Much of the talk heading into Saturday’s semifinal game between LSU and Oklahoma has been about the offenses. These two teams are ranked one and two in total offense in the country. The Sooners defense has improved over last year when they allowed 33 points a game. This year under first-year defensive coordinator Alex Grinch, they are allowing 25 points a contest. Tigers Center Lloyd Cushenberry on what he sees from Oklahoma’s defense…
cut 4 (11) “…play hard”
Despite a hamstring injury, Coach Ed Orgeron says there is a chance leading rusher Clyde Edwards-Helaire will play Saturday against the Sooners. Edwards-Helaire hurt his hamstring in practice last week and Coach O says they are taking it day-by-day. Kick-off on Saturday is at 3:00

The Saints did not get any help from Minnesota last night as the Packers defeated the Vikings 23-10 to improve to 12-and-3. So for the Saints to get the number one seed in the playoffs, they will need Green Bay to lose to Detroit, which is not likely and the 49ers have to lose to Seattle. The Seahawks are so banged up at running back, they are bringing back Marshawn Lynch. If New Orleans beats Carolina and either the Packers or 49ers lose, then the Saints will be the two seed.

Louisiana Tech will not have all-American cornerback Amik Robertson for Thursday’s Independence Bowl game against Miami, Robertson is entering the N-F-L draft and elected not to play in the bowl game. Former Ouachita Parish standout Zach Hannibal is expected to get the start in Robertson’s place.

The Pelicans won last night on the road in Portland, beating the Trail Blazers 102 to 94. Jrue Holiday led the way with 21 points and six rebounds. Brandon Ingram had 19 points and 11 rebounds. New Orleans is at Denver Christmas night.