The Saints have released their preseason schedule. New Orleans will begin the four-week exhibition slate at Baltimore and then host defending Super Bowl champion New England and the Houston Texans week two and three. The Black and Gold visit Green Bay in the preseason finale. The only specific date and time that’s been finalized is the game against the Texans, which is scheduled to kick-off on Sunday August 30th at 3 PM.

In other NFL news…former Ragin Cajuns star Charles Tillman has signed a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers. The 34-year-old cornerback has 36 interceptions in his career, but only played two games last year because of a triceps injury.

Former LSU running back Stevan Ridley has signed a one-year deal with the New York Jets. Ridley spent his first four seasons with the Patriots, but his season ended last year in October with an ACL injury.

The Pelicans are off tonight after taking a beating in Memphis last night. The Grizzlies mauled New Orleans 110 to 74. The loss puts New Orleans in a tie with Oklahoma City for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. There’s four games left in the regular season, the Pels host Phoenix tomorrow, while the Thunder host the Kings.

Last night in college baseball…the LSU Tigers defeated Northwestern State nine to six. That’s six straight wins for the Bayou Bengals, who will host Auburn for a weekend set starting Friday. Auburn is 4-and-8 in league place.

In other action this weekend….U-L-M is at Georgia State. The Warhawks are 5-and-7 in the Sun Belt, while the Panthers are 8-and-3 and in first place in the league.

In the Southland…Southeastern Louisiana is in first place, but the Lions are at Utah this weekend for a three game series. McNeese State is a half a game back of S-L-U. The Cowboys will host Lamar for three.