Receiving
Let’s begin with receiving, the category that offers perhaps the most even playing field. To begin we will look at career numbers.
Lynn Bowden Jr.
Receptions: 114
Receiving Yards: 1303
Yards-per-Catch Average: 11.4
Touchdowns: 6
Randall Cobb
Receptions: 144
Receiving Yards: 1661
Yards-per-Catch Average: 11.5
Touchdowns: 13
After looking at career numbers it becomes pretty clear, Randall Cobb was the more successful receiver during his time at Kentucky. Cobb tallied over thirty more receptions than Bowden while simultaneously racking up over 300 more yards as well. But the most notable difference is the touchdowns, with Cobb much more of a threat in the red zone than his counterpart.
Before we rush to conclusions, let’s take a look at their season-best numbers.
Lynn Bowden Jr.
Receptions: 67 (2018 season)
Receiving Yards: 745 (2018 season)
Yards-per-Catch Average: 12.4 (2017 season)
Touchdowns: 5 (2018 season)
Randall Cobb
Receptions: 84 (2010 season)
Receiving Yards: 1017 (2010 season)
Yards-per-Catch Average: 12.1 (2010 season)
Touchdowns: 7 (2010 season)
After looking at their career-high totals per season the narrative is strengthened. Randall Cobb was the superior receiver. Although his best totals all come from his 2010 campaign, Cobb is still statistically better.
Thus, verdict number one.