Some parts of Baton Rouge remained without power following Hurricane Isaac, but sophomore wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.’s electrifying punt returns were enough to keep the lights on over Death Valley as the Tigers rolled to a 41-14 win against North Texas on Saturday. The dismissal of Tyrann Mathieu left many concerned about a potential decrease in production in the return game. Beckham did his best to put those fears to bed as he notched his career-first punt return touchdown in LSU’s first game since Mathieu’s departure. Beckham, who averaged 18.8 yards on four returns, gave credit to the rest of the punt return squad and cited the unit’s rhythm as a reason for his success. “The punt return team was blocking tremendously tonight,” Beckham said. “I’m running up the field, and I see blocks left and right, people getting laid out. It’s a good feeling. It’s a secure feeling to be back there and know that that’s how it’s going to week.” Beckham was granted a second chance just minutes later, and he made the most of it with a 70-yard touchdown return when he broke a tackle and hurdled over a Mean Green player. Beckham’s returns didn’t come at dramatic or pivotal moments in the game, but they served as standout moments in a game that LSU coach Les Miles described as “sloppy, but dominant at returner.” Even though Mathieu is no longer a part of the team, his impact can still be felt. Beckham said that Mathieu played a pivotal role in his development as a punt returner. “I’ve just got to give thanks to him,” Beckham said. “He taught me so many things [about] the punt return game. … I’ve just got to take those tips and use season.”
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