6:45 LRN Sportscast

The LSU athletic department says it expects to lose 80-million dollars in revenue because of the impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on college athletics. That’s resulted in eight employees within the athletic department being laid off and coaches including Ed Orgeron taking a five-percent pay cut. Bonuses for coaches have also been canceled.

LSU Freshman Quarterback TJ Finley is set to make his first road start against Auburn. While the War Eagles offense features a freshman running back. Auburn Coach Gus Malzahn says Tank Bigsby’s emergence has helped get their running game on track…
cut 17 (20) “…Auburn football”
Kick-off on Saturday is at 2:30.

The Saints head into Sunday’s game with Chicago ranked last in the NFL in red-zone defense. Opponents have made 22 trips inside New Orleans’ 20-yard line and they’ve scored 19 touchdowns. Coach Sean Payton says they want to at least force field goals…
cut 18 (18) “…third down matchup”
The Bears have a 48-percent efficiency offensively in the red zone, which is the fourth-worst in the NFL and the Bears offense is dealing with injuries to key players. Starting center Cody Whitehair and wide receiver Allen Robinson did not practice yesterday.

Meanwhile, Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas returned to practice yesterday. Thomas was limited with ankle and hamstring injuries. Marquez Callaway also practiced on a limited basis with an ankle injury.