LSU star running back Leonard Fournette needs 259 yards tonight in the Texas Bowl to reach 2,000 on the season. The Tigers and Red Raiders battle tonight at 8pm in NRG Stadium. Fournette told reporters in Houston that he didn’t set any goals for this season…:
cut 12 (13) “to the limit”
Tonight’s game has officially sold out. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor James Moran says if the Tigers can stick to the running game tonight, they should be able to come away with the win…:
CUT 15 (14) “talented team”

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees told the NFL Network that he doesn’t see himself or Coach Sean Payton leaving in the off season. Both have been rumored to possibly leave after this year. In the appearance, Brees said he’s confident that the leadership, character and talent on the team will be able to make a successful run in the future.

The LSU men’s basketball team takes on Wake Forest tonight at 6 in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.

Today Tulane opened conference play with a loss to Memphis 77-65. In other hoops action today, UNO takes on Blue Mountain College, Centenary hosts Northwestern State and McNeese State faces Jarvis Christian College.

The New Orleans Pelicans played another game they’d probably like to forget last night. The Pels didn’t do much of anything after halftime and ended up falling to the Orlando Magic 104-89. The Pelicans head back to the Smoothie King Center to host the Los Angeles Clippers on New Year’s Eve.

LSU and Texas Tech face off tonight in the Texas Bowl in NRG Stadium in Houston. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor James Moran says this game is highlighted by massive contrasting styles…

cut 13 (14) “to win the game”

The contest will be televised by ESPN with kickoff scheduled for 8PM. Tonight’s game is also longtime LSU play-by-play announcer Jim Hawthorne’s final football game.

Nik Vucevic’s 28 points led the Orlando Magic to a 104-89 win over the New Orleans Pelicans last night. Anthony Davis led the Pels with 20 points, followed by Norris Cole’s 17. The Pelicans head back to the Smoothie King Center to host the Los Angeles Clippers on New Year’s Eve.

In the college basketball, yesterday – Louisiana Tech blew past Prairie View 77-58. The Bulldogs scored the first 10 points of the game, led by 21 at the half, and never looked back. Tech was led by Alex Hamilton’s 23 points and 10 assists. Louisiana Tech is 11-2 heading into their Conference USA opener Saturday against Southern Miss.

Nicholls State has now lost six of their last seven after they were crushed by Houston 76-49. Nicholls was held to just 28-percent shooting from the field and the Cougars led by as much as 29 points in the second half. The 4-9 Colonels will open Southland Conference play Saturday when they host Lamar.

In hoops action today, UNO takes on Blue Mountain College, Centenary hosts Northwestern State, McNeese State faces Jarvis Christian College, LSU hosts Wake Forest, and Tulane opens American Conference play against Memphis.

The 8-3 LSU Tigers and the 7-5 Texas Tech Red Raiders face off tonight in the Texas Bowl in NRG Stadium in Houston. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor James Moran says you can expect this to be a high scoring game with lots of offense…

cut 14 (12) “a little bit”

The game has an 8PM kickoff and you can watch on ESPN.

Orlando shot just at 55-percent from the field last night as they beat the Pelicans 104-89. The Magic were led by Nik Vucevic’s 28 points and Evan Fournier had 20. Anthony Davis led the Pels with 20 points, followed by Norris Cole’s 17. The Pelicans head back to the Smoothie King Center to host the Los Angeles Clippers on New Year’s Eve.

On the college hardwood, yesterday – Nicholls State dropped to 4-9 as they were manhandled by Houston 76-49. The Cougars held the Colonels to 28-percent shooting from the field and led by as mush as 29 points in the second half. Nicholls has lost six of their last seven heading into their Southland Conference opener against Lamar, Saturday.

Alex Hamilton scored 23 points and added 10 assists as Louisiana Tech blew past Prairie View 77-58. The Bulldogs scored the first 10 points of the game and led by 21 at the half before cruising to victory in the second half. Tech improves to 11-2 and will kick off their Conference USA schedule Saturday against Southern Miss.

Today, Tulane opens American Conference play against Memphis, UNO takes on Blue Mountain College, Centenary hosts Northwestern State, McNeese State faces Jarvis Christian College, and LSU hosts the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.

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.