LSU was ranked 14^th in the first College Football Playoff rankings last night, just outside the cutoff for the 12-team playoff. Alabama rose all the way from ninth in the AP Poll to fifth in the CFP rankings, setting up a massive matchup between the Tigers and Crimson Tide on Saturday. Quarterback Sam Leavitt says it will be a big test for the LSU offense, but one he is looking forward to.

Cut 19 (12) “…against them.”

New-Orleans-dot-football reports that Saints eighth-overall pick Jordyn Tyson is returning to practice today. The wide receiver has been on injured reserve since the preseason with a hamstring injury.

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was placed in concussion protocol after suffering concussion symptoms on Monday night. He took a helmet-to-helmet hit in Cleveland’s loss to the Steelers on Sunday and was cleared to return to the game. Second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders is next in line to start for the Browns versus the Saints on Sunday if Watson cannot go.

Will Wade opened his second tenure at LSU with a 100-57 win over LSU New Orleans. UCLA transfer guard Donovan Dent led the way with a 19-point, 10-assist double-double, and former overseas pro wing Saliou Niang stuffed the box score with 14 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and six steals. Wade says he did not return to LSU for a trip down memory lane.

Cut 21 (20) “…championship level.”

After starting 0-and-4, the Pelicans have a chance to get back to .500 tonight as they host the Jazz. Utah’s only win this season came against New Orleans in a 120-119 result after Pels guard Dejounte Murray missed the game’s final shot. Jazz forward Jaren Jackson Jr. is out with a knee injury.

The College Football Playoff selection committee has LSU ranked 14th in its first rankings of the season and the Tigers opponent this Saturday, Alabama, is ranked fifth, the highest ranked two loss team.

LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt told reporters yesterday that his hamstring is feeling much better and he’s now running at 100 percent. The Arizona State transfer quarterback knows this Saturday could be a legacy-defining game.

Cut 18 (15)  “…special experience.”

Special night for LSU basketball fans last night as the Will Wade era, 2.0, officially got underway last night with an easy 100 to 57 win over LSU New Orleans. LSU had six players in double figures led by Donovan Dent who had 19 points.

The Saints are changing kickers. The team has released Daniel Carlson who was 8 of 12 on field goals, with all four misses from beyond 50 yards. He also missed couple of PATs. New Orleans is expected to elevate Charlie Smyth from the practice squad and he’ll be the field goal kicker this Sunday against Cleveland. Last year the Irishman was 12 of 16 on field goals in six games.

The Ragin Cajuns are coming off the bye week to host South Alabama at 4 PM on Saturday. U-L Lafayette’s defense could get a boost with the potential return of redshirt senior safety Collin Jacob on Saturday. Jacob had 29 tackles in 5 games before suffering an injury against Arkansas State. Coach Michael Desormeaux…

Cut 17 (16) “…our defense.”

15^th-ranked LSU hosts ninth-ranked Alabama on Saturday. With the SEC’s new scheduling model, LSU and Alabama are no longer annual opponents. They have met every year since 1964, but this will be their last matchup of that 63-year streak. LSU coach Lane Kiffin says, unfortunately, most decisions in college football come down to money, and very little is safe.

Cut 17 (16) “…rivalries and conferences.”

The Saints released kicker Daniel Carlson. The nine-year vet was a late addition to the roster before the final preseason game and took the starting kicking job. He is 8-of-12 on field goals this season and 16-of-18 on extra points. All four of his missed field goals came beyond 50 yards. Irish kicker Charlie Smyth is still on the practice squad.

The Black and Gold also claimed running back Audric Estime off of waivers.

UL Lafayette returns from the bye week to face South Alabama on Saturday. The Cajuns are 5-and-3 and 2-and-2 in the Sun Belt after disappointing close losses to Louisiana Tech and Southern Miss. Head coach Michael Desormeaux says the five points his team lost those two games by do not define them, and there is a lot of football left.

Cut 21 (20) “…really young.”

In its first season back in the conference, Louisiana Tech has the inside track at hosting the Sun Belt championship after starting 4-and-0 in conference play. The Bulldogs got a big 35-20 win at South Alabama on Saturday to take a two-game lead in the West Division with only four games left. Tech will be on the road again on Saturday at Troy.

The first College Football Playoff rankings are unveiled tonight at 6. With two losses each already, Saturday’s game between LSU and Alabama is critical for both teams as they fight to keep their postseason hopes alive. Tigers coach Laen Kiffin, though, says none of that matters on the field.

Cut 18 (19)  “…to worry about.”

Alabama is managing injuries to wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams, cornerback Zabien Brown, running back EJ Crowell, center Racin Delgatty and nose tackle Terrance Green. All of them missed Bama’s last outing, but coach Kalen DeBoer says they are progressing.

Cut 21 (13) “…good direction.”

The LSU men’s basketball season tips off tonight against LSU New Orleans at 7. Coach Will Wade says it will take time for his veteran team with overseas pros and fifth-year seniors to come together. He says that doesn’t mean they won’t win games as they improve early in the season.

Cut 20 (19) “…ultimately win out.”

The women tipped off their season with the largest victory in program history, a 129-35 thrashing of Southeastern Louisiana.

The McNeese men opened their season with a big 99-78 win over UAB yesterday. Tulane survived a double-overtime thriller to beat UT Martin 100-98.

LA Tech was the only Louisiana school to come out on the right side of the MAC-Sun Belt challenge. The Bulldogs beat Kent State 85-75, and the Techsters beat Toledo 61-57.

Number-15 LSU hosts ninth-ranked Alabama at 2:30 on Saturday. It is the first afternoon kickoff in Tiger Stadium for the rivalry since 2010, but LSU is 16-and-1 in its last 17 2:30 kickoffs in Death Valley. Tennessee set the highest verified crowd noise record in a win over Alabama at the same time earlier this season, and Coach Lane Kiffin says he wants LSU fans to break it.

Cut 16 (18) “…goes to sleep.”

Saints Coach Kellen Moore has fired Run-game coordinator T-J Paganetti after New Orleans rushed for just 18 yards in the loss to the Steelers in Paris. O-line coach Brendan Nugent will take on most of his responsibilities.  Saints host the Browns Sunday.

The second Will Wade era of LSU basketball begins tonight against LSU New Orleans. To unconventionally kick-start his second stint in Baton Rouge, Wade built his roster with experienced fifth-year seniors and overseas pros. He has taken a lot of heat for his new recruiting methods, but he says his team doesn’t hear any of the outside noise.

Cut 19 (15) “…win or not (2x).”

Tip-off is at 7 PM.

Last night at the PMAC, the ninth ranked LSU Lady Tigers trounced Southeastern Louisiana 129 to 35, the largest margin of victory in school history.

It was a much closer game in Memphis where the Pelicans handed the Grizzlies their first loss of the season, a 135 to 134 win overtime. Zion Williamson had 25 points as the Pels have won three in a row.

The Saints return from the bye week to face the Browns on Sunday. New Orleans is trying to fix its stagnant rushing attack and fired run game coordinator T.J. Paganetti. Starting running back Travis Etienne could make his return from a hamstring injury this week, but head coach Kellen Moore says that decision will be made Wednesday.

Cut 14 (10) “…how it looks.”

The LSU-Alabama game will again be a massive showdown for both teams fighting to stay alive in the College Football Playoff race. LSU coach Lane Kiffin was not thrilled that the bye week came right as the offense found its best rhythm of the season. He says quarterback Sam Leavitt has been smarter and more accurate as he orchestrates the offense.

Cut 21 (12) “…all of spring.”

Kickoff in Tiger Stadium on Saturday is at 2:30

College hoops are tipping off around the country today.

The LSU women’s basketball team opens the season tonight versus Southeastern Louisiana. The Tigers were picked to finish third in the SEC preseason media poll. Coach Kim Mulkey has reloaded her roster with promising freshmen and impact transfers, and LSU will rely on sophomores Grace Knox and ZaKiyah Johnson to take the next step. Senior guard Mikaylah Williams says it’s a young team.

Cut 17 (10) “…we’ll be okay.”

Also at 6 in women’s hoops, LA Tech visits Toledo, ULM visits Ohio and Nicholls hosts Dillard. At 6:30, Grambling takes on Iowa State and Northwestern State hosts Ecclesia.

On the men’s side, Tech hosts Kent State and ULM hosts Central Michigan at 6:30. UL Lafayette hosts Akron, Southern visits SMU and Tulane hosts UT Martin at 7. NSU rounds out the night against Baylor at 8:30.

The Pelicans take on the undefeated Grizzlies at 7.

LSU remains ranked 15^th in the latest AP top 25 poll. The Tigers opponent this Saturday, Alabama, is ranked 9^th. Texas, who the Tigers, play in two weeks, is ranked 10^th.

After giving up three first-half touchdowns, Louisiana Tech’s defense put the clamps down on South Alabama and did not allow a score in the second half in a 35-20 victory over the Jaguars. The Bulldogs recorded three sacks, seven tackles for a loss, two takeaways and forced three turnovers on downs. Coach Sonny Cumbie on his defense…

Cut 18 (19)  “…to be better.”

La Tech is off to its first 4-0 start in conference play and has its first five-game winning streak since 2019. Tech is at Troy this Saturday.

Despite a two and five record, the Saints are still in the hunt to win the NFC South as everyone in the division has a losing record. Carolina lost to Green Bay last Thursday and the Panthers are 3-and-4. Tampa Bay improved to 3-and-5 after 16-zip win over the Falcons. Tampa Bay did not complete a pass in a game played in a heavy rain storm. The Bucs had a team record 324 rushing yards.

In high school football, Edna Karr’s 35-game winning streak came to an end resoundingly on Saturday night at Tad Gormley Stadium in New Orleans as St. Aug clobbered the Cougars 52 to 14 in front of more than 18-thousand fans. Karr head coach Brice Brown’s team lost for the first time since November 30, 2023…

Cut 20 (23) “…ready to go.”

Former LSU star Angel Reese helped the Atlanta Dream force game seven of the WNBA Finals with an 80-69 win over the Valkyries yesterday. The WNBA Defensive Player of the Year had 15 points, 14 rebounds and six assists in the win, but she says the job is not finished.

Cut 20 (09) “…headspace right now.”

The winner-take-all game tips off at 7:00 tomorrow night.

The Saints won’t be playing on Sunday as they search for answers to the same problems that have plagued the team all season during the bye week. Die-hard fan Scott Fazio outlined how the organization has failed to correct repeated failures.

Cut 10 (13) “…nothing changes.”

NFC South rivals Atlanta and Tampa Bay will face off at noon. Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka is out with a foot injury.

Louisiana Tech could take sole control of the Sun Belt West with a win at South Alabama tomorrow. The Bulldogs are undefeated in conference play, and the Jaguars sit right behind them in the standings with one loss. The winner will have the inside track to the conference championship. Kickoff is at 2.

On the other end of the West division, ULM hosts Southern Miss at 2:30. Both teams are looking to build momentum after big upset wins last week.

In the Southland, McNeese hosts Nicholls for homecoming at 2:00 tomorrow afternoon. Both teams are 3-and-5 and 2-and-3 in conference play. Cowboys coach Matt Viator says his offense is talented but has problems to fix before they face a tough Colonels defense.

Cut 19 (12) “…win this game.”

Southeastern Louisiana visits East Texas A-and-M at 3.

In the SWAC, Southern and Florida A-and-M face off at 2, and Grambling heads to Texas Southern at 7:30.

Louisiana Tech visits South Alabama in a matchup between the top two teams in the Sun Belt West. The Jaguars have the league’s best rushing attack, but the Bulldogs rank first in total defense and rushing defense in conference play. Tech defensive lineman Justice Williams says they want to dominate offenses.

Cut 16 (16) “…that’s our goal.”

LA Tech running back Dylone Brooks is listed as doubtful to play, and defensive lineman Judd Rouyea is probable to make his first appearance since the LSU game. Kickoff is at 2 p.m.

ULM hosts Southern Miss at 2:30 as both teams look to turn disappointing seasons around with back-to-back wins. Warhawks defensive linemen Zyan Tremont and Tyrell Brown are both questionable to return after missing last week’s win with injuries.

Tulane visits Charlotte tonight at 6. The Green Wave are looking ot rebound from a big loss to UTSA against the 1-and-6 49ers.

If you have been frustrated by the Saints’ 2-and-5 start this season, one longtime fan wants you to know you aren’t alone. Scott Fazio sent a letter to the organization detailing the repeated failures of the front office and coaching staff and requesting real evaluation and change.

Cut 21 (19) “…fired by now.”

After the Panthers lost to the Packers 27-19 last night, New Orleans is just a game out from first in the division. Atlanta is also tied for the lead at 3-and-4 and will play the 2-and-5 Buccaneers on Sunday.

The Pelicans got their first win of the season last night, beating the Kings 132-120. Point guard Jeremiah Fears led the Pels with 22 points, 13 assists, and 8 rebounds.

The Pelicans earned their first win of the season last night as they defeated a team that’s still looking for its first win. New Orleans outscored Sacramento 132 to 120. Seven players scored in double figures for the Pels. Zion Williamson and Jeremiah Fears each had 22 points,

LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade says his position has not changed when it comes adding former St. John’s basketball star RJ Luis to the Tigers roster. Wade made that comment yesterday, despite a judge ruling on Wednesday that Luis is eligible to play and the SEC can not punish LSU for playing him.

Meanwhile, LSU men’s basketball received a commitment from five-star guard Reese Alston. The six-foot-two, 175 pounder from Houston chose the Tigers over Kentucky, Tennessee and Louisville. He’s the third member of LSU’s 2027 recruiting class and is ranked as the third best point guard in the country, ninth overall.

____________________________________________________

ULM will look to make it two wins in a row against a 2-and-5 Southern Miss team. Both defenses rank in the bottom two spots in the Sun Belt in yards and points allowed, but Warhawks coach Bryant Vincent says each has improved.

Cut 17 (17) “…leaps and bounds.”

Kickoff is at 2:30.

Southeastern Louisiana will look to rebound from a loss to Stephen F. Austin last week against East Texas A&M tomorrow. East Texas has started four different quarterbacks this season, but Southeastern coach Frank Scelfo says he is not worried about not knowing which one to game plan for.

Cut 18 (14)  “…of the four.”

Kickoff is at 3 p.m.