LSU football: Which players earned their stripes against New Mexico?

2 of 4

Sep 24, 2022; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Jack Bech (80) returns a kick against New Mexico Lobos linebacker Tate Zimmerman (26) during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Jack Bech

It was revealed pregame that the plan going into Saturday night was to continue to develop the passing game. Kelly didn’t shy away from the fact that quarterback Jayden Daniels needed to get the explosive receivers more involved in the game—and that includes Jack Bech.

Bech was specifically a subject of Kelly’s answer to a media question as the LSU Head Coach noted that the sophomore receiver needed to touch the ball more often to succeed. As it turns out, the Tigers are better off when Bech is getting touches, as well.

Through the Bayou Bengals’ first three games of the season, these were Bech’s stats:

vs. Florida State: one reception, five yards
vs. Southern: one reception, 17 yards and a touchdown
vs. Mississippi State: None

Luckily for the LSU offense, Kelly put his money where his mouth is against New Mexico. Bech tripled his catches for the season as he got on the other end of six completions for 43 yards. He provided a reliable outlet for Daniels from the slot in Kayshon Boutte’s absence.

Bech wasn’t all about receiving work though.

In a surprise twist, Brian Polian named Bech as the starting punt returner for the Tigers before the game against the Lobos. They’ve struggled to fill the position through three contests thus far; something tells me that won’t be the case for long.

Bech was superb as a return man. In a press conference on Monday, Kelly described No. 80 as a fearless special teams player, which is exactly what LSU needs right now. Bech took a punt to the house on Saturday night in what would’ve been the Tigers’ first special teams touchdown of the season if not for a soft blindside block call.

Regardless, he cemented his place as LSU’s punt returner going forward. Bech showed the explosiveness that’s been absent from the special teams all season long up until this point. As for his impact on the offense, he should continue to get touches as the year progresses, even with Boutte back in the starting line-up.

You just cannot keep Bech off the field, it’s as simple as that. He epitomizes what this LSU team stands for and he knows what it means to put on the purple and gold every week.

Home/LSU Football