LSU is on the road in Nashville as they open their series with Vanderbilt. The Tigers are in need of a bounce back after getting swept by Ole Miss last weekend. It’s been a strange season for LSU and adversity has been a big part of Jay Johnson’s first year in Baton Rouge. Johnson says his team has shown grit all year long and he expects them to continue to do so this weekend.

Cut 17 (18) “…this week.”

Game one will be broadcast live on ESPN 2 beginning at 7 pm.

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As the regular season comes to a close a number of big series open tonight…Southern hosts Alcorn, UL-Monroe closes the season with Arkansas State in town, while Tulane takes on Memphis.

LSU and UL both open play in the NCAA softball tournament on Friday.

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The U-L Ragin Cajuns are fighting to get back into the NCAA tournament for the first time in six years. Matt Deggs’ squad was on a major roll before being swept by Texas State last weekend. Now the Cajuns likely need a big weekend against Little Rock and a strong showing in the Sun Belt tourney to reach the postseason. Deggs says he’s been here before…

Cut 18 (19) “ …big at-bats.”

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A new NCAA rule will allow major college football programs to sign as many players as they want for the next two years as long as they don’t exceed 85 scholarship players. The NCAA Division I Council says this will create more flexibility for schools and opportunities for athletes.

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Pelicans forward Herb Jones was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team, becoming just the sixth player in franchise history to make an All-Rookie Team.