The Saints final preseason game is tonight. The starters are not expected to play, but it’s a big game for those seeking a spot on the 53-man roster. The battle for place kicker needs to be settled, Dustin Hopkins and Zack Hocker have been competing against each other since July. Wide receiver is also a position to watch. Josh Morgan, Willie Snead and Joe Morgan are on the bubble.

Coach Les Miles says redshirt freshman William Clapp will start at left guard against McNeese State on Saturday night. Miles says junior Josh Boutte (Boo-tay) will start at right guard, while true freshman defensive end Isaiah Washington will not play, because of an arm injury.

Former LSU basketball star Jarrell Martin has suffered a fracutured left foot and he undergoes surgery today. The Memphis Grizzlies first round pick hurt himself while working out with another player.

And former Saint Scott Shanle is joining Cox Sports Television as he’ll be part of CST’s studio broadcast team for Saints pre and postgame shows.

The college football season starts tonight as Southland foes Northwestern State and Southeastern Louisiana face each other in Natchitoches. SLU has won the league title the past two seasons. They’ve scored a bunch of points, they’ve also been good on defense, leading the conference in points allowed and yards given up the last two seasons. Demons Coach Jay Thomas says the Lions are still impressive on defense…
cut 17 (16) “…hands down”
Kickoff is at 6 PM.

Tonight at 8:30, Tulane hosts the Duke Blue Devils. Last season Duke dominated the Green Wave, beating Curtis Johnson’s team 47-13. Tulane also had five turnovers in that game. Tanner Lee threw three interceptions in that game and he’ll start at QB tonight.