When LSU and Alabama meet in Tiger Stadium on Saturday night, the Bayou Bengals are expected to run the football. But the Crimson Tide are allowing just 78 yards a game on the ground. LSU senior center Elliot Porter expects a hard fought battle in the trenches…
cut 18 (17) “…come with it”
LSU brings a three-game winning streak into Saturday night’s contest. Alabama has also won three in a row, since its 23-17 loss to Ole Miss.

In the latest College Football Rankings…Mississippi State, Florida State and Auburn are still the top three. Oregon is fourth, Alabama is fifth and LSU is 16th, up three spots from last week. Ole Miss dropped to 11th.

The Pelicans snapped a two-game losing streak last night with a 100-91 win over the Charlotte Hornets. Anthony Davis had 24 points and 13 rebounds to lead the way. Jrue Holiday and Ryan Anderson each added 16 points and the Pels shot the ball better as they were 47-percent from the floor.

Saints linebacker Junior Galette has been named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week. He had two sacks and a forced fumble in New Orleans win over Carolina last week.

In other NFL news….Houston Coach Bill O’ Brien has announced former Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett will start at quarterback for the Texans. Mallett replaces Ryan Fitzpatrick, who has led Houston to a four-and-five record. The Texans are off this weekend.

And former LSU Tiger DJ LeMahieu has been named a National League Gold Glove winner for his play at second base for the Rockies. LeMahaieu is the first former Tiger to win this award as led N-L second baseman in defensive runs saved and double plays.