LSU will have to pay a 100-thousand dollar fine to the SEC because the fans rushed the field following the big win over Georgia. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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 The first ad of the Secretary of State’s race is out, and from the contents you probably wouldn’t think it was just a bureaucratic job that manages elections. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

The LSU President is defending the university’s decision to adopt a holistic admission policy. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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About four thousand Entergy customers in southeast Louisiana may be experiencing some sticker shock at their latest bill.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

Louisiana first responders left today for Florida, where they’ll assist local authorities there with rescues in the wake of Hurricane Michael, which is expected to produce catastrophic damage. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff palermo”

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Mississippi now has 660,000 more dollars to spend on infrastructure after the first month of legalized sports betting at its casinos. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

Candidates in the special election for Secretary of State say they know how important preventing sexual harassment is, considering its what toppled the last Secretary. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The duplication of benefits issues that have plagued some flood victims appears to be in the rearview mirror.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart.” 

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A petition is out calling for the Crescent City to celebrate Drew Brees’ legacy by giving him a statue at a famous New Orleans circle. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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Nine candidates are running in the Secretary of State’s special election race that wouldn’t even be open this year if not for the resignation of former Secretary Tom Schedler in the wake of a sexual harassment scandal. As such, the candidates were asked what they would do to make sure that never happens again. Interim Secretary Kyle Ardoin says his office has put in place a comprehensive plan.

Cut 4 (07) “…was pressed.”

The alleged victim of Schedler’s harassment says Ardoin, who was Assistant Secretary at the time, was aware of the harassment. Ardoin denies that allegation.

But several women in the race say despite the department’s claim of a strict new no-tolerance policy, there’s still work that needs to be done.

Democrat Renee Fontenot Free says her positive reputation and management style while in the Attorney General’s office and as a former Assistant Secretary of State promoted a culture that empowered victims to come forward.

Cut 5 (09)  “…my experience.” 

Turkey Creek Mayor Heather Cloud says in her years managing her shipping company, she’s never had an incident of sexual harassment because everyone knew it wouldn’t be tolerated.

Cut 6 (08)“of women”

Kenner Representative Julie Stokes brought up a moment two years ago on the legislative floor where a colleague introduced an amendment considered sexist by some. She says her stand, excoriating the body for what she says is a culture of disrespect to women was proof that she won’t put up with harassment.

Cut 7 (07) “…tolerated.”

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Currently, flood victims who applied for SBA loans immediately following the floods are not eligible for grant money available through the Louisiana Restore Program. But President Trump has signed legislation corrected the Duplication of Benefits issue.  Division of Administration Executive Director Pat Forbes says now they are waiting on written guidance from HUD on the specifics of implementation.

Cut 8 (09) “…help these folks.”

Flood victims have until October 19^th to fill out an initial survey at restore-dot-la-dot-gov and the deadline to complete the application has been extended until to  November 16^th.  More than 1,000 new surveys have been submitted since news that the duplication of benefits issue would be resolved.  Forbes says he anticipates new applicants will receive the same benefits as the initial wave of recipients.

Cut 9 (08) “…building their home.”

Forbes says once the anticipated specifics on implementation come down from HUD, the state is ready to act quickly to get benefits to those who need them.

Cut 10 (10)   “…new grant calculation.“

Homeowners who meet the program’s eligibility requirements based on their survey responses will be invited to complete the formal application.  No action is needed by those that have already completed the survey or application.

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20 years ago voters approved a constitutional amendment to create the Louisiana Community and Technical College System. The LCTCS is comprised of 12 unified, open-access two-year colleges. LCTCS President Monty Sullivan says the system has created opportunities for all walks of life…

Cut 11 (10)   “…the economy”

Over 2.1 million students have enrolled at LCTCS schools since the system was established. Sullivan says having a community college system has made the two-year schools stronger…

Cut 12 (12)   “…degree”

Sullivan says he is excited to see how the LCTCS can continue to effect communities as it seeks to be more accessible…

Cut 13 (10)   “…years”

A petition is circulating that calls for the former Lee Circle in New Orleans to be named Brees Circle in honor of the Black and Gold’s most beloved athlete. Lee Circle saw its titular General Lee removed last year along with other Confederate statues city-wide. Petition creator Blake Ivey says the idea came to him back in April.

Cut 14 (09)   “…New Orleans”

The removal of the statues led to heated, weeks-long confrontations between pro and anti-confederate monument factions at several monument locations.

Ivey says the popular reputation of historical figures can be controversial, but if there’s one guy in the city who everyone agrees isn’t controversial, it would be Brees.

Cut 15 (08)   “…this guy.”

The petition doesn’t call for any specific statue, or moment to be enshrined, just that it feature number nine. But, if given a choice, Ivey says he has a few recommendations for what he would like to see on display.

Cut 16 (08) “.. was something”

You can join the petition by liking the Brees Circle Petition Facebook page.

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LSU’s offensive line performed poorly in the Tigers 27-19 loss in Gainesville to the Florida Gators. Florida sacked quarterback Joe Burrow five times and the Gators produced 10.5 tackles for a loss. But starting center Lloyd Cushenberry says the mistakes are correctable

Cut 17 (11)  “going to clean up” 

Starting left guard Garrett Brumfield will not be back for Saturday’s game, so Adrian Magee will start for a second straight week at that position. If there are no injuries during the week of practice, the Tigers could start the same starting five on the O-Line for consecutive games for the first time this season. Cushenberry says continuity is important, but they can’t make excuses…

Cut 18 (14) “…our job” 

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After a frustrating home loss to UAB, Louisiana Tech goes back on the road this Saturday to face the UTSA Roadrunners. The Bulldogs scored one touchdown against the Blazers and coach Skip Holtz says they’ll face another good defense in San Antonio…

Cut 19 (20) “..against that” 

Tech had a poor offensive performance against the Blazers. They were just 2-of-12 on 3rd down conversions, threw for just 109 yards and had three turnovers. UAB also had five sacks. Holtz says it’s as bad as performance he’s seen since arriving in Ruston…

Cut 20 (20) “do more” 

It was an emotional night in the Superdome last night as Saints quarterback Drew Brees became the N-F-L’s all-time passing leader. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff palermo”

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LDWF hopes they can use BP money to foot the bill for conservation construction on Queen Bess Island, a crucial brown pelican habitat. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

Secretary of State Candidates got a bit testy at a Baton Rouge event yesterday when asked about the scandal surrounding the purchase of new voting machines in Louisiana. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “I’m Matt Doyle”

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A new study shows the divorce rate dropped by 18 percent between 2008 and 2016. Kevin Barnhart tells us why.

Cut 2 (30) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart.” 

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A Monroe teenager has set a new record as the youngest person to ever fly around the globe. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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Several Secretary of State Candidates got combative yesterday after they were asked about controversy surrounding the bidding process for the state’s new voting machines. Two of the three bidders for the contract say the process, won by Dominion Voting Systems, was rigged. Candidate, and Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds, says an AP report raised serious questions about the integrity of the bid.

Cut 4 (12) “…office.”

An AP report says The Office of State Procurement has removed Interim Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin from the bid evaluation process for the new voting machines

Opponents of Ardoin for the seat seized on the ballooning price of the voting machine contract as well. Candidate and Kenner Representative Julie Stokes says she’s incredibly concerned about the surprising, new price tag for the machines.

Cut 5 (11)  “…the office.” 

The state received tens of millions in federal funds to assist in the purchase of new voting machines, and the securing of the state’s election infrastructure.

But Ardoin says those concerns are unfounded, and pointed to a 2005 bid that resulted in a lawsuit from one of the losing bidders as evidence that the two companies filing complaints are just trying to play politics with the bid.

Cut 6 (09)“…it.”

Ardoin anticipates the state will negotiate the current 95 million dollar deal to a lower price.

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A new study shows the divorce rate dropped by 18 percent between 2008 and 2016.  Researchers say this is likely because millennials are waiting to get married later.  Director of Tulane University’s Social Work Program, Parker Sternbergh says the delay in marriage is likely due to growing up in a society where divorce was so prevalent.

Cut 7 (09) “…married so early.”

Sternbergh says a divorce can literally change up someone’s nervous system in the way of human interaction, and now says the science is clearer.

Cut 8 (09) “…get it right.”

Sternbergh says millennials are approaching marriage differently than previous generations.

Cut 9 (06) “…ready for response.”

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18-year-old Mason Andrews of Monroe is now the youngest person to ever circumnavigate the globe in an airplane. The young man took off from the Bayou State on July 22^nd, and returned home over the weekend. Andrews says the flight was a taxing, but incredible experience that gave him a birds-eye-view to some of the most jaw dropping sights on earth.

Cut 10 (11)   “…or near.“

Andrews flew solo in a single engine aircraft for his adventure.

The trip was supposed to take 40 days, but ended up lasting nearly double that as Andrews ran into two major stoppages that grounded the bird for over two weeks at a time. The Monroe teen even got stranded in India during Monsoon season.

Cut 11 (11)   “…were great.”

Andrews was even visited by a Taiwanese fighter after he veered to close to their airspace unannounced.

Andrews says the scariest part of his journey was over Saudi Arabia, where he had to be locked in during a dangerous bout of weather for nearly half a day.

Cut 12 (08)   “…massive standstorm.”

Andrews made the flight to raise awareness for Louisiana MedCamps, and ended up raising 25,000 dollars for the special needs charity.

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If it seems like those jackpots on the lottery billboards just keep getting bigger, it’s because they area.  The Mega Millions game from the Louisiana Lottery is currently up to $470 million, making it the 6^th largest jackpot in the history of the game.   Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says this current jackpot is the second one this year to break the top ten.

Cut 13 (11)   “…the game’s history.“

Chopin says the prizes are getting bigger due to several factors, and says with the drawing being a multistate game, the jackpots can grow quite large.

Cut 14 (08)   “…jackpots very fast.”

Louisiana also participates in Powerball, and says the sales of both games have gone up through the state.

Cut 15 (09)   “…participating in Powerball.”

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The 13th ranked LSU football team is working on correcting the mistakes that resulted in its first loss of the season against Florida. The Tigers turned it over three times, there were dropped passes and quarterback Joe Burrow was sacked five times. Burrow says they can’t sit around feeling sorry for themselves

Cut 16 (13) “.. do it”

The game in Gainesville, begins a brutal stretch for the Tigers who are in a stretch of playing ranked teams in four consecutive contests. Burrow says he’s up to the challenge…

Cut 17 (14)  “forward to it” 

Coach Ed Orgeron says they had 11 plays that went for negative yards against Florida. He says they can’t have that and expect to beat second ranked Georgia this Saturday…

Cut 18 (08) “…a drive” 

Despite the loss to Florida, LSU can still win the West if they can beat Georgia and Alabama at home in the coming games. But Orgeron says they can’t afford to look to far ahead,,,

Cut 19 (17) “..what happens” 

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Saints Quarterback Drew Brees is the N-F-L’s All-time career passing leader and he did it in grand style, with a 62-yard touchdown pass to rookie Tre’Quan Smith. It was one of three touchdown passes thrown by the 39-year-old Q-B, as New Orleans routed Washington 43-19 to improve to 4-1.

The T-D pass set off a wild celebration inside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome as Brees went around the field to hug as many people as he could1

Cut 20 (20) “it was incredible” 

A cold front arrives this week, which will give us our first taste of fall. Jeff Palermo reports the cold air will also push Hurricane Michael away from Louisiana…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff palermo”

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Bishop Douglas Deshotel announced punishment today for a Lafayette priest who is accused of child sex abuse. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

It was a rough visit to the Swamp for the LSU Tigers. Jeff Palermo has more on the Bayou Bengals first loss of the season…

Cut 1 (31)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Drew Brees will chase history tonight as a he hones in on the record for most career passing yards. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) ”I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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With just under a month remaining until the election, candidates for Secretary of State may appear to have not done much campaigning for the position, but that may change soon.  Kevin Barnhart tells us why.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Tropical Storm Michael is expected to be a hurricane in the southern Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday. But State Climatologist Barry Keim says at this point he storm is not a threat to Louisiana

Cut 4 (08) “…on Wednesday.”

Keim says Michael has a chance to strengthen into a Category Two Hurricane when it makes landfall…

Cut 5 (09)  “…grim reminder.” 

Keim says cooler air is on the way for Louisiana and it’s that weather system that will keep Michael away from the Bayou State…

Cut 6 (08) “…the east.”

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Louisiana pro-life advocates are celebrating the ascension of Brett Kavanaugh to the US Supreme Court. With his appointment, the conservative bloc now commands a five to four majority on the nation’s highest court. Louisiana Right to Life Executive Director Ben Clapper says there’s a 14-week fetal dismemberment ban that could be the test case that outlaws abortion.

Cut 7 (09) “…Vs. Wade”

Clapper says other opportunities, like admitting privileges legislation, could also be an early litmus test.

Four of the sitting judges have demonstrated pro-life leanings on past cases, and while Kavanaugh has indicated he may agree, Clapper says nothing is guaranteed until a Justice makes its first ruling.

Cut 8 (06) “…this position.”

But Clapper says the end of Roe vs. Wade may not solely come down to Justice Brett Kavanaugh. He says there’s some concerns that Chief Justice John Roberts, given his past record, could backtrack on his support for Pro-Life bills.

Cut 9 (09) “…life side.”

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The November election to crown a new Secretary of State is less than a month away, but you may not have noticed with a lack of campaigning from the candidates.  Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the reason why is, compared to other positions, candidates for the gig don’t see many donations.

Cut 10 (05)   “…is almost non-existent.“

Pinsonat says in comparison to other statewide races, this special election isn’t seeing a long term build up to Election Day.

Cut 11 (08)   “…high profile candidate.”

Pinsonat says with the money the candidates have raised, you may start to detect more of a campaign visibility soon

Cut 12 (05)   “…month of campaigning.”

The election takes place November 6 and six of the candidates appear today at the Baton Rouge Press Club.

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Drew Brees heads into tonight’s game against Washington just 201 yards shy of the all-time passing yards record. Brees’ first NFL experience was a 2001 preseason game in Miami, where he says he stared starry eyed up into the rafters at the passing records held by Dan Marino, who then held the all-time passing yards record. He says he never could imagined one day that might be him.

Cut 13 (11)   “…a starter“

The heart and soul of the Black and Gold has thrown for 71,740 yards in his career and fans are hoping he breaks the record tonight in New Orleans, which is held by New Orleans born Peyton Manning.

Brees holds several Saints career records, and the NFL record for passing percentage in a season, but this is the big one, a record that’s been held by QBs like Manning, Brett Farve, and Marino. Brees says he’s not focusing on the record tonight, but it is something he had set his sights on.

Cut 14 (10)   “…you are”

Achieving the record may be easier said than done against a Skins defense that’s allowing only 187 passing yards a game.

Brees says the milestone will be a testament to the incredible collection of talent he’s had the privilege to play with

Cut 15 (10)   “…players.”

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LSU has fallen out of the Top 10 after suffering its first loss on Saturday as the Florida Gators scored two fourth quarter touchdowns to beat the Tigers 27-19. The Bayou Bengals fell eight spots to number 13 in the A-P poll. Tigers Coach Ed Orgeron says it was a tough loss

Cut 16 (10) “.. job done.”

LSU gave up five sacks, allowed 215 rushing yards, Quarterback Joe Burrow threw two interceptions, missed on a couple of deep balls and there were dropped passes. Orgeron says too many mistakes to win an SEC game on the road

Cut 17 (18)  “stop em” 

LSU had a chance to a 14-0 lead in the 1st quarter, but Burrow was pressured and fumbled. Orgeron says that was a big point in the game

Cut 18 (15) “…won both” 

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Louisiana Tech had a frustrating night on Saturday as they lost to UAB 28-7. The Blazers defense recorded five sacks and three turnovers and held Tech to just 258 yards of total offense. Coach Skip Holtz says nothing was working

Cut 19 (18) “..rhythm” 

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The Ragin Cajuns won their first Sun Belt game on Saturday, a 42-27 victory over Texas State. Sophomore running back Elijah Mitchell had 191 yards rushing and three touchdowns. UL Lafayette Coach Bill Napier’s team snapped a three-game losing streak…

Cut 20 (19) “get fixed” 

Congressman Ralph Abraham says the US has sealed the deal on a huge rice sell to Iraq. Don Molino has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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Nearly 200 female Louisiana lawyers have signed a petition urging the state’s two US Senators to vote against the Supreme Court Nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh.  Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

The two Republican senators of Louisiana have expressed their satisfaction with the findings of the 5-day FBI investigation into the accusations of sexual misconduct against Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (33)  “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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 Drag Queen Story Time in Lafayette has been postponed after hosts say they grew concerned about safety. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) ”I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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 LSU heads into swampy, sticky central Florida Saturday afternoon to take on the surging Gators. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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The Louisiana Department of Health recently released its voluntary non-opioid directive form as a new tactic in combatting opioid abuse.  Those who sign the form pledge refuse the offer or administration of opioid medications.  Dr. Janice Petersen with LDH says the form is meant to be used by patients as a communication tool with care providers.

Cut 4 (11) “…explain their situation.”

Petersen says although Louisiana ranks as one of the worst states for feeling the effect of the opioid epidemic, the state is seeing progress in the fight against the use of the drugs.

Cut 5 (05)  “…in that area.” 

Petersen says although the prescription rate for the drugs is going down, the deaths in the state are still going up.

Cut 6 (09) “…the use of heroin.”

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The two Republican senators of Louisiana have expressed their satisfaction with the findings of the 5-day FBI investigation into the accusations of sexual misconduct against Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh.  Senator John Kennedy, who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee, says after reading through the report, he wishes the report could be public.

Cut 7 (08) “…involved in this.”

Kennedy says no one directed the FBI in the investigation and that the agency made its own decisions in the report.  He also says such acts of misconduct are a problem that needs to be dealt with and hopes that the Republican Party is willing to take the lead.

Cut 8 (07) “…Kavanaugh is innocent.”

Senator Bill Cassidy says after reading the FBI report, the claims of sexual misconduct against Judge Kavanaugh are unfounded…

Cut 9 (10) “…no corroboration.”

Cassidy says there is blame to be put on Senator Dianne Feinstein for not turning over the letter written to her by Dr. Christine Ford detailing the allegations to the FBI sooner.  He says much what has taken place since is unfair to many people.

Cut 10 (11)   “…the American people.“

Today, the Senate plans to vote to end the debate on the Kavanaugh nomination with a full floor, final vote on Saturday.

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Drag Queen Story Time in Lafayette has been put on hold after Southern Louisiana Community College backed out of hosting the event citing concerns for the safety of its students and other visitors. The event has been a growing source controversy in the city and was set to run tomorrow. A doctor who supports Story Time says public showcases of tolerance are important for young people who may be LGBTQ.

Cut 11 (13)   “…their teens.”

The event, where Drag Queens will read stories to children about accepting their LGBTQ classmates, is seeking a new location. It was originally set to run at the Lafayette Public Library and is still an official library event.

Story Time has led to some heated City-Parish Council Meetings, as well as petitions calling for city leaders to stop the plan, but the Council voted against denouncing the event. One supporter of the Drag Queens says the opposition from city religious leaders has been hypocritical.

Cut 12 (11)   “…on that.”

But opponents say the event is highly inappropriate for children, and shouldn’t be supported by the library. Citizens for a New Louisiana Executive Director Michael Lunsford believes the city shouldn’t be exposing children to those values.

Cut 13 (10)   “…year-olds.“

Lunsford says Drag Queens are adult entertainment and not for children.

Cut 14 (08)   “…adult world”

Story Time is being put on by a UL-Lafayette fraternity.

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No. 5 LSU takes on a 22^nd ranked Florida team that’s rebounded nicely since dropping their first game in a shocker to Kentucky in week 1. They’ve rebounded on the back of a tough defense that just held Mississippi State to 6 points. Voice of the Tigers Chris Blair says the Gators can attack LSU’s offense at multiple levels.

Cut 15 (11)   “…spot on.”

Florida is third in the SEC East.

You wouldn’t call the Gator’s offense explosive, in fact, they actually sit just below LSU as the 10^th in the SEC, but Blair says they’ve found a way to move the ball without needing to stretch defenses.

Cut 16 (11) “.. the bubble screen.” 

Fellieipe Franks, the Gator quarter back, has only thrown for 961 yards with a 57 percent completion rate, but he sports the fifth highest QB Rating in the conference.

And it wouldn’t be a Florida LSU game without some special team’s trickery either. Whether it’s Jump Passes, or fake field goals, the rivalry is riddled with infamous plays that’ve turned the tide in tight games in past eras. That being said, Blair doesn’t really see that happening considering how much both coaches trust their defenses.

Cut 17 (07)  “obviously Cole Tracy.” 

The game kicks off at 2:30 PM in Gainesville.

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After picking up a huge road win over North Texas to begin Conference USA play on Saturday, the Bulldogs are back in Joe Aillet Stadium tomorrow night to host UAB. The Blazers are also 1-0 in league play and they beat Tech in Birmingham last season 23-22. Coach Skip Holtz says his players remember that game…

Cut 18 (19) “…in UAB” 

Jaylon Ferguson was named Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week after registering four sacks last week against North Texas. Holtz says he’ll be surprised if Ferguson can get four sacks again, because the Blazers like to run the football…

Cut 19 (14) “..this week” 

Holtz says J’Mar Smith continues to grow as a quarterback…

Cut 20 (21) “his feet”