Author Archives: Kace Kieschnick

01.02.26
by

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU is scheduled to host Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby. Sorsby is ESPN’s top-ranked portal prospect and will head to Baton Rouge after visiting Texas Tech today. He was identified as a target for coach Lane Kiffin earlier this week.

Ole Miss is headed to the Fiesta Bowl to face Miami with a trip to the national championship on the line, but there’s been uncertainty about whether the six LSU assistant coaches on the Rebels’ staff will continue coaching. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says any hesitation is on the Ole Miss side.

Cut 9 (11)  “…Charlie Weis.”

LSU will face Texas A&M tomorrow in their first SEC game of the season. The 12-and-1 Tigers are off to maybe their strongest start under head coach Matt McMahon, but he says conference play will be another level of competition.

Cut 14 (14) “…great atmospheres.”

The Lady Tigers lost their first game of the season after 11th-ranked Kentucky hit a last-second three pointer to win 80-78 in LSU’s SEC opener last night. Fifth-ranked LSU will have a quick turnaround as they visit No.12 Vanderbilt Sunday. Head coach Kim Mulkey says she needs to see more as her team prepares for a tough beginning to conference play.

Cut 13 (12)  “…pity party.”

The Saints’ final injury report ahead of the regular season finale against the Falcons Sunday was released today. Defensive tackles Bryan Bresee and Nathan Shepherd, running back Alvin Kamara and receiver Chris Olave were all ruled out while linebacker Demario Davis, guard Dillon Radunz and quarterback Spencer Rattler are questionable. Wideout Mason Tipton was also added to injured reserve along with tight end Jack Stoll.

The McNeese men’s basketball team will host Lamar at 6:00 tonight. The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs will visit Middle Tennessee at 6:30 while the Lady Techsters tip-off against Sam Houston at the same time.

01.02.26
by

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The college football transfer window opens today, and Yahoo Sports’ Nick Bromberg expects new LSU head coach Lane Kiffin to show his prowess navigating the portal. Kiffin has identified rebuilding the Tigers’ depleted offensive line as a top priority, and Bromberg says he’ll also hunt depth at quarterback, d-line and wide receiver.

Cut 15 (09) “…system is.”

LSU redshirt sophomore receivers Kyle Parker and Destyn Hill entered the transfer portal. Parker caught 31 passes for 330 yards and four touchdowns this season. Hill was a top 115 recruit out of Edna Karr and joined the Tigers after two seasons with Florida State. Both have two years of eligibility remaining.

The Lady Tigers’ undefeated start to the season came to an end last night as they fell 80-78 to 11thranked Kentucky in their SEC opener. The Wildcats hit a game-winning three to seal the game with half a second left to silence the P-MAC crowd and knock off fifth-ranked LSU. The Lady Tigers visit 12th-ranked Vanderbilt Sunday.

Ole Miss is in the CFP semifinals after upsetting Georgia 39-34 in the Sugar Bowl last night. The Rebels overcame a nine-point halftime deficit behind a lights out performance from quarterback Trinidad Chambliss. For Georgia, it’s their second straight Sugar Bowl loss, and head coach Kirby Smart says the back-and-forth game was one to remember.

Cut 18 (13)  “…didn’t finish it.”

McNeese will host Lamar in men’s basketball tonight on the nation’s fourth longest active home win streak. The Cowboys will look to make it 19 straight at home in a rematch of last year’s Southland Conference championship game at 6:00.

Louisiana Tech will visit Middle Tennessee in another postseason rematch from a season ago. The Bulldogs fell to the Blue Raiders in a heartbreaking overtime loss in the Conference USA quarterfinals last year. Both teams are coming off wins in their first conference matchup. Tip-off is at 6:30.

The lady Techsters will also be tipping off at 6:30 at home against Sam Houston.  Both teams are 7-and-4 heading into the C-USA opener.

12.31.25
by

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Superdome will host Ole Miss and Georgia in the Sugar Bowl tomorrow night, and the Rebels’ offense will be led by LSU Offensive Coordinator Charlie Weis. Weis followed Kiffin to Baton Rouge but agreed to stay on as the offensive play caller for Ole Miss’s playoff run. He says he’s had to balance prepping for Georgia with establishing a new regime at LSU with the transfer window fast approaching.

Cut 14 (11) “…distraction at all.”

The Sugar Bowl is set to kick off tomorrow at 7:00

In College hoops yesterday, Grambling stayed undefeated at home, beating Centenary 90-58 behind an 18-point outing from forward Jimel Lane off the bench. The 6-and-7 Tigers will host Parie View A&M Saturday.

Southeastern fell to Incarnate Word 79-70 and drop to 4-and-9 on the season and 1-and-3 in Southland play. The Lions will look to bounce back at home against SFA Saturday.

Louisiana Tech are Independence Bowl Champs for the fourth time in school history. The Bulldogs scored 17 points in the fourth quarter to overcome an 11-point halftime deficit and defeat Coastal Carolina 23-14. The Dogs’ defense allowed 248 yards in the first half but forced three turnovers and shut out the Chanticleers in the second. Senior cornerback Cedric Woods says they were ready for anything.

Cut 16 (19) “…getting turnovers.”

The victory  is the Bulldog’s first Bowl win since 2019.

The Pelicans will look to end their four-game skid against the Bulls tonight. Chicago will be without starting guards Josh Giddey and Coby White while guard Jose Alvarado is absent for the Pels on the second of his two-game suspension, and forward Herb Jones is sidelined with an ankle injury. Tip-off in Chicago is at 6:00.

12.30.25
by

LRN AM Newscall Dec 31

The 2025 Christmas holiday was a deadly one on Louisiana roadways. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

Bourbon Street is now closed to motor vehicles through Friday as part of the French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone, but one prominent injury lawyer says that’s not enough. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________________

New LSU offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. spoke of his relationship with new LSU head coach Lane Kiffin ahead of Ole Miss’ Sugar Bowl matchup with Georgia. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

____________________________________________

It was a deadly Christmas holiday on Louisiana roadways, as 13 people were killed in crashes from Christmas Day through Monday morning. State Police Trooper Shelby Mayfield says all 13 deaths were preventable.

Cut 4 (09) “…was a factor.”

Thursday morning was very foggy, which was augmented by the smoke coming from the bonfires along the Mississippi River the night before. Mayfield says foggy conditions are no excuse.

Cut 5 (11) “…injury crash happening.”

Mayfield says when you make your way around the state for your New Year’s celebrations, you can expect a beefed-up State Police presence.

Cut 6 (09) “…around certain areas.”

The 13 deaths over the four-day Christmas holiday period makes 2025 the third deadliest in the state since 2015, topped only by 17 deaths in 2021 and 16 deaths in 2018.

____________________________________________

The French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone is re-established through Friday. Among other things, motor vehicles are prohibited from entering Bourbon Street through the end of the day Friday. But injury attorney Morris Bart, who’s representing dozens of victims and families impacted by the terror attack this past New Year’s Day, says that’s not enough.

Cut 7 (10) “…never happens again.”

Bart says it doesn’t require an occasion like New Year’s, the Sugar Bowl or Mardi Gras to take enhanced measures to close off Bourbon Street.

Cut 8 (12) “…a good time.”

Years prior to the attack, the City of New Orleans had acquired removable bollards from engineering firm Mott MacDonald, which often failed when the tracks they moved on became clogged by drinks and beads. Bart says litigation research shows that those decorative bollards will only stop vehicles going up to five miles an hour.

Cut 9 (07)  “…heavy duty bollards.”

____________________________________________

Today is the final day of 2025, and the biggest story of the year happened just a few hours in on the first day. A 42-year-old U.S. Citizen, who authorities say was inspired by ISIS, sped down Bourbon Street, running over several New Year’s Day revelers, killing 14 people and injuring several more. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick described the horrific event

Cut 10 (07) “…he possibly could.”

Governor Landry has ordered an official four-day period of mourning beginning this New Year’s Day.

Another major story in 2025 was the state legislature’s efforts to reduce insurance costs. Most of the legislation targeted efforts to reduce auto insurance rates, including a new law that gives Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple more authority to reject rate increases. Temple clashed with Governor Landry over the measure.

Cut 11 (10) “…sooner than that.”

The biggest sports story of the year was the firing of LSU football coach Brian Kelly and Athletic Director Scott Woodward after a blowout loss to Texas A&M on October 25th. Governor Landry made it known he was not a fan of Kelly’s contract and said Woodward would not hire the next head football coach at LSU.

Cut 12 (10) “…us a coach.”

LSU announced Lane Kiffin as its new football coach on November 30th — a decision made in part by new Athletic Director Verge Ausberry, who had the interim tag removed just days after being inserted into the role.

____________________________________________

Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. is following head coach Lane Kiffin to Baton Rouge. But first, he’s coaching Ole Miss for the rest of the College Football Playoff, starting with tomorrow night’s Sugar Bowl against Georgia. Weis says it was a tough decision to make, but he believes it was the right one.

Cut 13 (14)  “…later on too.”

Weis went to Baton Rouge after the Rebels’ 41-10 win over Tulane in the first round. Weis says he’s been doing his best to do right by Ole Miss in finishing the season out while carrying out daily duties for his new LSU gig.

Cut 14 (11) “…distraction at all.”

Weis and Kiffin’s relationship dates back to coaching together on the Alabama staff in 2015. Weis also followed Kiffin to Florida Atlantic and to Ole Miss. Weis says Kiffin has a special ability to develop quarterbacks.

Cut 15 (09) “…makes coach great.”

____________________________________________

Louisiana Tech are Independence Bowl Champs for the fourth time in school history. The Bulldogs overcame an 11-point halftime deficit to defeat Coastal Carolina 23-14. The Dogs’ defense allowed 248 yards in the first half but shut out the Chanticleers in the second and forced three turnovers. Cornerback Cedric Woods says they were ready for anything.

Cut 16 (19) “…getting turnovers.”

The Tech offense found its groove after a sluggish first-half performance. The Bulldogs had four turnovers of their own, but scored 17 points in the fourth quarter, including a 52-yard pass to wideout Marlion (Mar-lun) Jackson. Quarterback Trey Kukuk (Kew-kuk) totaled over 100 yards through the air and on the ground and says this LA Tech team is defined by resilience.

Cut 17 (17)  “…gave up.”

The victory is LA Tech’s first bowl win since 2019 and will finish the season 8-and-5, head coach Sonny Cumbie’s best mark in four years in Ruston. Cumbie says, despite national narratives, bowl games are as important as ever, and he hopes this season’s success can welcome a new era in Bulldogs football.

Cut 18 (15)  “…of the season.” 

12.23.25
by

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints are on a late-season surge with three straight wins after Sunday’s 29-6 dismantling of the Jets. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough has been at the center of the turnaround. He’s eclipsed almost every Saints rookie passing record and led the team to a 4-and-3 record. He says success now can lay the foundation for next year.

Cut 15 (06) “…to build that.”

The Saints are one of three teams without a Pro Bowl selection this year, along with the Jets and Vikings.  The bayou state is still represented by former LSU Tigers Ja’Marr Chase and Derek Stingley Jr., who were both named starters for the AFC.

LSU head coach Lane Kiffin’s son Knox announced he will enroll at U-High in January. The class of 2028 quarterback led Oxford High School to the Mississippi Class 7A semifinals this season and threw for over 12-hundred yards and 14 touchdowns in just six starts. The Cubs posted a 10-and-3 record this season and fell to eventual state champions St. Charles Catholic in the D-2 Select semifinals.

LSU forward Grace Knox was named the SEC Freshman of the Week after leading the Lady Tigers in scoring against Morgan State and Texas-Arlington. Knox averaged 17-and-a-half points and nine-and-a-half rebounds over the two games as LSU improved to 13-and-0. She is the first Lady Tiger to receive the award since Mikaylah Williams in the 2023-24 season.

Ole Miss and Georgia are headed for a playoff rematch in the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day in New Orleans. The Bulldogs offense dominated the regular season contest between the teams, and Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding says there’s no room for error against the SEC champs.

Cut 17 (19)  “…on the perimeter.”

LSU offensive lineman Coen Echols announced he’ll be entering the transfer portal. The former four-star recruit played in all 12 games for the Tigers this season and started seven.

12.23.25
by

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The Saints won their third straight game and fourth with rookie Tyler Shough leading the way with their 29-6 domination of the Jets Sunday. New Orleans has been eliminated from playoff contention for weeks now, but head coach Kellen Moore says getting wins under the belt of a young team is more than enough motivation.

Cut 14 (06) “…guys doing this.”

The Saints have a chance to make it four in a row as they visit the 3-and-12 Titans Sunday.

NFL Pro Bowl rosters were announced today, and New Orleans is without a representative for the second straight season despite pass catchers Chris Olave and Juwan Johnson each ranking in the top six in yards at their positions. Former Saint Rashid Shaheed was named the NFC’s return specialist after being traded to Seattle earlier this season. Former Tigers Ja’Marr Chase and Derek Stingley Jr. earned their fifth and second Pro Bowl nods, respectively. Chase leads the AFC in yards and receptions, while Stingley’s 4 interceptions and 13 passes defended both rank near the top of the conference. Both will start for the AFC.

The Pelicans have nearly tripled their season win total in the last two weeks, thanks to a five-game win streak they extended last night in an electric 119-113 comeback win over the Mavericks. Zion Williamson led the team with 24 points off the bench to go along with nine boards and three assists. The 8-and-22 Pels face the Cavs in Cleveland tonight at 6:30. Forward Herb Jones is a game-time decision after exiting last night’s game with an ankle injury.

The Sugar Bowl is set to host a rematch between Ole Miss and Georgia in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal. The Bulldogs came out on top in a physical 43-35 victory in which the Rebels gave up over 500 yards of offense and failed to force a single punt. Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding says everything starts with his defense.

Cut 16 (11) “…offense back on.”

Before the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day, the Superdome will host Western Kentucky and Southern Miss in the New Orleans Bowl this afternoon at 4:30.

12.22.25
by

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The Saints won their third straight with a 29-6 thrashing of the Jets yesterday. Wide receiver Chris Olave racked up 148 yards and two touchdowns on ten catches and has reached 1,000 yards in a season for the third time in four years. He says this year has been a 180 from a disheartening 2024 campaign.

Cut 20 (14) “…a great year.”

The Pelicans will have a chance to earn their fifth straight win tonight against the Mavericks. The 7-and-22 Pels are now just 5-and-a-half games back from a play-in spot and are one of the hottest teams in the NBA since Zion Williamson and Jordan Poole returned from injury. The last two matchups with the Mavs were both decided by one possession. Tip-off is at 7:00.

Tulane fell in the first round of the College Football Playoffs in a 41-10 loss to Ole Miss. Green wave head coach Jon Sumrall says they dug themselves an early hole.

Cut 16 (14) “…the whole game.”

The loss ends Tulane’s 11-and-3 season and the Sumrall era in New Orleans as he heads to Gainesville to take over the Florida head coaching job. The Lane Kiffin-less Rebels will head to the Sugar Bowl to face Georgia in the CFP quarterfinals. Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hudley says the city is excited to host the SEC matchup.

Cut 13 (09)  “…with that league.”

In college hoops Louisiana Tech will host Dallas Christian at 1:00 this afternoon and LSU will face off against Prairie View A&M tonight at 6:00.

11.29.25
by

11:30 LRN Sportscast

If you didn’t manage to get your holiday shopping done yesterday you’re in luck because today is Small Business Saturday. Small Business Saturday began in 2010 to help local shops and restaurants bring in more customers after the Great Recession. NFIB state director Leah Long says last year, shoppers spent an estimated 22 billion dollars at locally owned businesses nationwide and that’s great for the local economy…

Cut 7 (05) “…in the community.”

In the high school football playoffs last night…Sixth seeded Vandebilt Catholic defeated Lake Charles College Prep 31-28. The Terriers advance to face Shaw in the semifinals. The Eagles beat Loyola Prep 38 to 7.

Ruston is back in the semifinals after beating Southside 38 to 28 and they’ll host Zachary next Friday night. John Curtis defeated Teurlings Catholic 21-7.

The Patriots will face St. Aug in the Division one select semifinals, the other semi-final matchup will Catholic High versus Edna Karr.

LSU’s regular season finale at Oklahoma is at 2:30 this afternoon. The eighth ranked Sooners are on the cusp of their first College football Playoff appearance since 2019. LSU linebacker Whit Weeks says they aren’t backing down from a top ten opponent, and they hope to play spoiler

Cut 16 (10) “…worst games.”

Weeks said he plans to take the field for the second game in arow as he battles through a broken ankle.

LSU fans, though, may be paying more attention to Oxford, Mississippi than Norman, Oklahoma this afternoon. Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin’s meeting with Rebels brass is scheduled later today. Kiffin said he still hadn’t made up his mind on where he’ll end up after the Egg Bowl yesterday but reports late last night say a final decision should be on the way. The weeks of tracking flights and tee times, deciphering cryptic tweets and speculating could all come to an end this afternoon.

11.29.25
by

10:30 LRN Newscast

Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin said he still hadn’t made a final decision on where he wants to coach next year after his 38-19 win over Mississippi state in the Egg Bowl yesterday. He says the process hasn’t been easy.

Cut 22 (18) “…would think.”

Kiffin’s options are reportedly down to LSU and Ole Miss and an announcement should come later today.

Florida has moved on from the Kiffin sweepstakes and shifted focus to other candidates like Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall. Sumrall canceled a meeting with the Gators earlier this week and is currently leading the Green Wave to a 9-and-2 season. Tulane are over 30-point favorites against Charlotte tonight with a home American Conference Championship on the line. Sumrall will announce his future decision tomorrow morning. He’s also drawn interest from Auburn and LSU.

LSU can cause some chaos in the College Football Playoff race with a win over Oklahoma this afternoon. The Sooners are eighth in the CFP rankings and are the top seeded among eight two loss teams in the top 17. LSU linebacker Whit Weeks says the Tigers aren’t without motivation.

Cut 17 (13)  “…get a victory.”

November is coming to an end so that means so is hurricane season. This year is the first time since 2015 a hurricane did not make landfall in the U.S, but there was still 13 named storms, five hurricanes and four major hurricanes. Colorado State research scientist Phil Klotzbach says atmospheric conditions protected the U.S.

Cut 13 (14)  “…the hurricanes.”

11.29.25
by

9:30 LRN Newscast

God Behind Bars, a national prison ministry, organized a Daddy Daughter Dance at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola for more than two dozen fathers who had not seen their daughters in years. The fathers stood waiting in fitted tuxedos and later presented their daughters flowers, a Bible and a handwritten letter. God Behind Bars founder Jake Bodine says Angola was transformed into something special.

Cut 4 (15) “…end of the event.”

ULM has named S.J. Tuohy as its next Athletics Director following the resignation of John Hartwell in August of this year. Tuohy has most recently served as the Deputy AD at oral Roberts and has spent time at UCF, Liberty, and Arkansas, but you may better know him from The Blind Side. He’s the son of Sean and Leigh Ann Touhy who took in former NFL lineman Michael Oher as a high schooler.

Get out and support local stores because today is Small Business Saturday. NFIB State Director Leah Long says the Big Beautiful Bill signed by President Trump this summer made the 20-percent Small Business Deduction permanent, and that was a big relief for small business owners. But she says NFIB’s latest survey shows small business optimism has slipped as owners grow more cautious about the months ahead…

Cut 9 (10)  “…small businesses.”

The LSU basketball teams both took home wins in the first round of their invitational tournaments last night. The men outlasted Drake for a 71-62 win at the Emerald Coast Classic. The Tigers will take on DePaul in the tournament championship tonight at 6:30. The Lady Tigers set an NCAA record for most consecutive 100-point games with a 113-53 domination of Marist at the Paradise Jam tournament. The seven straight century wins to open the season topples a 43-year-old record held by coach Kim Mulkey’s 1982 Louisiana Tech team.