We all know the traditional script of an LSU offense: pound the opposing defense with a surplus of running backs and use the quarterback as a game manager who doesn’t turn the ball over.
The balance hasn’t always been there this year, but junior quarterback Joe Burrow proved he isn’t just a game manager, but a game changer.
Heading into the Ole Miss matchup, LSU was ranked dead last in total offense in the Southeastern Conference.
Posting 573 yards against the Rebels shot the Tigers to No. 5 in total offense, which is middle of the pack, but Burrow believes the offense is just getting started.
Burrow went 18-for-25 for 292 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for an additional 98 yards on nine carries with a score. The most impressive thing, he connected with nine different receivers.
“I think this was a breakout game for our receivers – a breakout game for me,” Burrow said. “It’s all predicated – running the ball with Nick [Brossette] and Clyde [Edwards-Helaire].”
Sophomore receiver Justin Jefferson agreed that last week’s 45-16 win over Ole Miss was a breakout performance for the receivers, and it’s something to build on ahead of a tough match up in the Swamp.
“A game like that [Ole Miss] does help confidence,” Jefferson said. “It doesn’t matter if their defense is good or bad. They’re still an SEC school, so the confidence is definitely building.”
Jefferson, the clear cut No. 1 receiver, caught five passes for 99 yards and scored the first two touchdowns of his career. Jefferson and Burrow have already developed a great rapport, which Jefferson said started in the summer.
When Burrow committed to LSU in May, Jefferson said every Saturday the receiving corps would meet Burrow at the team facility and work on routes, learning the spots each receiver likes the ball thrown to.
Burrow said what makes Jefferson a good receiver is he can get to full speed in “about three steps.”
“He can change direction quickly and can make plays being contested,” Burrow said. “We have really good chemistry. He’s always open and is just really solid at making big plays in big situations.”
Jefferson echoed the sentiment Burrow threw his way, saying the connection he grew with Burrow over the summer makes Gameday feel just like practice.
Other receivers made sure their impact felt in the onslaught against Ole Miss, including junior Stephen Sullivan, who caught five passes for 50 yards on Saturday and has 143 yards on the season, good for second on the team.
Freshman receiver Ja’Marr Chase also hauled in a 21-yard touchdown in the first quarter, bringing his season total up to two.
Jefferson said the receiving corps as a whole has developed quickly, with different guys stepping up each week, and making it very difficult for defenses to pinpoint where the next point of attack will come from.
“You never know whose game it’ll be,” Jefferson said. “We just always have to be prepared and do what we do best. We don’t really care who makes the big plays we just care about winning.”
The second-year receiver also pointed out the work of wide receivers coach Jerry Sullivan, who Jefferson calls a “technician” of route – running.
“He’s more worried about our route running and releases then even catching the ball,” Jefferson said. “When I was coming up, it was all about catching the ball but he’s more on the techniques and the working of the route. He’s been coaching for as long as I’ve been alive so whatever he says I take it to heart.”
Burrow is now going to face Florida in the Swamp, which the junior transfer said has been on his bucket list of places to play.
“I think we took a big step forward last weekend,” Burrow said. “It’s going to be a tough place to play. Everyone tells me it’s going to be very loud. We’re going to have to get up and put our big boy pants on because it’s going to be a tough battle.”
LSU sophomore wide receiver Justin Jefferson (2) catches the ball during the Tigers' 45-16 victory against Ole Miss in Tiger Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018.
