Earlier in the week before LSU defeated South Alabama 42-10, Tigers head coach Brian Kelly said wide receiver Chris Hilton Jr. would be probable against the Jaguars. However, Hilton ultimately didn’t play against South Alabama.

Hilton suffered an ankle injury in August and hasn’t played yet in the 2024 campaign. After LSU’s win over South Alabama on Saturday, Kelly explained why Hilton didn’t see any action.

Again, I think this has been more about getting somebody that’s at 100% [rather] than at 85, 90%,” Kelly said. “We could’ve had him out there tonight but we want him at 100%. And there was no sense in getting him out there tonight. We felt like we had enough firepower and we want him at 100%.”

LSU certainly didn’t lack receiving options on Saturday. LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier connected with 11 different receivers against the Jaguars, amassing 409 passing yards and two touchdowns.

Nonetheless, it never hurts to have another threat out wide. In the 2023 campaign, Hilton notched 13 receptions for 225 yards and two scores. LSU has a bye this weekend and will hopefully return Chris Hilton Jr. to the field in Week 7.

Caden Durham erupts for LSU

LSU’s receivers weren’t the only ones who shined against South Alabama. Freshman running back Caden Durham exploded for rushing 128 yards and a touchdown on only seven carries. Additonally, he reeled in three catches for 89 yards and a score.

“He does an unbelievable job,” Nussmeier said. “Obviously, he’s very explosive with the ball in his hands… I think the offensive line also did an unbelievable job of giving him opportunities to have space to run. And you give him space and good things happen.” 

Durham didn’t hesitate to electrify Tiger Stadium on Saturday night. On LSU’s first play from scrimmage, Durham took a pass 71 yards to the house. It was the first time since 1982 that LSU scored on the first offensive play of a game.

Kelly couldn’t have been happier with Durham’s performance.

“I think we’ve done a really good job of putting him in a position to be successful, right?” Kelly said. “… I thought (offensive coordinator) Joe Sloan did a great job play calling in that situation to get him out (on the perimeter) because that’s a play we hadn’t run before.”

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