With one game left in the season, many in the “Who Dat?” nation are wondering if Sunday’s game at Atlanta will be coach Sean Payton’s last game with the Saints. The Black and Gold will finish the season with their second consecutive losing record and miss the playoffs. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says this will be the team’s biggest story of the off season…

cut 12 (06) “move on”

Detillier believes there is a better chance of Payton leaving the team than staying.

The Saints did come out hot yesterday scoring the game’s first 24 points as they downed the Jacksonville Jaguars 38-27. Despite an injured right foot, Saints quarterback Drew Brees threw for 412 yards and three touchdowns. This was Brees’ 13th career 400 yard game. Tim Hightower rushed for 122 yards and two touchdowns in the victory. The Saints will wrap up the season Sunday afternoon at Atlanta.

Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson issued a statement in response to a Sunday Times Picayune column that suggested he sell both teams. Benson’s response, “I’m not selling either team”. Saints sideline reporter Kristian Garic is not at all surprised by Benson’s response…

cut 24 (07) “these teams”

The column suggested Benson sell the teams for the good of both the franchises and the city of New Orleans.

The Pelicans held Houston forward James Harden to 1 of 5 shooting and a turnover down the stretch as they defeated the Rockets 110-108. Eric Gordon led the way for the victors with 26 points. Anthony Davis had 24 points and pulled down 13 rebounds as the Pels improve to 10 and 20 on the season. Up next is a date tonight with the Magic in Orlando.

Today in college basketball, Nicholls State fell to Houston 76-49. The Colonels are now 4-9 on the season and have lost six of their last seven.

Louisiana Tech hosts Prairie View A&M tonight. The Bulldogs are 10-2 and have won four of their last five.

Despite an injured right foot, Saints quarterback Drew Brees threw for 412 yards and three touchdowns as the Black & Gold upended the Jacksonville Jaguars 38-27. The Saints scored the game’s first 24 points and never looked back. Tim Hightower ran for 122 yards and two touchdowns in the victory. This was also Brees’ 13th career 400 yard game. The Saints will wrap up the season Sunday afternoon at Atlanta.

Many are wondering if Sunday’s game will be head coach Sean Payton’s final game on the Saints’ sideline. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says it could be. He says the task of rebuilding the team and the unsettled ownership issue could play part in his decision. Detillier says when it comes to Payton’s future with the Saints, the coach is holding all the cards…

cut 13 (08) “this stage”

Payton has been the Saints head coach for the past 10 seasons.
The Pelicans held Houston forward James Harden to 1 of 5 shooting and a turnover down the stretch as they defeated the Rockets 110-108. Eric Gordon led the way for the victors with 26 points. Anthony Davis had 24 points and pulled down 13 rebounds as the Pels improve to 10 and 20 on the season. Up next is a date tonight with the Magic in Orlando.

Today in college basketball, Nicholls State takes on Houston. The Colonels are 4-8 on the season and have lost five of their last six.

Louisiana Tech hosts Prairie View A&M tonight. The Bulldogs are 10-2 and have won four of their last five.

In Saturday’s Camping World Independence Bowl in Shreveport, Virginia Tech held off a Tulsa fourth quarter rally to defeat the Hurricanes 55-52. Hokies head coach Frank Beamer gets the win in the final game of his coaching career.

The LSU Tigers are in Houston making final preparations for tomorrow night’s Advocare V100 Texas Bowl against the Texas Tech Red Raiders. LSU comes into the game ranked 20th while the Red Raiders have the second ranked offense in the nation. The game kicks off at 8PM and it can be seen on ESPN.

Despite a torn plantar fascia in his right foot, Saints Quarterback Drew Brees says he intends to play Sunday against the Jaguars. He says stiffness was an issue on Thursday and whether or not he’ll practice today will depend on how he’s feeling…:

cut 14 (07) “get stiff”
The Saints won’t make the playoffs and they have just two games left, but Brees says he wants to play for the team.

The Miami Heat needed overtime to beat the New Orleans Pelicans 94-88 today. After allowing nine offensive rebounds and 10 second-chance points in the first half, the Pelicans only allowed Miami two offensive rebounds and two second-chance points in the second half and overtime. Anthony Davis played a career high 50 minutes, 11 seconds against the Heat. He finished with 29 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, four steals and three blocks.

Expect a moment of silence before Sunday’s game to remember Jerry Romig, who was the public address announcer for the Saints for 44 years. Romig passed away Wednesday at his home at the age of 86. His family said Romig was battling an extended illness. Romig retired from his P-A duties two years ago. Dome general manager Doug Thornton calls Romig an institution.

Former LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger will start this Sunday as the Tennessee Titans host the Houston Texans. Mettenberger is filling in for the injured Marcus Mariota. Mettenberger is 0-8 as a starter in the NFL.

The Virginia Tech Hokies face the Tulsa Hurricanes in Saturday’s Camping World Independence Bowl in Shreveport in what will be Hokies’ head coach Frank Beamer’s final game. Independence Bowl spokesman Stefan Nolet says they are honored to host coach Beamer in the last game of his career…

cut 8 (09) “to see”

The Saints play their final home game of the season this Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. While speaking with reporters that cover the Jaguars, Coach Sean Payton said he sees himself coaching the Saints long past this season. Payton was asked about his coaching future, because there’s speculation he may look to coach somewhere else next season.

The Saints are taking a day-to-day approach when it comes to quarterback Drew Brees’ injured foot. Brees has a torn plantar fascia in his right foot and Payton says if the doctors say he can play without further injuring himself, he’ll be out there Sunday against the Jaguars.

Expect a moment of silence before Sunday’s game to remember Jerry Romig, who was the public address announcer for the Saints for 44 years. Romig passed away yesterday at his home at the age of 86. His family said Romig was battling an extended illness. Romig retired from his P-A duties two years ago. Dome general manager Dough Thornton calls Romig an institution.

Former LSU star Odell Beckham Junior will not play this Sunday as his one-game suspension has been upheld by the NFL. Beckham will have to sit out Sunday’s Giants game against the Vikings because he violated player safety rules.

Former LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger is getting ready to start this Sunday for the Tennessee Titans, who host the Houston Texans. Mettenberger is filling in for the injured Marcus Mariota. Tennessee only has three wins on the year, while the Texans are in first place in the AFC South. Mettenberger and the Titans have won just five games since he joined the team in 2014…
cut 30 (07) “….right note”
Mettenberger is 0-8 as a starter in the NFL.

The Pelicans bring a two-game winning streak into their Christmas Day matchup with the Miami Heat. New Orleans easily beat Portland 115 to 89 yesterday. Anthony Davis had 28 points, 12 rebounds and blocked three shots as the Pels improved to 9-19 on the year.

The NFL has upheld New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Junior’s one game suspension for the rough housing that occurred between him and Panthers cornerback Josh Norman. Beckham’s appeal was heard Wednesday, but it wasn’t convincing enough, so the former LSU star will not play this Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. In a statement, Beckham apologized for his actions on Sunday and said he dropped the ball on sportsmanship.

Lately the Portland Trail Blazers had been dominate over the New Orleans Pelicans, but not last night. Anthony Davis scored 28 and grabbed 12 rebounds as the Pels blew out Portland 115-89. Tyreke Evans added 24 as five Pelicans scored in double figures. The Pels defensive efforts held the Trail Blazers to making less than 35-percent of their shots from the field. New Orleans is now 9-19 as they travel to Miami to take on the Heat in a Christmas Day matchup that tips off at 11AM. You can watch on ESPN.

It’s been a tough week for the ULM men’s basketball team. The Warhawks lost in triple overtime to Canisius 108-96 Tuesday in a tournament in Las Vegas. They then turned around and lost to Hampton yesterday 75-64. Majok Deng had 16 points in a losing effort. ULM takes a small break for Christmas before returning to the court to host Appalachian State in Sun Belt Conference action on New Year’s Eve.

In that same Las Vegas tournament yesterday, Canisius upended Nicholls State 83-74. The loss drops the Colonels to 4-8. Nicholls will get a couple of days off for the holiday before traveling to Houston to take on the Cougars Monday afternoon.

Former New Orleans Saints public address announcer Jerry Romig has died. He was the teams stadium announcer for an incredible 44 seasons beginning in 1969. Romig did cite health problems as one reason for his retirement in 2013. He was replaced in the announce booth by his son Mark. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Jefferson. Visitation will start at 10AM with a funeral mass to follow. Romig was 86 years-old.

The NFL has upheld Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Junior’s one game suspension for the rough housing that occurred between him and Panthers cornerback Josh Norman. Beckham’s appeal was heard today, but it wasn’t convincing enough, so the former LSU star will not play this Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.

In the NBA tonight…the Pelicans host Portland. New Orleans has the second worst record in the Western Conference, while the Trail Blazers have third worst mark. Tip-off is at 7:00 in the Smoothie King Center.

The LSU men’s basketball team heads into Christmas break on a three-game winning streak. The Tigers beat American University 79-51 last night as Ben Simmons had 23 points and Craig Victor added 14 points.

It’s been a tough couple of days for the ULM men’s basketball team. The Warhawks lost in triple overtime to Canisius 108-96 in a tournament in Las Vegas. They turned around today and lost to Hampton 75-64. Majok Deng had 16 points in a losing effort.

Louisiana Tech men’s hoops improved to 10-2 with 66-63 win over Florida Gulf Coast. The Bulldogs were able to come away with a road victory, despite hitting 2-of-17 from three point territory. Alex Hamilton led the way with 26 points.

Saints Coach Sean Payton says quarterback Drew Brees is day to day with a foot injury. It’s been reported that Brees has a torn plantar fascia and is seeking a second opinion from another doctor. Payton didn’t confirm those reports while addressing reporters this morning. Brees suffered the injury in the first half of Monday night’s loss to Detroit. Saints sideline reporter Kristian Garic expects Brees will do all he can to make sure he’s on the field this Sunday when the Saints host Jacksonville…
cut 17 (16) “…going to play”
If Brees doesn’t play, than rookie Garrett Grayson or former LSU Tiger Matt Flynn would start.

For the first time since 2007, no one from the Saints was named to the Pro Bowl team.
The LSU men’s basketball team started off slow, but eventually took control and beat American University 79-51 last night. It’s the third consecutive win for the Tigers. Ben Simmons had 23 points.

ULM was involved in a wild game last night but ended up losing to Canisus 108 to 96 in triple overtime. ULM had six players finish in double figures led by Majok Deng who had 21 points. It was a game the Warhawks should have won, but they let a 13-point lead slip away in the final two minutes of regulation.

Louisiana Tech picked up a big win on the road as the Bulldogs defeated Florida Gulf Coast 66-63. Florida native Alex Hamilton scored 26 points as the Bulldogs outscored F-G-C-U 34-27 in the second half.

One other score from last night…UCLA beat McNeese State 67-53.

In the NBA…the Pelicans holst Portland tonight. Both teams are last place in their respective divisions in the Western Conference.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees reportedly has a torn plantar fascia in his right foot and is awaiting a second opinion. That’s according to ESPN’s Ed Werder, who says the injury affects his planting foot when he throws. Saints sideline reporter Kristian Garic says even though the Saints are out of playoff contention, Brees will try to play, if the doctors give him the ok

cut 16 (11) “during a game”

Brees suffered the injury in the first half of Monday night’s loss to Detroit.

The Pelicans will host the Portland Trail Blazers tonight in the Smoothie King Center. On December 14th, the Trail Blazers won their seventh straight over New Orleans 105-101. Portland could find maintaining their dominance over the Pels a little difficult if they don’t have their two top scorers on the floor. Damien Lillard could sit due to plantar faciitis in his left foot and CJ McCollum has two sprained ankles. Tipoff is at 7PM.

In college basketball, LSU won their third straight after a 79-51 victory over American University. Four Tigers scored in double figures led by Ben Simmons 23. LSU improves to 7-4 on the season and will host Wake Forest Tuesday night.

Malik Morgan scored 15 to lead Tulane over Southern Miss 59-40. The Green Wave took a 37-19 lead into halftime and led by at least 18 throughout the second half.

Louisiana Tech squeezed past Florida Gulf Coast 66-63. Alex Hamilton score 26 and Erik McCree added 12 as Tech has now won five of their last six.

It took three overtimes before Canisius could record a 108-96 win over ULM at the Continental Tire Las Vegas Classic. Six Warhawks scored in double figures, led by Majok Deng’s 21. ULM blew a 13 point lead with one minute, ten seconds remaining in regulation.

UCLA defeated McNeese State last night 70-59 and Southern was defeated by Omaha 74-53.

Tonight in the Maravich Center, the LSU men’s basketball team goes after its third straight victory as they host American University, which has a two and eight record. The Tigers are coming off a 100-77 win over Oral Roberts. Keith Hornsby is averaging nearly 20 points a game since he returned three games ago from a knee injury.

In other action tonight…Louisiana Tech is at Florida Gulf Coast. The Bulldogs are 9-2 and led by Alex Hamilton and Erik McCree, who each are averaging 17 points a game.

McNeese State is at UCLA and earlier today…Nicholls State beat Hampton 84-81. The Colonels were led by Ja’Dante Frye who had 21 points, while T-J Carpenter added 19 points.

Last night…UL Lafayette beat UNO 79-69 to improve to 4-0 at home. Georgia Tech thumped Southeastern Louisiana 75-62 and the Lady Tigers lost to top ranked UCONN 86-40.

The Saints were off today following their 35-27 loss to Detroit. New Orleans dropped to 5-9 on the season. Quarterback Drew Brees reportedly had an MRI on his foot, which he injured in last night’s game. The resultsare not known. The Saints host the Jaguars this Sunday at 3:05.

LSU is ranked seventh by Collegiate Baseball in the first preseason poll. Their incoming recruiting class is also ranked as the seventh best. Coach Paul Mainieri says they’ll count on a couple of those players right away…
cut 18 (17) “….our league”
UL Lafayette is ranked sixth in the Collegiate Baseball preseason poll, the highest ever ranking to start a season for the Cajuns, who return most of their players from the team that reached the super regionals last season.

The Saints are now 5-9 on the season after losing to the Detroit Lions 35-27 on Monday night football. New Orleans played an ugly first half and found themselves down 21-3 at halftime. New Orleans made it a game in the second half, as Drew Brees threw three touchdown passes. But the Saints defense was just not good enough again. They allowed the league’s worst rushing attack to rush for 150 yards and Lions QB Matthew Stafford completed 22 of 25 passes for 254 yards and three touchdowns.

Saints Hall of Fame linebacker Rickey Jackson has told a New Orleans TV station that he is recovering from prostate cancer. Jackson says he’s doing ok and is now cancer free. He had 128 sacks during his hall of fame career.

In recruiting news…Parkway quarterback Keondre Wudtee has reportedly de-committed from Louisiana Tech. Wudtee tweeted over the weekend that he received an offer from Oklahoma State.

In the first college baseball preseason poll, LSU is ranked seventh, one spot behind UL Lafayette. The Tigers beat the Cajuns in the super regionals last year to advance to the College World Series. The Tigers return one of the top pitchers in the country in Alex Lange. Coach Paul Mainieri says he’s excited that Lange and veteran left hander Jared Poche will anchor their pitching staff in 2016…
cut 17 (12) “…kind of a let down”
LSU’s first game is February 19th against Cincinnati.

In college basketball last night…UL Lafayette defeated UNO 79-69. Georgia Tech topped Southeastern Louisiana 75-62 and Southern upended North Carolina Central 68-63. Tonight…LSU hosts American University. Louisiana Tech is at Florida Gulf Coast and McNeese State is at UCLA.