Two Louisiana teams are in the preseason A-P Top 25 poll. LSU is ranked 16th, while the Ragin Cajuns are ranked 23rd. U-L Lafayette’s season-opening opponent, Texas is ranked 21st. Alabama is ranked number one, followed by Oklahoma, Clemson, Ohio State, Georgia and Texas A-and-M.

LSU’s defensive line had a good showing when the Tigers held their first scrimmage of preseason camp on Saturday. Coach Ed Orgeron says the play of ends Andre Anthony and Ali Gaye highlighted the day…
Cut 16 (16) “…pass rush”
Orgeron says starting cornerbacks Derek Stingley Junior and Eli Ricks did not compete in the scrimmage, because of what Coach O calls camp injuries. Stingley may not participate in practice at all this week.

Saints Coach Sean Payton says All-Pro receiver Michael Thomas is ahead of schedule as he rehabs from offseason ankle surgery. Thomas was at Saturday’s preseason game, a sign the relationship between him and the franchise is improving. Thomas was catching passes before the game from Jameis Winston, but Thomas had a walking boot on his surgically repaired left ankle. Winston says it was still great to see Thomas at the game…
Cut 20 (13) “…my night”
The Saints have until 3 PM tomorrow to reduce their roster from 90 to 85 players. There are reports running back Stevie Scott, defensive end Noah Spence and cornerback Prince Amukamara have been told of their release.

The Pelicans beat the Warriors 80 to 79 in overtime to go 4-and-0 in summer league action. First-round pick Trey Murphy had 22 points.