LSU is just two days away from kicking off its football season against Clemson. Arizona State transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt will return to the field after a season-ending Lisfranc surgery last November. He says it was not until the summer offseason workouts that he was a full go.

Cut 20 (16) “…our whole offense.”

Before the Tigers kick off, a preliminary injunction hearing in Baton Rouge tomorrow could decide whether LSU will be allowed to sign fifth-year and former NFL players or if the SEC can enforce its rule punishing schools who do so. One of the attorneys representing the athletes, Tony Clayton, says they deserve the fifth year everyone else got.

Cut 21 (06) “…problem lies.”

Former LSU center Kate Koval announced that her decision to leave the women’s basketball team was because LSU signed Russian forward Anna Minaeva. Koval is a native of Ukraine, and her father is serving in the Ukrainian military. She said in her announcement that Russian attacks have deeply and personally affected her, her family and the place she grew up and that the difficult decision was made to remain true to herself, her values and her country. She said she hopes the NCAA will allow her to play elsewhere this season.

Louisiana Tech opens the season at home Saturday against a Northwestern State team coming off an upset loss to Louisiana Christian. The Bulldogs’ defense is led by graduate linebacker Kolbe Fields, who returns after a season-ending knee injury. Fields says the team has the best linebacker corps in the Sun Belt.

Cut 22 (17) “…gonna show.”