LSU football: Three bold predictions for Tigers’ game vs. Florida State

3. Jack Bech breaks out

LSU’s official depth chart was released via the Allstate Louisiana Kickoff early afternoon on Sunday. Although there were a lot of “ORs” on both sides of the ball, there weren’t any at wide receiver. The Tigers will trot out Kayshon Boutte, Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas as its starters on offense. That doesn’t mean the likes of Jack Bech and Jaray Jenkins won’t be involved in the game against Florida State though.

Bech came up clutch on numerous occasions when LSU needed it most last season. He’s got tremendous route-running abilities and even better hands. No matter where he lines up—in the slot or on the outside—he’ll be a threat. He’s now made the full-time transition to wide receiver (as opposed to whatever tight end/wide receiver hybrid Ed Orgeron had him playing), so expect him to become an important piece of the Tigers’ offense going forward.

Nabers missed some practice time last week due to a small injury. It’s doubtful that he’s recovered 100% ahead of this game against Florida State. This, coupled with the fact that it’s the first game of the season, will result in some more opportunities being given to those lower on the depth chart. Bech isn’t one to sit around, content with not playing. He’s going to want to prove a point when he finally sees the field against the Seminoles.

Bech has all of the right attributes and skills to replicate the success of former Cincinnati wide receiver Alec Pierce, who was an important piece of Mike Denbrock’s offense with the Bearkats. The Lafayette native will be looking to build on his 43-reception, 489-yard season from last year.

Florida State will be giving a lot of attention to one of the Biletnikoff Award preseason favorites in Boutte. This will leave room for the other LSU receivers to put on huge performances under the lights of the Caesars Superdome. I fully expect Bech to be amongst those making huge plays in a victory over Florida State on Sunday.