LSU’s Devin White becomes the first Fighting Tiger to win the Butkus Award, which goes to college football’s top linebacker. White received the award during a team meeting when the son of the legendary Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus walked into the room and presented White with the trophy. White has 115 total tackles, 12 tackles for a loss and two forced fumbles this season

Louisiana Tech defensive end Jaylon Ferguson is one of four finalists for the Ted Hendricks Award, which goes to college football’s top defensive end. Ferguson leads the nation with 15 sacks and needs two sacks to break the all-time NCAA record for career sacks.

Jaylon’s brother, Jazz Ferguson, has announced he’s turning pro. The Northwestern State receiver was named Southland Offensive Player of the Year after setting school records for receiving yards and touchdown catches in a season.

After a little bit of break, the Saints return to the practice field today to get ready for Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay. The Bucs are 5-7 and coming off a win over Carolina. They handed New Orleans a loss in the season opener in the Dome. The Bucs could be without DeSean Jackson, he missed last Sunday’s game with a thumb injury.

The Panthers have placed tight end Greg Olsen on injured reserve, ending his 2018 season. Olsen ruptured his right plantar fascia. The Saints still have two games left with Carolina on the schedule.

In college basketball…McNeese led 22nd ranked Mississippi State by three points at halftime last night, but lost 90-77 to the Bulldogs. State went on a 19-0 run early in the second half.

Louisiana Tech beat Priairie View A-and-M 82-68. DaQuan Bracey and Derric Jean combined to score 39 points.

The Pelicans are at Dallas tonight. New Orleans is 26th in the NBA in defense, which is a big reason why they are 12-13 on the season.