11:40 LRN Sportscast

Some news and notes on LSU football…linebacker Harold Perkins was not at practice yesterday. He reportedly had a personal day. Fellow linebacker Whit Weeks was limited. Backup quarterback Michael Van Buren has an injured throwing hand. He was seen wearing a splint at practice.

Former LSU quarterback Rickie Collins from Woodlawn High School in Baton Rouge was named the starting quarterback at Syracuse last spring, but he’s already lost that job before the season started. Notre Dame transfer Steve Angeli will open the season as Q-B 1 against Tennessee.

In an interview with Barstool Sports, former LSU coach Ed Orgeron say he’s starting to get that itch to coach again. Orgeron just turned 64 years old and he’s currently living in Miami and his three boys are also in the coaching profession. Orgeron also says Texas quarterback Arch Manning reminds him a lot of Joe Burrow, after watching Manning at a Texas practice. Coach O will be a guest on Tiger Rag Radio tonight at 6:30.

_________________________________________________________________

The Saints had limited success on offense against Jacksonville on Sunday, but wide receiver Mason Tipton had the best performance out of any player. Tipton caught 6 passes for 100 yards. Tipton says he is more comfortable playing in his second season in the league…

Cut 16 (15) “…right now.”

The ULM  Warhawks are nine days away from their season opener against Saint Francis. Freshman running back D’Shaun Ford came into Monroe as the second highest rated player in ULM history. Vincent says he sees massive improvement from the Opelousas native.

Cut 19 (16) “…he’s doing.”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Eleven days until the season opener and LSU continues to tinker with its offensive line. During the portion of practice viewed by the media on Monday, Paul Mubenga was running with the first team over DJ Chester at left guard and freshman Carius Curne was starting at right tackle over Weston Davis.

We’ll hear more about the makeup of the offensive line when Coach Brian Kelly meets with the media later this morning. We do know that Virgina Tech transfer Braelin Moore will start at center. Kelly loves what he’s seen from Moore…

Cut 18 (18) “….into place”

In an interview with Barstool Sports, former LSU Coach Ed Orgeron says he’s starting to get an itch to coach again.

_______________________________________________________________

The Saints return to practice today following Sunday’s 17-17 tie against Jacksonville in the second preseason game of the year. Quarterback Spencer Rattler was able to run a successful two-minute drill to tie the game after throwing a touchdown to Dante Pettis and converting on the two-point conversion. Wide receiver Mason Tipton says he was impressed with how Rattler managed the offense.

Cut 17 (19)  “…some plays.”

Joe Burrow threw for a touchdown pass and Jayden Daniels ran for a touchdown as the Bengals defeated Washington  31-17 a preseason game last night.

McNeese has named Texas Tech transfer Jake Strong as its starting quarterback for the season opener on August 30th against Louisiana Christian.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

It was a rough first half to watch, but it was a good ending as Spencer Rattler led the Saints on a game-tying drive in the final minutes and the second preseason game of the year ended in 17-17 tie versus Jacksonville. Coach Kellen Moore liked how Rattler responded from a fourth quarter interception to throw a touchdown with 21 seconds left…

Cut 13 (17)  “..situation was.”

Rattler threw for 199 yards and he also rushed for 19 yards. Tyler Shough started at quarterback and was 9 of 12 for 66 yards. He operated the Saints on four drives and only produced three points. But the rookie says he’s feeling comfortable in the offense…

Cut 29 (19) “…really big”

The quarterback battle continues into the third and final preseason game on Saturday at home against Denver.

LSU football coach Brian Kelly is known for developing and producing top-level talent at the offensive line position. And Kelly is expecting big things from his new starting o-line…

Cut 16 (19) “…well together.”

Louisiana Tech is learning a new defense from first-year defensive coordinator Luke Olson. Sophomore linebacker Jadon Mayfield is a big fan of the new defensive scheme…

Cut 19 (17) “….this defense”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Spencer Rattler made a strong statement to be the Saints starting quarterback this season by bouncing back from a fourth quarter interception to lead New Orleans on a game-tying drive in the final minutes to force a 17-17 tie against Jacksonville.

Rattler threw for 199 yards and he also rushed for 19 yards. Rattler connected with Mason Tipton several times on the game tying drive and Tipton finished with 100 yards receiving. Rattler on his performance…

Cut 14 (14) “…big time today.”

Tyler Shough started and led the offense for four drives in the first half. Three of the drives ended with punts and one drive ended with a field goal. Coach Kellen Moore is not ready to make a decision on a starting quarterback for the season opener.

_________________________________________________

LSU ranked 107th in the country in rush offense last season, but Coach Brian Kelly says the 2025 Tigers are committed to running the football…

Cut 17 (19) “…on you”

You can make an argument LSU was not committed to running the ball last season. They rushed the football 373 times last year, while they threw it 534 times.

Louisiana Tech is learning a new defense from first-year defensive coordinator Luke Olson. Sophomore linebacker Jadon Mayfield is a big fan of the new defensive scheme…

Cut 19 (17) “….this defense”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The Saints wrapped up their trip to California with a joint practice against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday. The Rams were able to get some pressure on the Saints young quarterbacks. Starting center Eric McCoy says it benefited them to practice against the Rams…

Cut 21 (21) “…slow start”

The Saints will be back in New Orleans this weekend and they will host Jacksonville on Sunday afternoon in the Superdome.

The Pelicans will be featured on national television just two times as the 2025-26 NBA schedule has been released. It might be difficult for New Orleans to get off to a good start. They play seven of their first ten on the road, starting with the season opener on October 22th in Memphis. The home opener is two nights later against San Antonio.

 

LSU is just about two weeks away from the season opener against Clemson. ESPN Baton Rouge sports talk show host, Charles Hanagriff, says this Tigers team has more depth, especially on the defensive line…

Cut 15 (14) “….this year”

South Florida transfer and Defensive tackle Bernard Gooden has been impressive during preseason camp.

The Saints defense did not have much depth at the cornerback position last season. The Saints took multiple defensive backs in the draft including rookie cornerback Quincy Riley out of Louisville. Riley says it has been a surprisingly smooth transition to the pro level.

Cut 17 (21)  “…new so.”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The New Orleans Saints are battling injuries already this season with two key starters expected to be out a few weeks, offensive guard Trevor Penning and cornerback Alontae Taylor. Tight end Juwan Johnson has a long injury history in the league and he says he wants to prioritize his health to become more available.

Cut 16 (21) “…and winning.”

Johnson had six catches in yesterday’s joint practice with the Rams. Los Angeles provided a good test for the Saints offense as the Rams defense had success putting pressure on quarterbacks Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough.

The Saints will be back in New Orleans this weekend as they will host Jacksonville on Sunday. No word on who will start at quarterback.

 

One of the developments at fall camp for LSU is that former Lafayette Christian star and sophomore Ju’Juan Johnson is getting more reps at running back. ESPN Baton Rouge radio host Charles Hanagriff says it will be interesting to see how they utilize Johnson this season…

Cut 14 (15) “…with him”

Former LSU star Dylan Crews got off the injured list yesterday and helped the Nationals beat the Phillies three to two. Crews went 1-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base.

Aaron Nola will make his return to the mound on Sunday for Philadelphia. Nola has missed the last three months with an ankle injury.

The Pelicans schedule is out. Just two games slated for national television and it might be difficult for New Orleans to get off to a good start. They play seven of their first ten on the road, starting with the season opener on October 22th in Memphis.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The Saints will hold a joint practice with the Rams this afternoon in Carson, California. Coach Kellen Moore says it will be a good test for his team…

Cut 28 (10) “…are ones”

After today, the Saints will return to New Orleans where they’ll host Jacksonville on Sunday in preseason game number two.

LSU cornerback Ashton Stamps enters his junior year with the Tigers as one of the most experienced returners. LSU has had trouble with safety play the past few years but Stamps the addition of veteran safeties in the portal are already helping the group’s play.  Stamps says it is important to build a bond off the field so that it translates to effective communication on Saturdays.

Cut 16 (20) “…things happen.”

ULM football is just two weeks away from its opener at home against Saint Francis. Head coach Bryant Vincent is known for being run-heavy. The Warhawks added South Alabama transfer running back Braylon McReynolds this offseason. McReynolds says even though there’s competition at running back, he brings specific strengths to the room that others may not have.

Cut 19 (21) “…everybody better.”

The Pelicans will host the Lakers and Grizzlies as part of the NBA’s in-season tournament. Those games will be in November. New Orleans will also play the Clippers and Mavericks on the road. The full regular-season schedule comes out today.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU defensive tackle Bernard Gooden has been one of the pleasant surprises of preseason camp as the South Florida transfer has constantly shown the ability to get in the opposing backfield. Gooden is an undersized defensive tackle, just like interior defensive line coach Kyle Williams. Gooden says that Williams’ past experience can help improve his game.

Cut 17 (15)  “…a blessing.”

Gooden totaled 10 tackles for loss and one sack with South Florida last season.

The Saints will have a joint practice with the Rams today in Carson, California. A chance for the starters to get quality reps. Second-year wide out Bub Means has been placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury and he’s done for the season.

_____________________________________________________________

ULM football is just two weeks away from its opener at home against Saint Francis. Head coach Bryant Vincent is known for being run-heavy. The Warhawks added South Alabama transfer running back Braylon McReynolds this offseason. McReynolds says even though there’s competition at running back, he brings specific strengths to the room that others may not have.

Cut 19 (21) “…everybody better.”

McReynolds had 20 carries for 111 yards and a touchdown for South Alabama last season.

The Pelicans will host the Lakers and Grizzlies as part of the NBA’s in-season tournament. Those games will be in November. New Orleans will also play the Clippers and Mavericks on the road. The full regular-season schedule comes out today.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

Training camp continues for the Saints in Irvine, California. In yesterday’s first practice since the loss to the Chargers in the preseason opener. Rookie Tyler Shough led the first-team offense and went 10-of-14 in team drills. Spencer Rattler was 8 of 16 with an interception.

Saints offensive lineman Trevor Penning reportedly has turf toe, which could force him to miss four to six weeks. Back-up O-lineman Will Clapp has been put on injured reserve with a foot injury. Cornerback Alontae Taylor is expected to miss some time with a groin injury.

New LSU wide receiver Barion Brown wants to be an explosive playmaker for the Tigers. Brown believes he’s improving under wide receivers coach Cortez Hankton…

Cut 18 (19) “….better at”

UL Lafayette Head football coach Michael Desormeaux (DEZ-er-mo) spoke on his quarterback battle at yesterday’s media session. Daniel Beale, Walker Howard, and Lunch Winfield are in a battle to be the starting Q-B. Desormeaux says he likes what he sees out of each player.

Cut 19 (21) “…practice setting.”

In high school football…David Amos was set to be Captain Shreve’s starting quarterback. But the junior is reportedly transferring to Calvary Baptist. Amos will need to live in Calvary’s district in order to be eligible to play right away.

Kaplan has a new head football coach. Tank Lotief is out and Vermilion Catholic alum John Thompson takes over the Pirates program. Thompson was V-C’s strength and conditioning coach and also coached boys basketball. Kaplan went 8-3 last season.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The injuries are starting to pile up for the Saints. Back-up offensive lineman Will Clapp has been put on injured reserve with a foot injury. Coach Kellen Moore says cornerback Alontae Taylor has a groin injury and will be out awhile. Offensive guard Trevor Penning reportedly has a turf toe injury and is expected to miss four to six weeks and reserve wide receiver Bub Means is dealing with an ankle injury.

At LSU preseason camp, the Tigers have two tight ends they want to feature in the passing game, Trey’Dez Green and Bauer Sharp, who led Oklahoma in receiving last season. Green says Sharp has helped him with his confidence…

Cut 17 (15) “….amazing man”

 

ULM is about two weeks from the start of their football season and head coach Bryant Vincent is not only leading the football program, but he’s also leading the athletic department after the sudden resignation of John Hartwell. KNOE-TV sports director Aaron Dietrich says the fanbase is glad Vincent is in charge….

Cut 9 (14) “….period of time”

The Warhawks kick-off the season August 28th against St. Francis.

Preseason camp continues for the Ragin Cajuns. Coach Michael Desormeaux says former Cecilia star Brent Gordon is having a strong camp after helping the Bulldogs win a state title last year…

Cut 20 (18) “…be done”