SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings (7) runs from Louisville defense during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Louisville, Ky., Saturday. Southern Methodist won 34-27. (Timothy D. Easley/AP Photo)

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kevin Jennings made bold declarations about himself and for SMU, neither of which could be debated after his arm and feet helped the Mustangs make a statement about their conference prospects.

Jennings passed and rushed for career highs, Isaiah Nwokobia intercepted an end-zone pass with 2:23 left to seal it, and SMU overcame blowing a double-digit lead to beat No. 22 Louisville 34-27 on Saturday.

The Mustangs (5-1, 2-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) never trailed and rang up another significant win as an ACC newcomer, but only after its 24-13 halftime lead dissolved into a 27-all tie entering the fourth quarter.

“We showed today this is what we can do in the ACC,” said Jennings, who passed for 281 yards and rushed for 113. “Hopefully, we can continue and get a championship.”

The Cardinals (3-2, 1-1) clawed back behind Ja’Corey Brooks’ 86-yard catch-and-run touchdown and a 1-yard TD run by Donald Chaney in the third.

After missing a third-quarter field goal and punting on its first fourth-quarter drive, SMU took over at its 11 and drove for the winning score with the help of several Louisville penalties and a video review that overturned Brashard Smith’s fumble that Louisville had recovered at the 5. That gave the Mustangs possession at the 13, and Louisville penalties for pass interference and offsides put the ball at the 1.

LJ Johnson took it in for the TD with 6:39 remaining.

The Cardinals got into SMU territory, but Tyler Shough was sacked for a 9-yard loss before throwing a fourth-down pass into traffic that Nwokobia caught to seal the Mustangs’ third consecutive victory. The win vaulted SMU into contention for the ACC lead with Virginia and No. 15 Clemson.

“It’s really hard to win on the road in conference against a ranked, really good football team,” SMU coach Rhett Lashlee said. “We wanted a fast start and I’m proud of these guys for what they did.”

Jennings completed his first 13 attempts to finish 21-of-27. He carried the ball 10 times, one for a 59-yard touchdown.

Roderick Daniels Jr. scored on a 5-yard run and Preston Stone hit Key’Shawn Smith for a 10-yard TD.

Shough completed 22 of 35 passes for 329 yards and 2 TDs, but was sacked three times and threw a crippling interception. The Cardinals dropped their second consecutive game.