LSU vs Mississippi State: Wide receiver ‘Tale of the Tape’
If you love the passing game, this might be the game for you. Neither team has shown the ability to run the football consistently. Both teams rank at the bottom of the SEC and in all of the FBS. On the flip side of that coin, both teams love to throw the football.
Both Will Rogers and Max Johnson rank among the top 20 in FBS for yards per game. With the added emphasis to the passing game, the wide receivers will play a major role in this game.
Breaking down how the WRs compare
Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Which team has the best trio of receivers?
Boutte | Palmer | Bech | Polk | Walley | Williams | |
So | Jr | Fr | Class | Jr | So | Sr |
6-0 | 6-0 | 6-2 | Ht | 6-3 | 6-0 | 6-3 |
190 | 180 | 207 | Wt | 200 | 180 | 200 |
20 | 10 | 10 | Rec | 25 | 14 | 14 |
223 | 77 | 155 | Yards | 226 | 166 | 149 |
11.2 | 7.7 | 15.5 | YPC | 9.0 | 11.9 | 10.6 |
6 | 1 | 1 | TDs | 1 | 3 | 0 |
Everything revolves around Kayshon Boutte for the LSU Tigers. He is the most dynamic receiver in the game, Jake Peetz needs to continue feeding him throughout the game. Which is a huge reason they moved him around from outside receiver to in the slot, looking for the biggest mismatch.
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Trey Palmer has one touchdown this season and didn’t play against Central Michigan. He needs to get it rolling against Mississippi State to provide some help to Boutte. Palmer and Jack Bech should get plenty of favorable looks with most of the attention going to Boutte. Don’t forget about an emerging player in Deion Smith, who was PFF’s highest-graded receiver in week three.
For the Bulldogs, there are plenty of options in the receiving game for the LSU defense to account for. Former Cal transfer Makai Polk leads the team in yards, while running back Jo’quavious Marks leads the team in receptions. A staple of the ‘Air Raid’ attack leans heavily on the quick passing game, getting the ball into their backs is essentially an extension of the run game.
When it comes to scoring, Jaden Walley is the guy leading the way with three receiving touchdowns. Eli Ricks and Derek Stingley Jr need to be on their game to limit the scoring opportunities. The pass rush will need to apply pressure to Rogers early and often.
In terms of the receivers, we give the edge to LSU.
