At five and nine, the Saints are still alive for a playoff spot after sweeping the season series from the Falcons, knocking off Atlanta 21-18. Andy Dalton threw two touchdown passes to Juwan Johnson and Taysom Hill also threw a 68-yard bomb to Rashid Shaheed. New Orleans defense gave up 231 rushing yards but, coach Dennis Allen says coming away with the victory was the important thing….
Cut 20 (17) …..what we did today”
And Tampa Bay lost, so the Bucs are now six and eight, but still in first place in the NFC South by one game over the Saints, Falcons and the Panthers.

The Pelicans host the Bucks tonight as they look to snap a three-game losing streak. Tip off is at 7:00.

Two weeks from today LSU will play Purdue in the Citrus Bowl in Orlando and Coach Brian Kelly says Jayden Daniels will be ready after failing to finish the SEC Championship game because of an ankle injury…
Cut 16 (26) “..through that progression.”
If Daniels returns next season, he’ll have another five-star recruit at wide receiver. Former Edna Karr standout Aaron Anderson has made the decision to transfer from Alabama to LSU. Anderson was the number one player in the Class of 2022 according to 24-7 sports but chose Bama over the Tigers after Ed Orgeron got fired.

It’s been a disappointing Saints season, but at least they’ve beaten the Falcons twice. New Orleans took care of the Dirty Birds on Sunday as they held on for a 21-18 win over Atlanta. The Saints entered the game with slim playoff hopes, but Coach Dennis Allen expected his team would play hard….
Cut 19 (25) “…did it again here today”
Andy Dalton threw two touchdown passes to Juwan Johnson and Taysom Hill also threw a 68-yard TD bomb to Rashid Shaheed.

Joe Burrow threw four touchdown passes and Cincinnati beat the Buccaneers 34-23. So with three games left the Bucs lead the NFC South at 6-and-8 and New Orleans is 5-and-9.

________________________________________________________________

Two weeks from today when LSU when faces Purdue in the Citrus Bowl, the Boilermarkers will play without their top three offensive stars. Quarterback Aidan O’ Connell, receiver Charlie Jones and tight end Payne Durham. UCLA transfer Austin Burton will start for the short-handed Boilermakers. Coach Brian Kelly says Burton started a game in September…
Cut 17 (21) “…and playing”
Kelly says Quarterback Jayden Daniels will be ready to play after missing the second half of the SEC Championship Game with an ankle injury.

Former five-star wide receiver Aaron Anderson has committed to LSU after spending one season at Alabama. The former Edna Karr star did not appear in a game for the Crimson Tide.

And former LSU Tiger receiver Jack Beche plans to transfer to TCU.

For the third time this season, second time this week, the Pelicans lost to the Utah Jazz last night. New Orleans was blown out on Tuesday, but last night came up short, 132 to 129 in overtime. The Pels are now 1-and-4 in overtime games. Zion Williamson had 31 points, C-J McCollum had 28 points in a losing effort.

The Ragin Cajuns shot 57-percent from the field and defeated McNeese 78-70 in Lake Charles last night. Trae English had a game high 24 points for McNeese but they fall 3-and-8, while the Cajuns are 10-and-1, tying their best start since 1990.

Nicholls tipped off Southland play with an 88-73 win over Southeastern Louisiana last night. Latrell Jones and Caleb Huffman each had 17 points for the Colonels. The Lions were only 24-percent from the three-point line.

Tomorrow night, the LSU men’s basketball team hosts Winthrop.

Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees has been hired as an interim assistant coach at his alma mater at Purdue to help the Boilermakers prepare for their Citrus Bowl matchup on January second against LSU. Purdue is transitioning from one head coach to another, so this appears to be just a one-time thing for Brees.

The Saints will host the Falcons on Sunday as rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder is set to make his first start of the season after starter Marcus Mariota suffered a knee injury and left the team. Ridder was selected out of Cincinnati in the 3rd round of this year’s draft. Saints second-year linebacker Pete Werner is hoping to make his return from injury and faced Ridder during his time at Ohio St. He says preparation for Atlanta shouldn’t change much no matter who’s at quarterback…
Cut 17 (18) “…the first time.”
Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore has missed the last eight games with a lacerated kidney, but he continues to practice on a limited to basis.

Mike Leach’s death is still having a resounding impact on all of college football. LA Tech head Coach Sonny Cumbie played under Leach at Texas Tech and served on his staff. Cumbie had the opportunity to talk to reporters about his former mentor and says he’s still in shock over Leach’s death…

Cut 16

Purdue has added a familiar face to its coaching staff in the wake of Head Coach Jeff Brohm’s departure. Purdue alumn and former Saints quarterback Drew Brees is set to take an interim assistant coaching job with the Boilermakers ahead of their Citrus Bowl matchup with the Tigers. Starting quarterback Aidan O’Connell has announced he will be skipping the bowl game and senior cornerback Cory Trice has opted out to declare for the 2023 NFL draft.

The Pelicans will look to bounce back from a sloppy performance in Utah Tuesday that put an end to their seven-game win streak. New Orleans shot just 40% from the floor and made 4 of 27 from three en route to a 121-100 loss. They’ll play the Jazz again tonight as they hope to separate themselves in the West. The Pels are currently tied with Memphis for first in the Western conference at 18-9, and will hope to regain some momentum behind all-star forward Zion Williamson. Jose Alvarado has been listed as out for tonight’s matchup and Brandon Ingram is set to miss his ninth straight game. Tip-off tonight is at 8:00

Angel Reese scored a career high 32 points on 13-15 shooting in LSU’s 88-42 win over Lamar last night. Her 15 rebounds secured her her tenth double-double of the season. She is the first LSU player with 10 consecutive double-doubles to start the season since Sylvia Fowles had 19 straight in the 2006-2007 season. 

The Ragin’ Cajuns will head to Lake Charles tonight to face McNeese as the I-10 rivals have their 98th meeting. UL-Lafayette is 9-1 through their first ten games, the best start to a season since 1990-91. Tip-off in the Legacy Center is tonight at 7:00

Drew Brees became an LSU fan during his years as a Saints quarterback. But he will coach against the Purple and Gold in the Citrus Bowl as his alma mater Purdue has hired him as an assistant coach for this game. Brees reportedly wanted to help in the transition as Purdue moves from one head coach to another. An NCAA waiver will also allow him to recruit.

Purdue’s starting quarterback this season, Aidan O’Connell will not play in the bowl game as the sixth-year senior will prepare for the 2023 NFL draft instead. O’Connell threw for 32-hundred yards and 22 touchdowns this season.

The Pelicans take on the Utah Jazz tonight. Two nights ago the Jazz easily defeated New Orleans 121 to 100.

And in Lake Charles tonight, McNeese hosts the Ragin Cajuns. U-L Lafayette ahs won the last seven games in this series. Tip-off is at 7 PM.

Louisiana Tech football coach Sonny Cumbie is grieving like many over the death of Mike Leach, who died of a heart condition. Cumbie played for and also searched on Leach’s coaching staff while at Texas Tech. Cumbie says he will always admire the belief that Leach had in his players…
Cut 18 (26) “…also.”

Last night in Ruston, Louisiana Tech fell to Stephen F Austin in overtime 80-79. Stephen F Austin scored the winning basket with point-nine seconds left in O-T. The Lumberjacks hit 14 three-pointers, while the Bulldogs only made four threes.

The LSU Lady Tigers returned to the court last night after a ten-day layoff and easily defeated Lamar 88-42 at the PMAC last night. Angel Reese scored a career-high 32 points and she also collected 15 rebounds.

The Pelicans hope to start a new winning streak when they face Utah tonight in Salt Lake City. The Jazz ended New Orleans seven-game winning streak on Tuesday with a 121 to 100 victory.

Last night in Ruston, Louisiana Tech fell to Stephen F Austin in overtime 80-79. Stephen F Austin scored the winning basket with point-nine seconds left in O-T. The Lumberjacks hit 14 three-pointers, while the Bulldogs only made four threes.

The LSU Lady Tigers returned to the court last night after a ten-day layoff and easily defeated Lamar 88-42 at the PMAC last night. Angel Reese scored a career-high 32 points and she also collected 15 rebounds.

Also last night, McNeese defeated ULM in women’s basketball 76-66. Tonight the McNeese men’s team hosts the Ragin Cajuns. U-L Lafayette is 9-and-1, it’s best start since 1990 and the Cowboys are 3-and-7. Tip time is 7 PM.

Louisiana Tech football coach Sonny Cumbie took a break from recruiting last night to talk about his mentor Mike Leach, who died on Tuesday at the age of 61 after a massive heart attack. Cumbie played for Leach at Texas Tech and later served on his coaching.

Then last season, Cumbie had a chance to coach against Leach in the Liberty Bowl when Cumbie served as an interim coach for the Red Raiders. He says meeting up with Leach after the game was a special moment…
cut 17 (18) “…thought of him”
22nd ranked Mississippi State is promoting Zach Arnett from defensive coordinator to head coach. The 36-year-old Arnett will reportedly receive a four-year contract.

The Pelicans seven game winning streak came to a halt last night as New Orleans was just 4 of 27 from three point territory in a 121 to 100 loss to Utah. The Jazz also outrebounded New Orleans 59-43. Zion Williamson had 26 points. But C-J McCollum was held to 14 points and Trey Murphy did not score. The Pelicans are still in Salt Lake City as they’ll face the Jazz again tomorrow night.

Derek Fountain and K-J Williams each had double-doubles last night as the LSU Tgiers defeated North Carolina Central 67-57 last night. Fountain had 17 points and 14 rebounds for his first college double-double. Williams had 18 points and 12 rebounds. That’s his fourth double-double of the year.

Tonight Louisiana Tech hosts Stephen F Austin, the reigning regular season WAC Champions. The Bulldogs are 6-and-3, while the Lumberjacks are 5-and-4. Tip off is at 6:00 on ESPN-U.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the Saints have claimed running back Eno Benjamin off of waivers. The 23-year-old has appeared in 12 games for the Cardinals and Texans this season and has rushed for 300 yards and has caught 24 passes for 184 yards and two touchdowns.

Many Saints fans are hoping management makes a change at head coach and fire Dennis Allen after one disappointing season. Nola-dot-com’s Jeff Duncan floated the possibility of a possible return of Sean Payton. But Saints analyst Mike Detillier is not confident in this possibility…
cut 18 (19) “..long shot”
Detillier says the Rams and Chargers are more likely scenarios if the two teams in L-A are searching for a new head coach.

It just wasn’t the Pelicans night last night as they lost to the Utah Jazz 121 to 100. The Pels were four of 27 from three point territory and shot just 40-percent from the field. Zion Williamson had 26 points, but it wasn’t enough. New Orleans is now 18-and-9 and tied with Memphis for the best record in the Western Conference. The Pels get another shot at the Jazz tomorrow night.

The LSU men’s basketball team remained perfect at home last night as they defeated North Carolina Central 67-57. K-J Williams had his second consecutive double-double as he scored 18 points and had 12 rebounds. Derek Fountain also had a double-double, 17 points and a career-high 14 boards.

Tonight, Louisiana Tech hosts Stephen F Austin. The Bulldogs enter the game with a six and three record, while the Lumberjacks are 5-and-4. Tip-off is at 6 PM on ESPN U.

Many of those covering the NFL both with organizations and in the media believe former Saints Head Coach Sean Payton isn’t done coaching, and some have even gone on to say he could be back with a team as early as next year. Payton is currently with Fox Sports in Los Angeles and has spent time with both the Chargers and Rams organizations. Many have speculated he would like to coach Justin Herbert and the young, talented offense of the Chargers, but new rumors have arisen surrounding the Rams coaching job as Sean McVay considers an early retirement. Saints analyst Mike Detillier says Payton has an interest in those teams…
Cut 16 (17) “..the west coast.”

Trev Faulk has stepped down as head coach of Lafayette Christian. The former LSU linebacker spent seven seasons at L-C-A and the Knights made six straight state championship game appearances.

The Pelicans seven game winning streak ended last night as the Utah Jazz defeated New Orleans 121 to 100. Zion Williamson had 26 points and nine rebounds, but the Pels struggled from beyond the three-point line as they went four for 27. Utah made 15 three-pointers and outrebounded the Jazz 59-43. The same two teams play again Thursday in Salt Lake City.

The LSU men’s basketball team improved to nine and one last night with a 67-57 win over North Carolina Central. K-J Williams had a double-double, 18 points, and 11 rebounds. Derek Fountain got his second consecutive start and scored 17 points and had a career-high 14 rebounds. The Tigers’ next game is Saturday at home against Winthrop.

Also last night, Southern lost to Xavier 79-59. Tonight the Lady Tigers host Lamar and in men’s action, Louisiana Tech hosts Stephen F Austin. Tip time is at 6.

Former LSU linebacker Trev Faulk is stepping down as head coach of Lafayette Christian. Faulk has been at L-C-A for the last seven seasons and they’ve made it to the state championship game six times.

Jimmie Hillman is stepping down as head coach at Marksville and Many’s Tackett Curtis has been named the 2022 MaxPreps Louisiana High School Player of the Year.

There’s a lot of speculation on where Sean Payton might coach next season. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says the Arizona Cardinals are a possibility if Arizona decides to fire Kliff Kingsbury…

cut 17 (19) “….Bidwell family”
Detillier says the Chargers and Rams are other possibilities if those jobs are open.

Mississippi State Head Coach Mike Leach passed away last night at the age of 61 after suffering complications with a heart condition. Leach has coached the Bulldogs since 2020 and was one of the most influential minds in college football with his “Air Raid” offense. LSU Coach Brian Kelly gave his condolences to Leach’s family and mourned the loss of “the most transformational mind in football in my generation and the best press conferences you will ever google.”  One of Leach’s most popular press conferences is one of him detailing the catch twenty-two of getting married…

Cut 16

The Pels return to action tonight as they look to extend their win streak to 8. They kick off their three-game road trip with an 8:00 tip-off tonight in Utah before playing the Jazz again Thursday and the Suns Saturday.

Northwestern State guard Ja’Monta Black has been named the Southland Conference Player of the Week. The senior Missouri state transfer receives the honor after a career-high 31-point performance against ULM last Saturday. Black matched his career high 7 three-pointers in the 91-73 win helping to extend the Demons’ win streak to seven. Northwestern State will return to action Saturday when they travel to Houston to face Rice.

UL-Lafayette dominated Louisiana Christian last night with a 98-63 win in the Cajundome. The Cajuns opened with a 20-4 run and never looked back in the wire-to-wire win. Jordan Brown scored a career-high 37 points and Themus Fulks posted his first double-double with 12 points and 11 assists. The Cajuns improve to 9-1 on the season and will visit McNeese Thursday.

LSU hosted Ohio tight end Jackson McGohan for an official visit this weekend. The three-star recruit announced his commitment to LSU yesterday. McGohan becomes the second 2023 tight end commitment as LSU looks to reload at the position around freshman Mason Taylor.