LRN AM Newscall January 16

Louisiana is feeling more like a deep freeze than the Deep South. Colleen Crain has more on Tuesday and Wednesday’s extreme cold.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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As wintery weather conditions impact the state, a combination of freezing rain, ice, and snow in north Louisiana is causing hazardous driving conditions for motorists. Teiko Foxx has more on what this means for drivers.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Governor Jeff Landry urges state legislators to pass a Congressional map with two black voting districts and makes the case for closed primaries. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A new poll released shows there is support for closed primaries. A survey released last week found that 56 percent oppose changing to a closed primary system. But Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says a majority of respondents to his survey of 600 likely voters approve several features of a closed-party primary…

Cut 4 (12) “..revealing”

59 percent said it makes sense for Republicans and Democrats to pick their party candidates in a closed primary and 56 percent like the idea of a November ballot with one Democrat, one Republican, and potentially independent candidates.

Pinsonat says 70 percent of their respondents said party primaries in the spring and general elections in the fall would give voters more time to understand the candidates…

Cut 5 (10) “,…for months” 

Heated debate at the capitol is expected over Governor Jeff Landry’s proposal to shift from the state’s unique open “jungle primary” system to closed party primaries. Pinsonat says there is support for closed primaries but it’s not overwhelming

Cut 6 (10) “…the other”

Project Louisiana Values funded the poll. Legislators will debate a shift to closed party primaries during the ongoing special session.

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Frigid weather is impacting Louisiana so just how cold is it going to feel Tuesday and Wednesday? Cameron Kowalski with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says the wind is going to make it feel even colder along the I-10 corridor.

Cut 7 (11) “…mid 30s”

North Louisiana is expected to see temperatures as low as 10 degrees Tuesday with wind gusts possibly up to 25 miles per hour and the day’s highs will still be extremely cold says Kowalski…

Cut 8 (08) “…freezing mark.” 

By Wednesday morning winds will die down but Kowalski says temperatures will drop even lower as the skies clear.

Cut 9 (12)  “…low as 12.”

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Louisiana State Police urges motorists to use caution as the roads could be slick this morning. Trooper Ryan Davis says DOTD crews have been applying salt and de-icing agents to bridges impacted by winter precipitation.

Cut 10 (03) “…roads and bridges”

Motorists should drive slowly and allow extra time to get to your destination.

Davis recommends staying off the roadway until conditions improve but if you drive, let someone know…

Cut 11 (11) “…them assistance.” 

Several roads, bridges and overpasses are closed. It’s illegal and and unsafe to drive around a road-closed barricade and violators can be fined up to 500 dollars or face jail time.

If you get stranded, Davis says motorists can call star-LSP or star-577 for help…

Cut 12 (10) “…their trip.” 

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Governor Jeff Landry opened the special session by calling on lawmakers to pass a Congressional map with two majority Black voting districts. Landry says if the state Legislature does not do it before the special session ends on January 23rd, the federal courts will

Cut 13 (12) “..federal judge”

Judge Shelly Dick ordered Louisiana to redraw the Congressional map by January 30th. The current map violates the Voting Rights Act, because the state’s population is one-third Black, therefore one-third of the state’s Congressional districts should have a Black majority.

Chair of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus Candace Newell took to the House floor before Landry spoke and said she’s received assurances from the governor and Republican Legislative leadership that they will pass a map with two voting Black districts

Cut 14 (11) “..what is right” 

During this special session, Landry also wants legislators to pass legislation that will shift Louisiana’s elections from the jungle open primary to closed party primaries. He says it’s only right for voters in a political party to choose their candidate to represent them in the General Election…

Cut 15 (14) “…decipher”

Landry is also urging legislators to pass a new Supreme Court Justice District map. There are currently seven districts and Landry says there should be two Black-majority districts. He says the federal courts are threatening to draw a new map if the Louisiana Legislature doesn’t…

Cut 16 (16) “..as another one” 

Legislators will also debate whether there should be nine Supreme Court districts instead of the current seven.

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The Pelicans lost a close, back-and-forth game to the Dallas Mavericks yesterday 125 to 120. Dallas was physical which contributed to the Mavericks’ 32 free throws on the afternoon as the Pelicans got into foul trouble early in the game. New Orleans Head Coach Willie Green says Dallas had them on their heels to start the game.

Cut 17 (22) “… physical team.” 

Another influential factor in the Mavericks win was the play of Dallas Center Dereck Lively II and Point Guard Kyrie Irving who both had big nights as Irving scored 42 points, had 7 rebounds, and 7 assists and Lively had 12 rebounds. Green says most of Lively’s rebounds were during big moments and created key opportunities for the Mavs.

Cut 18 (23)  “… back out.” 

CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson combined for 53 of New Orleans’ 120 points against Dallas. McCollum also had 6 rebounds and 4 assists and says that a big part of his success in the game was adopting a more aggressive style of play.

Cut 19 (15) “… second quarter.” 

4:30 LRN Newscast

We’re seeing a good bit of wintry preciptiation falling across the state and that will continue into the morning hours. There’s also plenty of cold air that pushing towards the coast. LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says there’s a hard freeze warning for most of the state…
cut 7 (07) “…on Wednesday”

A special legislative session is underway in Baton Rouge. Teiko Foxx reports the top priority is drawing new boundaries for the state’s Congressional map…
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

A new poll released shows there is support for closed primaries. A survey released last week found that 56-percent oppose changing to a closed primary system. But Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says a majority of respondents to his survey of 600 likely voters approve several features of a closed party primary…
Cut 4 (12) “..revealing”
59-percent said it makes sense for Republicans and Democrats to pick their own party candidates in a closed primary.

Cajun and country musician Jo’el Sonnier has died at the age of 77. Sonnier won a Grammy in 2015 for “The Legacy” Album, he also had some great country music hits. Cajun Music historian Wade Falcon…
cut 14 (11) “….multiple times”
Sonnier died after a concert in Texas on Saturday night.

LRN PM Newscall January 15

State lawmakers begin a special session at 4 PM today. Teiko Foxx reports the top priority is drawing new boundaries for the state’s Congressional map…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

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A Cajun music legend passed away following a concert in Texas over the weekend. Colleen Crain has more on the life of Jo-El Sonnier…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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Winter weather is expected this week with the low predicted to be in the teens. Humane Society of Louisiana urge pet owners not to leave pets outside especially overnight. Director Jeff Dorson says if it’s too cold for you to be outside, its probably too cold for your furry friends.

Cut 3 (13) “…be comfortable.”

State law requires pet owners to bring pets inside when temperatures fall below fifty degrees. This means it will be illegal to leave a pet out in the cold this week.

When it comes to larger animals like livestock, Dorson recommends putting them in stalls, sheds, or barns and give them enough food. He says its important for owners to bring pets inside when the temperature dips to freezing conditions.

Cut 4 (09) “…as well.”

Another important precaution is to keep antifreeze away from pets or where they can get to it. Dorson says antifreeze has a sweet taste that animals like, so if you spill it – clean it up.

Cut 5 (11) “…it’s fatal.” 

If you see a pet left out in the cold, contact your local animal control office or police department.

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Snow sleet and freezing rain has been falling across northern parishes of Louisiana. LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says it’s been a light dusting so far…

Cut 6 (09) “..ice up first” 

Jacquemin says there’s a hard freeze warning out for most of the state…

Cut 7 (07) “…on Wednesday.” 

For south Louisiana light rain is expected to change over to freezing rain this afternoon into tomorrow morning. Only a glaze ice is possible on roads and the ground. Jacquemine says the bigger concern for south Louisiana is cold temperatures…

Cut 8 (09) “…into tomorrow” 

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The Louisiana Legislature begins a special session at 4 PM today and the main priority is for lawmakers to redraw the Congressional boundaries with two majority minority districts, instead of one. Senate President Pro Tem and Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow believes they can get it done before the session ends on January 23rd…

Cut 9 (08) “…we agree on.” 

A federal judge has given the Louisiana Legislature a January 30th deadline to draw a six-district Congressional map, with two majority minority districts.

Barrow says House Democrats are proposing a second majority minority district that covers a significant portion of the Baton Rouge area, the Felicianas, Avoyelles Parish, the Mississippi River Delta parishes and northeast Louisiana…

Cut 10 (09) “..to be submitted.” 

Barrow says she expects the Republicans proposal for a Congressional District map will have significant implications for Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves…

Cut 11 (11) “…the question”

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Louisiana and the world of Cajun and Country music morns Jo-El Sonnier, the man who took the music of South Louisiana to the world. Saturday, while on tour in Texas, Sonnier received a standing ovation for one of his biggest hits, Tear-Stained Letter, before he left the stage to rest before signing autographs. Minutes later he suffered a fatal heart attack. Cajun Music Historian, Wade Falcon…

Cut 12 (11)  “…this world.”  

Sonnier died doing what he had done his whole life, bringing joy to his audience with his songs like No More One More Time, Come on Joe, Raining in My Heart and others. Falcon says the Emmy award winning Cajun brought music to the world on local and national record labels and stages, and his remarkable career started early…

Cut 13 (09) “…ever since then.” 

From a young age Sonnier learned from and played alongside great Cajun musicians from the post World War II Dance Hall era. Falcon says, Sonnier lived and breathed his style of music…

Cut  14 (11) “..multiple times.”

Sonnier had a reputation for generosity. He performed and collaborated with many well-known Cajun and Country artists.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The LSU women’s basketball team’s 16 game winning streak was halted yesterday as unranked Auburn beat the Lady Tigers 67-62. Following the defeat, Mulkey was inside the locker room with her players for over an hour. She says they talked about what they could have done better…
Cut 18 (23) “…accountable.”
Angel Reese had 24 points and 11 rebounds in a losing effort. The Lady Tigers also fall in the AP poll from seven to ten.

Also yesterday…Louisiana Tech men’s basketball grinded out an 80-76 overtime victory over Liberty yesterday. Isaiah Crawford had 22 points and seven blocked shots and Daniel Batcho had 21 points, while Tahlik Chavez had 19 points.

The LSU men’s basketball team suffered its SEC loss on Saturday falling to Auburn 93-78. The Tigers turned it over 17 times and shot just 42-percent from the field. Trae Hannibal came off the bench and scored 18 points in a losing effort…
Cut 20 (12) “…stay together.”
LSU hosts Ole Miss on Wednesday.

The Ragin Cajuns picked up a big road win on Saturday as U-L Lafayette defeated Arkansas State 84-77. ULM is off to a 0-5 start in Sun Belt play as they fell to Texas State 67-54.

After three games in the Southland, McNeese and Lamar are tied for first place. The Cowboys defeated Southeastern Louisiana 74-65 on Saturday, while Lamar defeated Nicholls.

The Pelicans close out a five-game road trip when they visit Dallas today at 1:30. New Orleans beat the Mavs on Saturday night.

10:30 LRN Newscast

Snow sleet and freezing rain has been falling across northern parishes of Louisiana. LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says it’s been a light dusting so far…
cut 6 (09) “….ice up first'”
Not everyone will see winter precipitation today and tomorrow, but the entire state see below freezing temperatures., Wednesday morning will be the coldest for south Louisiana. Cameron Kowalski with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says this storm system will also produce northerly winds of 20 to 25 miles per hour which is why there is a wind chill advisory for nearly the entire state…
Cut 16 (12) “..single digits”

A special sesson to redraw the state’s Congressional map will get underway at 4 PM today. If it was up to Governor Jeff Landry, he would not have called a special session a week after a new Legislature was sworn in. During an appearance on the Moon Griffon show, Landry says a mid-January special session is needed because a federal judge set a January 30th deadline to redraw a Congressional district map with two majority-minority districts, instead of one..
Cut 4 (12) “..do it”
Legislators will also consider changes to campaign finance laws and if the state should move to closed party primaries. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin understands the need for a special session, but maybe legislators should just focus on redrawing the Congressional map…
cut 9 (10) “….would look like”

9:30 LRN Newscast

Light mixed precipitation has been falling this morning in the northwestern corner of our state. Jeff Palermo reports cold air is rushing down from the artic, bringing below freezing temperatures…
cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.

Streets and lawns are covered with a thin layer of white stuff this morning in the Shreveport area. At the Shreveport Regional Airport. American and United Airlines were forced to cancel several early-morning flights. The I-20 corridor is under a winter storm warning until 6 PM.

A special session called by Governor Jeff Landry begins at 4 PM today. Lawmakers have until January 23rd to redraw congressional district boundaries. A federal judge ruled the current map with one Black district violates the Voting Rights Act, because a third of the state’s population is Black. During an appearance on the Moon Griffon Show, Landry says legislators will draw a map with a second majority Black district…
cut 5 (12) “….control the outcome”
During this nine day special session, legislators will also look to redraw the Supreme Court lines and debate moving to closed primaries. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin believes too many difficult issues have been packed into this session…
cut 8 (10) “…new lawmakers”

06:45 LRN Sportscast

The seventh-ranked LSU women’s basketball team’s 16-game winning streak ended yesterday with a 67-62 defeat to unranked Auburn. LSU shot just 42 percent from the field. Coach Kim Mulkey says Auburn’s defense was disruptive…
Cut 17 (15) “…came at us”

The Louisiana Tech men’s basketball team battled back from a 10-point deficit in the first half to beat Liberty 80-76 in overtime as Isaiah Crawford had 22 points. The Bulldogs improve to 9-0 at home. Coach Talvin Hester on the home crowd…
cut 27 (11) “…all about”

LSU has reportedly hired Missouri defensive line and edge rushers coach Kevin Peoples. Peoples is expected to coach the defensive ends, while Bo Davis, who was hired away from Texas, will coach defensive tackles.

The Tigers also received a commitment from a wide receiver out of the transfer portal. CJ Daniels is coming off a big season with Liberty where he caught 55 passes for 1,067 yards and ten touchdowns.

The LSU men’s basketball team dropped its first SEC game as 16th-ranked Auburn crushed the Tigers 93-78 on Saturday. LSU will be at home on Wednesday against Ole Miss.

The Ragin Cajuns picked up a big road win on Saturday as U-L Lafayette defeated Arkansas 84-77. ULM is off to a 0-5 start in Sun Belt as they fell to Texas State 67-54.

The Pelicans conclude a five-game road trip this afternoon when they visit the Dallas Mavericks. New Orlean is 3-1 on the trip including a win in Dallas on Saturday.

LRN AM Newscall January 15

A government watchdog group is concerned the call for this special session is too broad. Collen Crain reports legislators will attempt to approve new Congressional and Supreme Court district maps, make changes to campaign finance laws and switch to a party primary system for all elections.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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 The special session to redraw the state’s congressional districts gets underway this afternoon, and the governor wants lawmakers to address a dozen other issues too. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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North Louisiana is seeing winter precipitation this morning, while the entire state will experience below freezing temperatures Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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If it was up to Governor Jeff Landry, he would not have called a special session a week after a new Legislature was sworn in. During an appearance on the Moon Griffon show, Landry says a mid-January special session is needed because a federal judge set a January 30th deadline to  redraw a Congressional district map with two majority-minority districts, instead of one..

Cut 4 (12) “..do it”

Five of the six Congressional districts have white majorities. Republicans fought for this map when it was approved in 2022, but a federal judge ruled it violates the Voting Rights Acts, because a third of the state’s population is Black. During an appearance on the Moon Griffon Show, Landry says legislators will draw a map with a second majority Black district…

Cut 5 (12) “…control the outcome.”

Lawmakers have until September 23rd to complete their redistricting work. Landry says after that they’ll turn their attention to a special session that will attempt to lower the crime rate…

Cut 6 (06) “…to work on.”

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This afternoon, Louisiana lawmakers convene a special Legislative session to address the court-ordered redistricting of Louisiana’s congressional map and there are several other complicated issues on the agenda. The special session must conclude on January 23rd. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says legislators do not have a lot of time…

Cut 7 (12) “…campaign finance.”

Erwin says it takes at least five days to pass a bill and with an eight-day special session, he’s concerned some lawmakers are trying to tackle too much, including Governor Landry’s proposal to move from jungle primaries to closed party primaries….

Cut 8 (10) “…new lawmakers.” 

The special session was called because a federal court ordered the Bayou State to redraw Louisiana’s congressional districts to include a second majority-black district by January 30th. Erwin understands the need for a special session now, but maybe legislators should just focus on redrawing the Congressional map…

Cut 9 (10)  “…would look like.”

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The special session gets underway this afternoon for lawmakers to redraw the state’s congressional district map after the current six-district map with one majority Black district was ruled unconstitutional because the courts believe there should be two majority Black districts. LA-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says it’s anybody’s guess what will happen this time around…

Cut 10 (07) “…or not.”

During the brief session scheduled to end a week from tomorrow, lawmakers will also, at the request of the State Supreme Court, redraw the state’s judicial districts, which Alford says a second Black majority district could be added to that map as well.

Cut 11 (12) “…make of.” 

Governor Landry issued a proclamation that outlined twelve additional items for lawmakers to debate during the special session. Alford says among them is changing from open primaries to closed party primaries elections.

Cut 12 (08) “…gum up the works.” 

The topics on Landry’s agenda are all related to elections, ranging from campaign finances to amendments to the state code related to the implementation of elections.

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The entire I-20 corridor is under a winter storm warning as snow, sleet and freezing rain is expected to fall through the afternoon hours. Ryan Knapp is a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Shreveport….

Cut 13 (14) “..sleet accumulations”

There’s a chance for freezing rain for entire the state. It will be very light for south Louisiana. Knapp says central Louisiana could see one to two-tenths of an inch of freezing rain…

Cut 14 (11) “..heavier impacts.” 

And it will be cold for the next few days. Highs for north Louisiana will be in the mid to upper 20s today. Central Louisiana will see highs near the freezing mark. Mid-40s for south Louisiana today. Cameron Kowalski with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says tomorrow will be the coldest day for south Louisiana…

Cut 15 (11) “…the coast”

Kowalski says this storm system will also produce northerly winds of 20 to 25 miles per hour which is why there is a wind chill advisory for nearly the entire state…

Cut 16 (12) “..single digits” 

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The seventh ranked LSU women’s basketball team’s 16-game winning streak ended yesterday with a 67-62 defeat to unranked Auburn. It was a back and forth game that saw 17 lead changes and seven ties, but LSU shot just 42-percent from the field. Coach Kim Mulkey says Auburn’s defense was disruptive…

Cut 17 (15) “…came at us” 

The loss drops LSU’s record to 16-2, 3-and-1 in the SEC. It was the first conference win of the year for Auburn. After the game, Mulkey spent a long time in the locker room with her team. She says they talked about what they could have done better…

Cut 18 (23)  “…accountable.” 

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The LSU men’s basketball team also lost in Auburn this past weekend as the Bayou Bengals trailed by as many as 28 points in the second half before falling to 16th ranked team in the country 93-78. Coach Matt McMahon says Auburn is an elite team with no weaknesses…

Cut 19 (19) “…in transition” 

LSU turned it over 17 times and shot jut 42-percent from the field. Trae Hannibal came off the bench and scored 18 points in a losing effort…

Cut 20 (12) “…stay together.”

LSU hosts Ole Miss on Wednesday.

7:30 LRN Sportscast

The Pelicans seven-game road winning streak came to an end last night with a 125- to 113 loss the defending champion Denver Nuggets. New Orleans was never really in this game. Zion Williamson had 30 points, 18 were scored in the fourth quarter. The Pels are in Dallas tonight and they play the Mavericks again on Monday.

Alabama has found its replacement for Nick Saban. It’s Washington’s Kalen DeBoer. DeBoer just led the Huskies to the College Football National Championship game. The 49-year-old from South Dakota has a coaching record of 104 and 12, 25 and 3 at Washington.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel reports LSU is set to hire Missouri assistant Kevin Peoples as an assistant coach. Football Scoop reported earlier this week that it’s possible Peoples will coach the defensive ends and Bo Davis will coach the defensive tackles.

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The LSU men’s basketball team will try to go to 3-and-0 in the SEC tonight when they visit 16th-ranked Auburn. Coach Matt McMahon on what makes Auburn so good…
cut 15 (18) “…togetherness’
Tip-off is at 5 PM.

Also today….ULM ends a four-game homestand in desperate need of a victory as the Warhawks host Texas State. The Cajuns are at Arkansas State. U-L Lafayette is 1-and-3 in league play while the Red Wolves are 3-and-1.

In the Southland, 13-and-2 McNeese hosts Southeastern Louisiana. Nicholls battles Lamar in Thibodaux in a matchup of 2-0 teams in league play and Northwestern State looks for its first conference win as they host U-I-W.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

It didn’t take long for Alabama to hire a new head coach. The Crimson Tide are reportedly working on a contract with Washington’s Kalen DeBoer to replace Nick Saban. DeBoer just led the Huskies to the College Football National Championship game. The 49-year-old from South Dakota has a coaching record of 104 and 12. He want 67-and-3 at Sioux Falls an NAIA school. He was 12 and 6 at Fresno State and 25 and 3 at Washington.

The Pelicans are at Denver tonight. New Orleans has won six of its last seven.

The 7th ranked LSU women’s basketball team won its 16th straight game last night as the Lady Tigers took down Texas A&M 87-70. Statistically the Aggies had the best defense in the country coming into the game, but they couldn’t stop Kim Mulkey’s squad….
cut 20 (21) “…keep showing em”
LSU is at Auburn on Sunday.

The LSU men’s basketball team will try to go to 3-and-0 in the SEC tomorrow when they visit 16th ranked Auburn. Coach Matt McMahon on what makes Auburn so good…
cut 15 (18) “…togetherness’
Kick-off is at 5 PM.

After beating Middle Tennessee last night 60-52, Louisiana Tech will be home on Sunday to host Liberty at 2 PM in a game that will be televised on ESPN 2. The Flames are 0-2 in Conference USA.

ULM tries for its first Sun Belt when its host Texas State to wrap up a four game home stand. The Ragin Cajuns are in the middle of a four game road trip and they are at Arkansas State tomorrow.

McNeese hosts Southeastern, Nicholls hosts Lamar in a game featuring two teams that are 2-0 in the Southland.