The first College Football Playoff rankings are unveiled tonight at 6. With two losses each already, Saturday’s game between LSU and Alabama is critical for both teams as they fight to keep their postseason hopes alive. Tigers coach Laen Kiffin, though, says none of that matters on the field.

Cut 18 (19)  “…to worry about.”

Alabama is managing injuries to wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams, cornerback Zabien Brown, running back EJ Crowell, center Racin Delgatty and nose tackle Terrance Green. All of them missed Bama’s last outing, but coach Kalen DeBoer says they are progressing.

Cut 21 (13) “…good direction.”

The LSU men’s basketball season tips off tonight against LSU New Orleans at 7. Coach Will Wade says it will take time for his veteran team with overseas pros and fifth-year seniors to come together. He says that doesn’t mean they won’t win games as they improve early in the season.

Cut 20 (19) “…ultimately win out.”

The women tipped off their season with the largest victory in program history, a 129-35 thrashing of Southeastern Louisiana.

The McNeese men opened their season with a big 99-78 win over UAB yesterday. Tulane survived a double-overtime thriller to beat UT Martin 100-98.

LA Tech was the only Louisiana school to come out on the right side of the MAC-Sun Belt challenge. The Bulldogs beat Kent State 85-75, and the Techsters beat Toledo 61-57.