6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints host the Falcons tonight to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the first game back in the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina.  New Orleans won the game 22-3 and it featured the greatest play in Saints regular season history, Steve Gleason’s blocked punt for a touchdown. The Voice of the Saints Mike Hoss, says it was  defining moment in the city’s recovery…

Cut 8 (13) “….pivotal moment

Saints quarterback Tyler Shough was just six years old at the time. He says Coach Kellen Moore showed the team a video about post-Katrina rebirth…

Cut 16 (18) “…coming up”

 

As expected LSU easily defeated McNeese 63-14 on Saturday night. Quarterback Sam Leavitt threw three touchdown passes, two of them went to freshmen and back-up receiver Corey Barber. Backup running backs Harlem Berry and Stacy Gage combined for 235 yards rushing and three touchdowns. Coach Lane Kiffin…

Cut 18 (15) “…do somethings”

10th ranked LSU is at Kentucky. The Wildcats are off to a 4-1 start under first year head coach Will Stein.

Tony Sterner hit two field goals in the fourth quarter including a 37-yarder as time expired as the Ragin Cajuns defeated Arkansas State 23-20 in the Sun Belt opener.

 

Louisiana Tech outscored Army 31 to 29 and ULM’s struggles continue as the Warhawks lost to South Alabama 52 to 35.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt played through a hamstring injury against Texas A&M last week, but coach Lane Kiffin said that he would be cautious playing him against McNeese tomorrow. With the Tigers favored by over 50 points, LSU Radio sideline reporter Gordy Rush says he shouldn’t play at all.

Cut 9 (14)  “…next week.”

Rough injury news out of Saints practice today: linebackers Pete Werner, Kaden Elliss, Carl Granderson and Anfernee Jennings were all out with lower-body injuries for a second straight day. A pair of rookies, wide receiver Barion Brown and defensive tackle Christen Miller, were both limited as they look to return after being sidelined last week. Safety Julian Blackmon was upgraded to a full participant after being limited with a calf injury.

The Saints will have one more practice tomorrow before hosting the Falcons on Monday Night Football for the 20th anniversary of their return to the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina.

There is a full slate of college football games around the state tomorrow

Grambling kicks the day off by hosting Alcorn State for homecoming at 2:00. The Tigers will again be without starting quarterback RJ Johnson.

At 6 p.m., Southern will welcome Arkansas Pine Bluff for its homecoming game, ULM kicks off its Sun Belt schedule at South Alabama, Nicholls visits Houston Christian, and Northwestern State heads to Lamar.

At 6: 30, Louisiana Tech welcomes Army to Joe Aillet Stadium. Bulldogs starting quarterback Blake Baker is questionable to return from a fractured hand.

And at 7, UL Lafayette kicks off its conference schedule with an important Sun Belt West showdown against Arkansas State. Cajuns star wide receiver Shelton Sampson was medically cleared to play last week but did not after participating in warmups. He could make his return against the Red Wolves.

With thunderstorms expected in the afternoon and evening, state climatologist Jay Grimes says kickoffs in Baton Rouge and Lafayette could be delayed or at least dampened.

Cut 4 (11) “…way it looks.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU hosts McNeese tomorrow at 6. A lot of young talent could make appearances against the Cowboys, as coach Lane Kiffin expressed concerns about keeping the starters healthy. Redshirt freshman safety Jhase Thomas made his first start last week and says he was able to get advice from a lot of veterans on the LSU defense as he prepared to face the Aggies.

Cut 18 (16) “…get myself prepared.”

The Tigers and Cowboys are scheduled to kick off at 6:45 in Tiger Stadium.

The Saints will be without running back Travis Etienne for at least the next four weeks after he was placed on injured reserve. Head coach Kellen Moore says the team will turn to Lavin Kamara and Kendre Miller.

Cut 21 (10) “…these guys.”

New Orleans signed former Ole Miss running back Ulysses Bentley to the practice squad.

Former LSU Heisman winner Jayden Daniels has been ruled out for the Commanders’ matchup with the Colts on Sunday. It is the second straight week Daniels will be sidelined with a dislocated left elbow. He chose not to have surgery on the elbow and plans to wear a brace so he can come back as soon as possible.

Louisiana Tech returns from the bye week with a home game against Army. Bulldogs coach Sonny Cumbie did not confirm whether starting quarterback Blake Baker would be back from a fractured throwing hand he suffered against LSU. Trey Kukuk started against Baylor, and Cumbie says the offense is the same no matter who is under center.

Cut 20 (15) “…of the football.”

Kickoff in Joe Aillet Stadium is at 6:30.

UL Lafayette and ULM both open Sun Belt play tomorrow. The Warhawks head to South Alabama to face the Jaguars at 6, and the Ragin’ Cajuns host Arkansas State at 7.

In the Southland, Northwestern State goes on the road to face Lamar, and Nicholls visits Houston Christian at 6.

In SWAC play, Grambling hosts Alcorn State at 2:00, and Southern welcomes Arkansas-Pine Bluff at 6:00.

9:30 LRN Newscast

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is back from a trip to Japan, where he fed Japanese people gumbo and Tabasco ice cream.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Louisiana Board of Regents member Wilbert Pryor made waves when he suggested that ULL, ULM and Louisiana Tech drop down from the FBS to the FCS to reduce athletics costs, as all three schools are 10s of millions in the red. He told KSLA-TV in Shreveport that he did not expect as much fan pushback as he has received for his comments in a closed budget meeting. Some fans have gone as far as to support an online petition asking for Pryor’s resignation from the board.

The Saints are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the “Domecoming” against the Falcons on Monday. Although kickoff is not until 7:15, the celebration begins at 4:00 in Champions Square, where Steve Gleason’s new music album, “Rebirth,” will debut. Shirin Braden, the VP of brand strategy for the Saints, says Irma Thomas will sing the national anthem, and Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue will headline a halftime show featuring Eric Church, Kirk Franklin, Juvenile and Cyril and Ivan Neville.

Cut 11 (08) “…to the dome.”

Just over a month away from the November 3rd election, the U.S. Senate race between Julia Letlow and Jamie Davis is in the final stretch. Letlow was believed to be the heavy favorite, but the only two opinion polls publicly released during the campaign show her leading by only four percentage points. Davis’s campaign commissioned both polls, and he says the margin in the latter poll was the response before respondents were told of the candidates’ backgrounds.

Cut 15 (07) “…a plus-nine.”

Letlow calls it a bogus poll

6:45 LRN Sportscast

11th ranked LSU hosts McNeese tomorrow night. Coach Lane Kiffin said we could see a lot of backups play as the Tigers look to avoid any more injuries. Safety Jhase Thomas earned his first start last week because of those injuries and says senior safety Ty Benefield was a big help in his first start.

Cut 17 (18) “…lot to me.”

Former LSU Star Angel Reese has been named the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. It’s an award that means a lot to the Bayou Barbie. In her first season in Atlanta, Reese ranked third in the WNBA in both steals per game and total steals. She also finished third in total defensive rebounds. Atlanta is in the WNBA semifinals.

 

Louisiana Tech returns to action against Army tomorrow. The Black Knights have the nation’s most productive rushing attack thanks to their trademark triple-option offense. Bulldogs coach Sonny Cumbie says Army hogging the time of possession is a legit concern.

Cut 19 (18) “…the first quarter.”

Rough first inning for former LSU pitcher Aaron Nola as the veteran right-hander allowed three runs in the first inning and the Braves defeated the Phillies six to two last night to advance to the N-L-D-S, where they’ll face the Dodgers.

Saints running back Travis Etienne (AY-chan) has been placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. That means Etienne will miss at least the next month. Kendre Miller and Alvin Kamara are expected to share carries when New Orleans hosts Atlanta on Monday night.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU redshirt freshman safety Jhase Thomas made his first career start against Texas A&M and could make his second against McNeese on Saturday. The Destrehan product made four tackles and defended one pass against the Aggies. He says he’s learned from his father Fred Thomas, who spent 12 seasons in the NFL, including eight with the Saints.

Cut 20 (16) “…whole life.”

11th-ranked LSU kicks off against McNeese on Saturday night at 6:45 in Tiger Stadium

Former LSU women’s basketball star Angel Reese was named the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. She led the league with 12.1 rebounds a game and became the first player in WNBA history to grab 500 boards in a single season. She also ranked third in the league in steals. Her Atlanta Dream punched their ticket to the WNBA semifinals with a 93-75 win over the Mystics last night.

3-and-1 UL Lafayette kicks off Sun Belt action with a big West Division game against Arkansas State on Saturday. The Cajuns have the top-ranked total defense in the conference and the second-best scoring defense. Head coach Michael Desormeaux says the staff has put together game plans that allow the players to execute well, and that’s what they’re doing.

Cut 16 (18) “…sound on it.”

Louisiana Tech hosts Army for its final non-conference game on Saturday. The Black Knights have the number-one run game in the country, so Bulldogs coach Sonny Cumbie says the secondary will need to step up against the run.

Cut 19 (09) “…run attack.”

ULM opens Sun Belt play at South Alabama.

11:40 LRN Sportcast

LSU hosts McNeese this weekend. Cowboys head coach Matt Viator says he and many of his players are from Louisiana, so they’re excited for the opportunity to play in Tiger Stadium. For many athletes at FCS schools, big games like this are a chance for athletes to put their best on film against a Power Four opponent, but Viator says he won’t be worried about roster retention when his team takes the field.

Cut 20 (14) “…we’re in now.”

The LHSAA has suspended the Carroll High School football team for the rest of the season and barred Assumption High from hosting any more home games this year. The penalties come after a brawl broke out between Carroll players and Assumption fans following Mustangs’ 16-6 home win last Friday. KNOE-TV Sports Director Aaron Dietrich…

Cut 9 (14)  “…games this year.”

UL Lafayette opens its Sun Belt schedule against Arkansas State. The Red Wolves are 2-and-2 to start the season, coming off a 17-14 win over Kennesaw State. Third-year quarterback Trey Owens is fifth in the conference with over 800 passing yards this year. Cajuns coach Michael Desormeaux says they’re a good team still finding their offensive identity.

Cut 18 (14) “…up front too.”

Just months after Louisiana Tech officially joined ULL and ULM in the Sun Belt, a member of the Louisiana Board of Regents is suggesting all three drop to the FCS. Shreveport Attorney Wilbert Pryor made the suggestion during a recent UL system budget hearing, citing concerns about how much money the schools’ athletics programs lose each year.

Cut 4 (09) “…10-million-dollars.”

Louisiana Tech hosts Army, and ULM visits South Alabama this weekend.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

McNeese is preparing to make the short drive over from Lake Charles to take on the 11th ranked LSU Tigers on Saturday. Cowboys Coach Matt Viator says the trip to Baton Rouge will be more about the Cowboys than the Tigers.

Cut 19 (17) “…when we left.”

The Saints are looking to get the bad taste out of their mouth from last Sunday’s loss to the Raiders. New Orleans has an extra day as they do not play until Monday when they host the Falcons who are feeling good after beating Green Bay last week.

A bad scene after the Carroll-Assumption football game last Friday. A huge fight broke out and the LHSAA has ruled Carroll’s season is over and Assumption will play road games the rest of the year.

 

During a Board of Regents meeting looking at the University of Louisiana System budget, a regent member, Wilbert Pryor, suggested U-L Lafayette, Louisiana Tech and ULM should move down to the FCS level because of the large deficits their athletic departments are facing…

Cut 6 (12) “…enrollment”

Fan bases for these schools are pushing back against these comments on social media.

The Ragin Cajuns are preparing for their Sun Belt opener this Saturday against Arkansas State. U-L Lafayette has been rotating several running backs this season and Coach Michael Desormeaux says it is working for them…

Cut 17 (12) “…plays for us”

Kick-off is at 7 PM.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

11th-ranked LSU hosts McNeese on Saturday. The Tigers rank 3rd in the nation in total defense, as they’re getting great contributions from older players and freshmen like defensive tackle Deuce Geralds. Geralds is second on the team in sacks with four, and linebacker Davhon Keys says he’s been impressive since he stepped foot on campus.

Cut 18 (15) “…the big screen.”

The Cowboys are coming off their second win of the season. Head coach Matt Viator says he is more focused on his team than the Tigers.

Cut 20 (13) “…football team too.”

Kickoff in Tiger Stadium is set for 6:45.

Northwestern State has another tough draw with a trip to Lamar on the slate for this Saturday. The Cardinals are 3-and-1 to start the season, and Demons head coach Blaine McCorkle says they are the best FCS team they have played so far. NSU quarterback Zach Wilcke threw for 254 yards and three touchdowns against Southeastern and McCorkle says the offense is improving.

Cut 19 (19) “…young playmakers.”

Nicholls will also hit the road to take on Houston Christian. Both teams are 1-and-1 in conference play.

In the SWAC, Southern and Grambling are both prepping for their homecoming weekends. Grambling hosts Alcorn State. Starting quarterback RJ Johnson is expected to miss his second straight game. Head coach Mickey Joseph says Jacobe Robinson will get the start, but Ashton Frye will play as well. The Jaguars welcome Arkansas Pine-Bluff. Both teams are searching for their first conference win.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

With Whit Weeks out for the foreseeable future, LSU junior linebacker Davhon (DAY-von) Keys is expected to replace Weeks in the starting lineup. Keys has plenty of experience, as he started five games his freshman year and filled in for Weeks when he was injured last year. Keys says Weeks brought a lot of energy to the defense, and he needs to do the same.

Cut 16 (11) “…and speak up.”

The Tigers kick off against McNeese at 6:45 on Saturday.

The Pelicans held their first day of practice yesterday. After winning only 26 games last season, New Orleans welcomed former Magic head coach Jahmal Mosley to lead the team. Forward Zion Williamson says he has already developed a great relationship with the team in the offseason.

Cut 21 (11) “…mean a lot.”

The Ples tip off the season against the Pacers October 21.

ULM fell to 0-and4 after a 53-17 loss to FAU and has now lost 12 straight. The Warhawks open Sun Belt play at South Alabama this Saturday. The Jaguars hung around with Kentucky in a 45-21 loss last week. ULM head coach Bryant Vincent says the team needs to clean up its mistakes as a new season kicks off.

Cut 20 (12) “…South Alabama team.”

Kickoff is at 6 p.m. Saturday.

Louisiana is the first state to have a special black-bellied whistling duck season, which opens Saturday and runs through October 11th. Shooting hours will be sunrise to sunset, and there is a bag limit of four and a possession limit of 12. LDWF Assistant Secretary Tommy Tuma says all hunters participating in the season will be required to have a free, black-bellied whistling duck hunting permit from LDWF.

Cut 9 (09)  “…whistling duck permit.”

Hunters are required to report effort and harvest within 15 days of the season’s closure.