It was an impressive performance by Atlanta’s defense in yesterday’s NFC Championship game as they held Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense in check in a 44-21 win for the Dirty Birds. Several players with ties to Louisiana had a part in the victory.

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.

The Patriots offense performed like a machine yesterday, so former Louisiana Tech punter Ryan Allen only punted twice. New England beat Pittsburgh 36-17. The Patriots and Falcons meet in Super Bowl 51 on Sunday February 5th.

Another college baseball preseason poll has the LSU Tigers ranked in the top 5. Baseball America has LSU ranked fourth. TCU is number one, Florida State two and Florida is ranked third. The Ragin Cajuns are ranked 13th in the poll. Full squad workouts begin later this week.

After an embarrassing loss to the worst team in the NBA, the Brooklyn Nets, on Friday night, the Pelicans will host the defending champs tonight. LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers face New Orleans tonight. It’s the start of a tough week for the Pels, who host Oklahoma City on Wednesday and San Antonio on Friday.