LSU head coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] said it after the loss to USC: Wide receiver [autotag]Aaron Anderson[/autotag] had a breakout game.
Anderson’s season-opening performance wasn’t a one-hit wonder. The redshirt sophomore is LSU’s leading receiver after three games with 15 catches for 223 yards.
With four catches for 20+ yards, Anderson is LSU’s top big play rate. That mark is below [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag]’ rate from last year, but Anderson still ranks 33rd nationally in 20+ yard catches.
Kyren Lacy entered the year as LSU’s certified WR1 — and he still is. Lacy can’t do it alone, though. LSU needed someone else in the receiver room to emerge as an impact player. Anderson found that role.
Anderson’s 96 yards against South Carolina were a career high. His three games this season are the three highest receiving totals of his career.
According to PFF, Anderson owns the fourth-best receiving grade in the SEC after Week 3. Anderson is yet to drop a ball and his 3.6 yards per route run is one of the most efficient marks in the conference.
https://twitter.com/FF_TravisM/status/1835023557270917613
This shouldn’t be a surprise. Anderson was a five-star in the class of 2022 and began his career at Alabama. An injury forced a redshirt his freshman year and he was buried on the depth chart at LSU in 2023. Now with a real opportunity, he’s making the most of it.
Anderson’s strength is his speed. Last year, LSU tried to get the ball in his hands underneath and let him make a play. In 2024, Anderson is threatening defenses all over the field. He’s working deep over the middle and down the sideline.
Nussmeier’s trust in No. 1 is evident.
For this LSU offense to reach its ceiling, Anderson needs to continue on this pace. If defenses manage to take LSU’s top target in Lacy away, Nussmeier needs to have a reliable option elsewhere.
[autotag]Mason Taylor[/autotag] has proved to be that guy in some cases, but he can’t stretch the field like Anderson can.
Lacy, Anderson and Taylor have emerged as a formidable receiver trio for LSU. That should have fans feeling good about this passing attack moving forward.
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