LSU wide receiver Jack Bech (80) flexes after catching a pass against Central Michigan at Tiger Stadium on Saturday. — Photo courtesy of Scott Clause/The Advertiser via USA TODAY NETWORK
The story of LSU’s 49-21 win over Central Michigan was the offense. It was fast, high flying and dominated by young Acadiana prep stars Kayshon Boutte and Jack Bech.
Max Johnson became the third quarterback in LSU history to throw for 5 touchdowns in a game and two of them were to Boutte and Bech.
LSU wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (1) scores a two-yard touchdown reception against Central Michigan defensive back Donte Kent (19) during Saturday’s game at Tiger Stadium. — Photo courtesy Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Boutte, the former Westgate High player, had already established himself as a dominate wide receiver in the SEC last year, but one of the break-out performances of the game was former STM Cougar, Jack Bech.
Bech was targeted nine times – more than anyone else on LSU’s roster. The true freshman had five catches for 81 yards and a one-handed touchdown grab in the red zone.
“Jack Bech is a baller. He practices hard and he wants to ball,” LSU head coach Ed Orgeron said after the game. “He’s got the heart of a Tiger, and we love having him.”
Bech was asked to play a hybrid tight end because of the lack of depth at the position. He gained weight and is learning the new spot every week.
“The blocking part of it, I am learning,” said Bech. “I grew up being a receiver. I never thought I would be a receiver, hybrid-tight end position, but I am now. I am embracing it. I like getting mean, nasty and physical on the line.”
Despite being one of the most dominate players in the state of Louisiana High School football, Bech’s only SEC offer was Vanderbilt. But his dream school in Baton Rouge finally came calling toward the end of his senior year. Scoring his first touchdown in Tiger Stadium was a special moment for him.
“The excitement after the play, it was surreal being able to do that as an LSU Tiger in Tiger Stadium in my second game at LSU,” said Bech after the game. “I had all my teammates coming behind me and I heard the crowd go crazy, it was surreal. A dream come true.”
One of the most impressive catches of the night was from WR Malik Nabers, the former Comeaux High star that did not play his senior year after transferring to Southside High.
It was only a six-yard catch, but Nabers showed his unique athleticism that was talked about all spring and fall camp. Nabers could see more playing time this year after being out with an injury the first two weeks.
One thing LSU found on Saturday was their offensive identity and that identity involves Acadiana’s home-grown talent. That will be important going forward into SEC play against Mississippi State.
“We’re going to put the country on notice and they’re going to feel this,” said Bech. “We will make every SEC team we play feel us. Next week at Mississippi State, we are going to keep coming at them.”