eight wins last year. Preston will start every game in S31 as the back and forth hurts the entire team. We also have packages in place for Jennings in specific scenarios but Preston gets the starts."
Stone looks to build off of S30 where he threw for over 1900 yards and tossed 16 touchdowns against seven interceptions.
SMU starts S31 with a visit from Central Michigan and will travel to Auburn. SMU and Auburn will play at 2pm EST on Saturday, January 11th.
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