What's going on with Lynn Bowden?

Lynn Bowden is one of the most dynamic playmakers in all of college football. But why aren't we seeing it? Last night, Bowden had seven catches for 70 yards on 12 targets. That's nothing to shrug at, but it also doesn't really jump off the page, unless you have him in your PPR fantasy football league. For the season, Bowden is now up to 20 catches but a measly 201 yards and only one touchdown. That's a 10.1 yards per catch average, which isn't great for a player with his level of talent. We've become so accustomed to the dynamic wide out making spectacular plays all around the field that it's hard to feel anything except a little disappointment so far. That's not a slight to Bowden or his ability, but something's got to give. The Cats need the guy who defenses are afraid he might score every time he touches the ball. He's already having touches taken away from him, as teams are trying to not allow him an opportunity to return the ball on kickoffs. The defense is employing a bend-don't-break defense that allows teams to consistently drive to at least midfield before they get a stop. That also limits Bowden's chances of getting big returns in the punt game. I see the Cats consistently trying to get Bowden the ball, as evidenced by his 12 targets against Florida. The explosive playmaking just hasn't been there just yet. I'm not at all worried about Bowden moving forward. We all know what he's capable of, and he deserves the benefit of the doubt. I credit his only-somewhat slow start to defenses just being more prepared than they were previously. There's a game coming where Lynn Bowden will remind us all why he had us so excited before the season started. Hopefully it comes sooner rather than later.

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@nickwheatley23