It was a night of firsts for LSU’s group of young wide receivers as they contributed in the Tigers’ 45-10 win against Chattanooga.

Freshman Jacoby Stevens, who had one catch for 27 yards, and sophomore Stephen Sullivan both recorded their first career catches and sophomore Drake Davis caught his first career touchdown. 

Orgeron credits wide receiver coach Mickey Joseph with the work he has done with the young receivers to get them prepared to play at the collegiate level.

Davis recorded his first career touchdown on a 36-yard pass from quarterback Danny Etling. Davis beat his man on a post to end zone, and Etling put the pass where it needed to be.

“In my head I was thinking ‘Wow they’re cheering before I even caught the ball,’” Davis said. “I was like, I gotta catch it now. I did a good job of stabbing him, getting across his body and going back. When I caught it, I felt like ‘wow.’”

LSU coach Ed Orgeron said that the offense takes what they’re given, and on Saturday they were given the long ball multiple times throughout the night.

Etling had five passes for 25 yards or more, including a 46-yard pass to Sullivan, who out jumped two Chattanooga defenders for his first career catch.

“I ran the post and I think DJ [Chark] came across in motion and he ran and out,” Sullivan said. “I didn’t really think Danny [Etling] was going to hit me because the safety bailed and the corner came with me, I believe. I thought he was going to hit DJ, but he came to me and I just had to bail him out of the play, and that’s exactly what I did. As wide receivers we just gotta make plays and that’s exactly what I did.”

Sullivan said he was “speechless” on the catch and just wanted to make the play.

Even as the young players have gained more experience through the first two games, Orgeron sees that there is more to be done. He has talked about expanding the offense to put four receivers out wide, but has deferred due to that lack of experience.

“I’m pretty sure tonight put a lot of confidence in Coach O and Coach Canada on how the receivers dominated tonight,” Sullivan said. “You know we’re just getting better and better and we’re working to get to that spot. To get to that four wide.”

LSU’s offense did dominate, as they combined for a total 454 yards, with 232 passing yards.  

“I haven’t seen [LSU] throwing the ball that many times in a game, never until today,” Sullivan said.

LSU’s overall offense has improved, and the passing game is quickly becoming one of the most dynamic parts of it.

“I think our receivers are running a lot better routes this year,” Orgeron said. “They worked on their feet all summer with Mickey. They’re very precise in their routes and they’re catching the ball. I think our receivers are our most improved unit on our football team right now and that’s because of their coaching.”