How SMU's first season in the ACC became a massive success

South Oak Cliff quarterback Kevin Jennings led SMU to a massive upset over Aledo .

Jennings had only one college scholarship offer, from Bobby Petrino at Missouri State , and was committed there.

Jennings led the Mustangs to the first state championship for a Dallas Independent School District program since 1958 .

Jennings started last year's AAC championship game while Preston Stone was injured and led them to its first conference title in 40 years .

SMU added 18 Power 4 transfers this offseason, including eight on the defensive line.

The Mustangs ' only preseason all-conference pick (as a kick returner) was Brashard Smith .

Coach Lashlee worked with Liberty 's defensive coordinator Scott Symons at Arkansas State .

Kevin Smith's 1,667 all-purpose yards are fourth -most in school history in a single season behind Eric Dickerson , Jerry LeVias and Arthur Whittington .

Smith has never played running back before, never played receiver his whole life.

Coach Lashlee says he hoped to downplay expectations before the season .