Tom Brady and the Patriots will once again be headed to the Super Bowl following a 36-17 win over the Steelers Sunday; and it was the Falcons who picked up the NFC title after routing the Packers, 44-21. Former Southeastern Louisiana Lion Robert Alford had five tackles for Atlanta, so did former LSU Tiger Deion Jones. Former Tiger Jalen Collins forced a fumble for the Falcons he recovered; and Tyson Jackson out of LSU had a sack.

Multiple sources report that neither Sean Payton nor the New Orleans Saints reached out to the Colts to work out a potential trade involving the coach. Payton said in a recent interview on WWL Radio that he plans to be back because he’s got four more years on a contract with New Orleans.

Camping World is no longer the title sponsor of the Independence Bowl in Shreveport. The company is ending its relationship with the bowl game after the second year of a four year contract. Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis told the Shreveport times that they were not happy with the TV ratings and overall experience.

In college hoops, UNO remains in first place in the Southland thanks to an 81-63 win over Central Arkansas. The Privateers have won 7 of their last 8 and lead Sam Houston State by one game in the conference standings.

Louisiana Tech improved to 6-1 in CUSA with an 81-57 victory over North Texas on Saturday. This is a big week for the Bulldogs who visit UAB on Thursday and Middle Tennessee on Saturday.

ULM will stay in Texas today as they prepare to face San Marcos in Sun Belt Action tonight at 7. The Warhawks were handed a 71-55 road loss to UTA Saturday. The UL-Lafayette Ragin-Cajuns take on The Mavericks tonight on the road.

Southeastern got its 16th straight home win Saturday beating Houston Baptist 81-74. The Lions will stay at home when they face in-state rival Northwestern State Wednesday.

Same old story for the LSU Tigers, who lost their 5th straight. They didn’t play much defense, as they allowed Arkansas to shoot 53% from the field, 8-of-16 from 3-point territory and the Razorbacks won 99-86. Up next for LSU is a home game against 19th ranked Florida on Wednesday night.