For the LSU Tigers offense to be even better than they have been, the wide receivers are going to need to step it up. Even top wideout Kayshon Boutte admitted they all need to do better.
“We really talked about it every day. We talk about it and preach about it every day and things we can do to improve on it is catching balls after practice and practicing more with the quarterbacks.”
Looking at the distribution, it is led by Boutte. As it should, the team needs to find more ways to get the ball into the hands of their playmakers. Palmer didn’t play against Central Michigan but still ranks No. 2 in the number of targets along with freshman Jack Bech. The biggest issue being the number of drops between the top four most-targeted receivers, seven between them.
| Receiver | Targets | Receptions | Rec % | Drops | Drop % |
| Kayshon Boutte | 28 | 19 | 67.9 | 3 | 13.6 |
| Trey Palmer | 13 | 10 | 76.9 | 1 | 9.1 |
| Jack Bech | 13 | 10 | 76.9 | 1 | 9.1 |
| Jaray Jenkins | 9 | 3 | 33.3 | 2 | 40.0 |
| Deion Smith | 9 | 7 | 77.8 | 0 | 0.0 |
| Koy Moore | 8 | 5 | 62.5 | 0 | 0.0 |
| Devonta Lee | 7 | 5 | 71.4 | 1 | 16.7 |
| Brian Thomas Jr | 5 | 3 | 60.0 | 2 | 40.0 |
Going up against the Mississippi State defense, they will have ample opportunity. The Bulldogs give up the most passing yards per game, and second in the number of touchdown receptions allowed. This is where Boutte could shine for the Tigers, he leads the nation in touchdown receptions.
Much the reason that the LSU offense has moved him around a bit. Boutte has played 44.7% of his snaps from the slot. The defense will have to account for him all over the field, dependent upon where Jake Peetz wants to line him up. Bech is another player who can line up at every wide receiver position and even as an inline tight end.
Look for Boutte and Bech to take advantage of mismatches in the Bulldogs secondary on Saturday. Especially if the run game continues to go missing.