LSU Sports Information Director Michael Bonnette has confirmed reports that Tigers defensive tackle Travonte Valentine is no longer on the football team. The blue-chip recruit is reportedly taking his talents to Arizona Western Community College. Valentine didn’t play last season because of eligibility issues and he spent the spring on academic suspension.

LSU’s former defensive coordinator John Chavis will return to Baton Rouge on November 28th, when LSU hosts A&M. Aggies Coach Kevin Sumlin says Chavis leaving Baton Rouge for College Station is just another chapter in a spicy rivalry between the two schools…
cut 17 (17) “…the field”
Sumlin believes the hiring of Chavis will make them a tougher team physicall and mentally.

Louisiana Tech has been picked to repeat as West Division champs in a preseason vote conducted by a panel of media members that cover Conference USA schools. After winning the West last year, Tech brings back running back Kenneth Dixon, safety Xavier Woods, cornerback Adarius Barnes and safety Kentrell Brice, while also adding former Florida quarterback Jeff Driskell. Western Kentucky is favored to win the East Division, while last year’s CUSA champ, Marshall, is picked to finish second in the East.

The Biletnikoff Award Watch list came out today. LSU’s Travin Dural from Breaux Bridge is on that list. So is Louisiana Tech receiver Trent Taylor, who had nine touchdowns last season. ULM wide receivers Rashon Ceaser and Ajalen Holley are both on the list.

At the Major League Baseball All-Star game last night, former LSU Tiger DJ LeMahieu went 0-for-2 at the plate as the National League lost to the American League six to three in the midsummer classic.