LSU heads into national signing hoping a few big-time recruits choose to play for the Purple-and-Gold. Jeff Palermo has the story…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Neville’s four star defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis ended weeks of speculation by committing to Alabama on Tuesday. The national champion runner-up Crimson Tide won out over LSU and a late push from TCU. Mathis is the fourth-ranked player in the state of Louisiana and the 10th-ranked defensive tackle prospect in the country.

The Saints made it official yesterday by announcing that the club has hired Mike Nolan as linebackers coach and Bradford Banta as special teams coordinator. Nolan served as the head coach of the 49ers from 2005 to 2008. Banta is a Baton Rouge native and spent 11 seasons in the NFL as a long snapper. For the last three seasons, he was the assistant special teams coach for the Redskins.

In the NBA, the Raptors rallied last night to beat the Pelicans 108-106 in overtime on the road. Jrue Holiday scored 30 points for the Pels and Anthony Davis added 18. It’s the second loss in a row for New Orleans who take on the Pistons tonight.

A struggling LSU basketball team begins a big week tonight against NO. 19 South Carolina in the PMAC. The Tigers, who are 1-7 in the SEC, must also face Kentucky this week and Texas A&M.

Southeastern will look to end a two-game losing streak today as the Lions host Southland Conference rival Nicholls. The Colonels snapped a two-game losing streak of its own with a 78-74 win over McNeese on Saturday.

Also today, UNO is at Albeline Christian.

Last night, Tulane fell to Temple 79-71.