LSU released a short statement today saying wide receiver Kayshon Boutte will not play against Purdue in the Citrus Bowl. But Coach Brian Kelly says Boutte is still enrolled at LSU for the spring semester. LSU-Odyssey-dot-com reports Boutte is fine and is not risking anything ahead of his senior season.

The Sean Payton rumors of him returning to the Saints to be their head coach will not go away. Jeff Palermo has the latest…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The LSU Tigers tip off SEC play tonight against the 9th-ranked Arkansas Razorbacks. The Hogs are averaging 79 points a game and Coach Matt McMahon says they force nearly 19 turnovers a contest, which is eleventh best in the nation…
cut 18 (22) “…open floor”
Tip off is 8 PM in the PMAC.

At the Smoothie King Center, the Pelicans host the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight. New Orleans is seeking its fourth straight win and Zion Williamson is available after missing the last three games. Dyson Daniels and Trey Murphy are also available. While Herb Jones is in Health and Safety protocols and will not play. Tip time is at 7 PM.

LSU basketball tip offs SEC play tonight by hosting ninth ranked Arkansas inside the PMAC. The Razorbacks are averaging 79 points a game so Tigers Coach Matt McMahon says defending the Hogs dynamic offense will be a team effort…
cut 17 (21) “…those areas”
Tonight’s game features the top two scorers in the SEC, LSU’s K-J Williams who leads the conference in scoring at 19 points a game and Arkansas has Ricky Council the Fourth who is averaging 18 points a game. Tip time is at 8 PM.

Last night, Northwestern State scored just 19 points in the second half. and lost to Texas A-and-M 64-52. The Demons head into Southland play with an 8-and-5 record.

The Sean Payton rumors of him returning to the Saints to be their head coach will not go away. Pro Football Talk is reporting there’s increasing chatter in league circles about Payton returning to the Saints and Tom Brady would be the Black and Gold’s quarterback. Brady is a free agent after the season. Denver and Carolina are looking for new coaches but Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio doesn’t see Payton going to those two teams.

Former Destrehan star and Pro Football Hall of Famer Ed Reed has been hired as the new head coach at Bethune Cookman. He takes over for Terry Sims who went 38-39 in seven seasons. Reed, who played for the Miami Hurricanes, has spent the last three years as an administrator with the Hurricanes football program.

The Pelicans host the Timberwolves tonight looking for their fourth straight win. The team has announced the game is a sell out at the Smoothie King Center and so is Friday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Zion Williamson has missed the last three games, but told reporters yesterday he expects to play tonight. Tip time is at 7 PM.

LSU Men’s Basketball will begin SEC play tonight in the P-MAC. The 11-1 Tigers will host ninth-ranked Arkansas as new Head Coach Matt McMahon looks to establish himself in the SEC. The Razorbacks are 5.5 point favorites and the Tigers have an opportunity to open conference play with a statement win, but McMahon says his goal is the same as always: to help his team become the best they can be…
Cut 16 (19) “..of themselves.”
Arkansas has a talented freshman in six-foot-five Nick Smith and they force nearly 19 turnovers a game, 11th best in the nation. Tip time is at 8 PM on ESPN Two.

Former Destrehan star and Pro Football Hall of Famer Ed Reed has been hired as the new head coach at Bethune Cookman. He takes over for Terry Sims who went 38-39 in seven seasons. Reed, who played for the Miami Hurricanes, has spent the last three years as an administrator with the Hurricanes football program.

Northwestern State men’s basketball built a 15-point lead in the first half, but the Demons struggled in the second half and lost to Texas A-and-M 64-52. Despite the loss, Northwestern made a season-best 13 three-pointers on a school record 40 attempts.

The Pelicans who are on a three-game winning streak will host the Minnesota Timberwolves. The T-Wolves are 16-and-18 overall, while the Pels are 21-12 and 14-and-4 inside the Smoothie King Center. New Orleans is one game back of Denver for first place in the Western Conference. After tonight, the Pels host Philadelphia on Friday and visit the Grizzles on Saturday to close out 2022.

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels announced he will be returning to LSU for his redshirt senior season last week. Daniels transferred from Arizona St. last year and led the Tigers to an SEC West Championship in his first season. After throwing for over 2700 yards and running for more than 8oo more, Daniels solidified himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC. Tiger Rag assistant editor William Weathers believes that Daniels’ return could mean big things for the Bayou Bengals in 2023.

Cut 15

First the Tigers will have to get past Purdue in the Citrus Bowl in Orlando January 2nd . The 8-5 Boilermakers will be without their head coach Jeff Brohm and starting quarterback Aiden O’Connel  for the matchup, making LSU 14.5 point favorites. Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach Brian Broahm has been named the interim head coach, and former Saints quarterback Drew Brees has joined his Alma Mater as an assistant coach for the bowl game. The Tigers will also be missing a few key players. Most notably, BJ Ojulari, Ali Gaye, and Jaqueline Roy have all opted out of the bowl, leaving Mekhi Wingo as the only remaining starting defensive lineman.. Kickoff Monday is at noon.

The Pelicans showed off their depth last night in a 113-93 win over the Pacers. The win came without leading scorers Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, second year players Herb Jones and Trey Murphy, and rookie guard Dyson Daniels. Even without the key pieces, the Pels were still able to put together a dominant performance, taking the lead with 1:25 left in the first and holding on for the rest of the game. Forward Naji Marshall led the team with 22 points and 4 other Pelicans reached double digits. The win propels New Orleans past the Grizzlies and into second in the west half a game behind the Nuggets. Williamson, Murphy, and Daniels returned to practice today and have all been listed as probable for  tomorrow’s game against the Timberwolves. 

The LSU Men’s Basketball team is 11-1 on the season but preparing for their biggest challenge yet as they begin conference play in the P-MAC against Arkansas tomorrow night. The ninth-ranked Razorbacks share an 11-1 record with the Tigers but boast a win over No. 17 San Diego St, and their single loss came at the hands of tenth-ranked Creighton. Tip-Off tomorrow night is at 8:00

The Pelicans were severely short-handed last night, but they still won by 20 points as New Orleans dribbled past the Indiana Pacers 113 to 93. Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Trey Murphy, Herb Jones and Dyson Daniels didn’t play, but Naji Marshall stepped up and scored 22 points, grabbed six rebounds and had four assists. Coach Willie Green says Marshall works hard every day so he can succeed when he gets his chance…
cut 16 (22) “…take advantage of it”
The Pelicans have won three in a row and will host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night.

If Jayden Daniels returning to play for the Tigers next season was on your Christmas Wish List, you’re very happy to know he’s planning to stick around the 2023 season. Tiger Rag assistant editor William Weathers says it gives Tiger fans high hopes for next year.
Cut 13 (07) “…immeasurable.”
Starting defensive back Greg Brooks has also announced he’s returning next season. Brooks was fourth on the team in tackles with 61 tackles and also had an interception in the win over Auburn. The LSU Tigers are scheduled to leave for Orlando today to continue preparations to play Purdue in the Citrus Bowl on January second.

Tonight in college basketball action, Northwestern State is at Texas A-and-M, LSU begins SEC play tomorrow against Arkansas. The Lady Tigers are up to number nine in the latest A-P Top 25 poll and LSU will be at Arkansas for the SEC Opener.

Once again Tampa Bay came back from a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter to win a game. Last night they rallied to beat Arizona in overtime to stay one game ahead of the Saints and the Panthers in the NFC South.

On Saturday New Orleans defeated Cleveland 17-10. For the first time this year, Coach Dennis Allen’s team has a two-game winning streak…

cut 18 (10) “….coaching em”

Running back Alvin Kamara rushed for 76 yards and a touchdown in bitterly cold temperatures…
cut 17 (20) “…what it is”
The Saints are at 13-and-2 Philadelphia on Sunday.

Zion Williamson is no longer in Health and Safety protocols so it looks like he’ll play tonight against the Indiana Pacers. Williamson missed the last two games, but New Orleans still pulled out victories over San Antonio and Oklahoma City. Larry Nance Junior is listed as questionable with right Achilles soreness. Brandon Ingram remains out with a left toe contusion.

LSU basketball is mourning the death of Willie Sims, a member of the Tigers 1981 NCAA Final Four team. He was known as the Super Sub, coming off the bench bringing energy and spirit. He was considered the best sixth man in college basketball. He died on December 23rd at the age of 64 after suffering a heart attack in August while living in Israel.

The LSU Tigers will tip off SEC play on Wednesday against Arkansas. Both teams are 11-and-1 on the season. Tomorrow night, Northwestern State is at Texas A-and-M.

The 12-and-0 Lady Tigers are at Arkansas on Thursday. LSU is ranked 10th in the country, while the Lady Backs are ranked 17th and they are 13-and-2, losing their last two games to 16th-ranked Oregon and South Florida.

A high of 16 degrees is expected in Cleveland today for the Saints-Browns game at 12:00. Some snow will be flying around and the wind will be out of the southwest from 25 to 35 miles per hour. New Orleans Quarterback Andy Dalton who played in cold conditions for a majority of his career was asked about how the wind conditions could affect today’s game…
cut 16 (12) “…get out there”
The Saints will be without their leading receiver Chris Olave. He’s out with a hamstring injury. Slot receiver Jarvis Landry has been put on injured reserve and linebacker Pete Werner will also miss the game with a hamstring injury.

The Saints are three points underdogs. Also today, the Panthers host the Lions, the Falcons are at Baltimore, and tomorrow night Tampa Bay is at Arizona.

LSU football has officially added seven players from the transfer portal. Including two of the nation’s top high school prospects in the Class of 2022, wide receiver Aaron Anderson from Alabama and cornerback Denver Harris from Texas A-and-M. Also, one of the top cornerbacks from the F-C-S level is heading to Baton Rouge, cornerback Zy Alexander, who starred at Southeastern Louisiana the last two seasons.

A frustrating Ragin Cajuns season ended with a frustrating loss to Houston in the Independence Bowl as the Cougars rallied to beat UL Lafayette 23-16. The Cajuns had a 16-6 lead at halftime, but couldn’t do anything offensively in the second half and they finish with a six and-seven record.

The Pelicans gave up a 21-point lead to Oklahoma City last night, but still beat the Thunder 128 to 125. Trey Murphy had 23 points as he hit five three-pointers and Jaxson Hayes had a season-high 21 points.

A high of 16-degrees is expected in Cleveland tomorrow for the Saints-Browns game at 12:00. It will also be very windy, and some snow will be flying around. New Orleans Quarterback Andy Dalton who played in cold conditions for a majority of his career when he was with the Bengals answered a bunch of questions this week about playing in the cold…
cut 16 (23) “…get the job done”
The Saints will be without their leading receiver Chris Olave. He’s out with a hamstring injury. Slot receiver Jarvis Landry has been put on injured reserve and linebacker Pete Werner will also miss the game with a hamstring injury.

LSU football has announced the addition of seven players signed out of the transfer portal. The group includes two of the nation’s top high school prospects in the Class of 2022, wide receiver Aaron Anderson from Alabama and cornerback Denver Harris from Texas A-and-M. Also, one of the top cornerbacks from the F-C-S level is heading to Baton Rouge, cornerback Zy Alexander, who has starred at Southeastern Louisiana the last two seasons.

CJ McCollum was the star for the Pelicans in their 126 to 117 win over the Spurs last night as he scored 40 points, also had eight rebounds and nine assists. But tonight he’s questionable with right calf soreness as New Orleans visits Oklahoma City. Larry Nance Junior did not play last night, but tonight he’s questionable with right achillies soreness. While Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson are out. Tip-off in O-K-C is at 7 PM.

The Lakers say former Pelican Anthony Davis is out indefinitely with a foot injury.

The Ragin Cajuns and the Houston Cougars will play in a very cold Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl in Shreveport today. The temperature at kick-off will be 25-degrees. U-L Lafayette Zi’Yon Hill says the team isn’t worried about the weather…
cut 17 (18) “….perfectly fine”
The Houston Cougars are a touchdown favorite.

LSU Quarterback Jayden Daniels says he’s coming back next year after leading the Tigers to an SEC West Championship. But five-star cornerback Desmond Ricks has signed with Alabama over LSU. But former Texas A-and-M cornerback Denver Harris has committed to LSU.
————————————————————————————-
After snapping a four game losing streak last night by beating San Antonio 126 to 117, New Orleans visits Oklahoma City tonight. Last night, C-J McCollum scored a season-high 40 points as New Orleans played without Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram or Larry Nance Junior. New Orleans is 19-and-12, a half a game back of Denver and Memphis for first place in the Western Conference Standings.

At 5-and-9, the Saints have been given a two-percent chance of making the playoffs. But Quarterback Andy Dalton says the team will continue to fight the rest of the season…
cut 18 (19) “….most of it”
Kick-off tomorrow is at noon. High temperature in Cleveland tomorrow is 15-degrees, which will be the coldest game played in the Saints franchise history.

LSU Starting Quarterback Jayden Daniels announced Thursday he will return to Play with the Tigers for his redshirt 2023 season. The Arizona St. transfer helped lead the Tigers to an SEC West Championship with over 3,500 all-purpose yards and 27 touchdowns on only 3 interceptions in his first season at LSU.

The New Orleans Pelicans were very shorthanded last night but it wasn’t enough of an advantage for the Spurs as San Antonio fell to the Pels 126-117 to end a 4 game losing streak. The Pels are at Oklahoma City tonight.

UL-Lafayette will play in the Independence Bowl today against Houston. The Cajuns will travel up to Shreveport to face the 5-7 Cougars. ULL Coach Michael Desormeaux says this is a bowl game the program is excited about..:
Cut 16 (19) “good match”
The game kicks off at 2pm.

LSU did get some tough news Thursday as they were a favorite to land five-star cornerback Desmond Ricks, but Ricks decided instead to play for Nick Saban and Alabama. However Coach Brian Kelly did pick up another big addition in cornerback Denver Harris, a 2022 five-star prospect who the Tigers picked up from the transfer portal.

The Saints travel to Cleveland Saturday in a Christmas Eve matchup against the Browns. The game will feature the first sub-zero temperatures the Black and Gold have faced all season. Worse than the cold, the season-long injury bug for the Saints continues as rookie wide receiver Chris Olave has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. But quarterback Andy Dalton says the team will continue to fight the rest of the season…:
Cut 18 (19) “most of it”