06:45 Sportscast, September 6th

The Purple and Gold Nation is still in shock over LSU’s one point loss in the season opener versus Florida State Sunday night in the Superdome. The Tiger defense struggled to get off the field, allowing F-S-U to convert 11 of 17 times on third down. Edge rusher B-J Ojulari says they still have the whole season ahead of them…:
Cut 15 (13) “little things”

LSU sophomore defensive tackle Maason Smith suffered a torn ACL in the game and will reportedly miss the rest of the season. The injury happened as Smith celebrated a tackle by LSU safety Major Burns on the 7th play of the opening series.

The Tigers will face Southern Saturday night for the first time ever in football. The Jags defeated Florida Memorial in their opening game by a score of 86-0.

Game week has arrived for the Saints as they visit the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Instead of facing Matt Ryan at quarterback, Atlanta has a new Q-B, Marcus Mariota, who has not started a game since 2019 when he was with the Tennessee Titans. Saints Coach Dennis Allen…:
Cut 16 (16) “attack it”
It’s Allen’s first game as the Saints head coach. Kickoff Sunday is 12 noon.

Looking ahead to other college football games this weekend — there are other in-state matchups on the schedule in addition to LSU/Southern. Nicholls State visits ULM Saturday night, and Grambling will take on Northwestern State in Shreveport.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Brian Kelly era at LSU starts with a mistake-filled one-point loss to Florida State in the Superdome. A blocked extra point on the final play of the game perserved a 24-23 Seminole victory. It was the second kick blocked by F-S-U. The Tigers also had two muffed punts, two touchdown passes dropped and the offense was held to just 10 points through three quarters. Coach Brian Kelly…
cut 29 (13) “…overtime situation”
As expected, Jayden Daniels started at quarterback and went the whole way. He was running for his life for much of the game as the Tigers new offensive line struggled. Daniels threw for 209 yards and two touchdowns and he also rushed for a game-high 114 yards.

Game week has arrived for the Saints. They will face the Falcons in Atlanta on Sunday.

The Ragin Cajuns won their 14th straight game, which is the nation’s longest winning streak on Saturday, as U-L Lafayette defeated Southeastern Louisiana 24-7. In his first start at Q-B, Chandler Fields threw for 173 yards and a couple of touchdowns to Johnny Lumpkin. Eric Garror also returned a punt 83 yards for a touchdown.

In other action on Saturday, Texas trounced ULM 52-10. The Warhawks allowed touchdowns on a blocked punt and interception return.

Arkansas State clobbered Grambling 58-3. South Alabama thumped Nicholls 48-7. Tulane trounced UMass 42-10. Second-ranked Montana shutout Northwestern State 47-0, while fourth-ranked Montana State defeated McNeese 40-17.

Looking ahead to this Saturday, several in-state match-ups highlight the schedule, Nicholls at ULM, Northwestern State faces Grambling in Shreveport and Southern and LSU meet for the first time ever in football in Tiger Stadium.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU Football Coach Brian Kelly says he has told the team who will start at quarterback on Sunday against Florida State, but they’ve been told not to spread the word. So it remains a mystery to the public on who will take the first snap, but most of the media contingent that covers LSU believes it will be Jayden Daniels. But Assistant Tiger Rag Editor William Weathers says he expects Garrett Nussmeier will get his chance this season…
cut 14 (08) “…his chance”
Kick-off on Sunday is at 6:30.

The College Football Board of Managers has approved a 12-team playoff starting in 2026. Sports Illustrated’ s Ross Dellenger reports conference commissioners could vote to start as early as 2024, but the current TV agreement for the playoff doesn’t end until after the 2025 season. The format would be the six highest ranked conference champs automatically qualify and there would be six at-large teams.

New Iberia native Michael Desormeaux will lead the Ragin Cajuns into Saturday’s season opener against Southeastern Louisiana. It’s Desormeaux first season as head coach of the Cajuns. He says they’ve had a good preseason camp and now it’s showtime…
cut 19 (14) “…wanna see”
Kick-off is at 6 PM.

Several coaches will be making their head coaching debuts with their new teams on Saturday. Gary Goff has brought a new look McNeese team to Big Sky country as the Cowboys visit fourth ranked Montana State. The Pokes are coming off their first back-to-back losing seasons in 33 years.

Former NFL head coach Hue Jackson is trying to bring Grambling back to the top in SWAC. The Tigers kick-off their season at Arkansas State. Southern also has a new coach. Erick Dooley and the Jaguars host NAIA school Florida Memorial tomorrow night.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

For just the tenth time in history, LSU and Florida State will face off against each other on the gridiron when they meet in the Superdome Sunday. It’s the season opener for the Tigers, while the Seminoles dominated Duquesne 47-7 last week in Tallahassee. FSU has a veteran dual-threat quarterback in Jordan Travis and LSU Coach Brian Kelly says they want to keep Travis in the pocket
Cut 16 (16) “…makes him predictable.”

Not a surprise Louisiana Tech lost last night to Missouri but Bulldogs Coach Sonny Cumbie says he’s still discouraged by the outcome, 52-24 to Mizzou. Tech Quarterback Matthew Downing threw a 75-yard touchdown pass to Griffin Hebert, but he also threw three interceptions.

The Ragin Cajuns kick off its season tomorrow with the nation’s longest winning streak at 13 games. They’ll try to make it 14 in a row when they host Southeastern Louisiana at 6 PM. The Lions are the preseason favorite to win it in the Southland, even though they have a new quarterback in Cephus Johnson. U-L Lafayette Coach Michael Desormeaux on the matchup…
Cut 18 (17)“…out of it.”

On the FCS level, Northwestern State visits second-ranked team Montana Grizzlies. It’s the Demon’s first visit to Washington-Grizzly Stadium since 2004 and only one player on Northwestern’s team has ever visited the state of Montana. Coach Braid Laird says it’s a challenging place to play…
Cut 20 (13) “ …playoff atmosphere”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Rough first game for Louisiana Tech football coach Sonny Cumbie as the Bulldogs allowed 558 yards of offense in a 52-24 defeat to Missouri. Tech rushed for only 11 yards and quarterback Matthew Downing threw for three interceptions.

There’s a lot of talk about LSU’s defensive line heading into the football season. But what about Florida State’s. The Tigers tangle with the Seminoles on Sunday night in the Superdome and Coach Brian Kelly says F-S-U’s defensive line has size…
cut 17 (20) “….their defensive line”

In recruiting news, Neville four-star offensive tackle Zalance Heard committed to LSU.

The Ragin Cajuns kick off its season tomorrow with the nation’s longest winning streak at 13 games. They’ll try to make it 14 in a row when they host Southeastern Louisiana at 6 PM. The Lions are the preseason favorite to win the Southland, even though they have a new quarterback in Cephus Johnson. U-L Lafayette Coach Michael Desormeaux on the matchup…
Cut 18 (17)“…out of it.”
Former Rummel quarterback Chandler Fields will start at Q-B for the Cajuns. He’s a redshirt sophomore who has thrown 22 passes in three seasons as a backup to Levi Lewis.

Tomorrow, ULM is at Texas. Northwestern State travels to second ranked Montana, McNeese visits fourth ranked Montana State, Nicholls is at South Alabama and Grambling is at Arkansas State and Louisiana College kicks off its season against Southwestern Assemblies of God University.

4:45 LRN Sportsast

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office says they arrested Saints safety Marcus Maye this morning in a road rage incident in which he allegedly brandished a pistol at a carload of juvenile girls. He faces multiple counts of aggravated assault with a firearm. Maye’s attorney says his client “vehemently denies the allegation” and “looks forward to defending himself when all the facts come out.” Saints Coach Dennis Allen…
cut 29 (09) “…more information”

The LSU Tigers are putting their finishing touches on their game plan for Sunday’s season opener against Florida State in the Superdome. Coach Brian Kelly…
cut 16 (17) “…is there”
Kick-off Sunday is at 6:30.

Week one of the college football season begins tonight and there are several games on the schedule including Louisiana Tech at Missouri. It’s the start of the Sonny Cumbie era in Ruston as he looks to turn around a program that went three and nine last season. Despite that losing record, the Bulldogs had one of the best pass defenses in Conference USA. Cumbie is expecting a big season from safety BeeJay Williamson…
cut 17 (15) “….fall camp”
Tech returns eight starters on defense. Kick-off is at 7 PM.

Multiple reports say the College Football Playoff Board of Managers will meet tomorrow and vote on a 12-team playoff bracket that could begin as soon as the 2024 season. And the possibility of a 16-team postseason is also under consideration.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The Sonny Cumbie era begins tonight as Louisiana Tech visits Missouri for a game that will be televised on ESPN-U. Tech returns eight starters on defense headlined by two-time All-Conference USA linebacker Tyler Grubbs. Cumbie feels good about his defense heading into the season…
Cut 18 (16)“…production standpoint.”
Missouri is a 20-point favorite tonight as the Tigers have whole new team basically, with 50 new players from last season. Kick-off is at 7 PM.

Just three days away from the season opener between LSU and Florida State. FSU rushed for 406 yards in its season-opening 47-7 win over Duquense. Senior defensive end Ali Gaye doesn’t expect the Seminoles to have much success on Sunday…
Cut 20 (08) “ …will stop that team.”
Many believe the Tigers have one of the top defensive lines in the country.

Multipe reports say the College Football Playoff Board of Managers will meet tomorrow and vote on a 12-team playoff bracket that could begin as soon as the 2024 season. The Board of Managers is eleven members representing each FBS conference and Notre Dame and the vote needs to be unanimous.

Saints coach Dennis Allen says cornerback Paulson Adebo has been dealing with an ankle injury. Adebo told reporters he expects to play in the regular season opener. Meanwhile, the Saints practice squad is set. It includes former Nicholls receiver Dai-Jean Dixon, former Cajuns defensive tackle Christian Ringo and former Destrehan standout Kirk Merritt.

And according to Baseball America, LSU’s 2022 transfer class is ranked number one in the nation. The class features North Carolina State transfer Tommy White, who hit a freshman record 27 home runs last season and two way standout Paul Skenes, who was an all-American at Air Force last season.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Week one of the college football season begins tonight and there are several games on the schedule including Louisiana Tech at Missouri. It’s the start of the Sonny Cumbie era in Ruston as he looks to turn around a program that went three and nine last season. Despite that losing record, the Bulldogs had one of the best pass defenses in Conference USA. Cumbie is expecting a big season from safety BeeJay Williamson…
cut 17 (15) “….fall camp”
Tech returns eight starters on defense. Kick-off is at 7 PM.

According to Dennis Dodd at CBS Sports, the College Football Playoff Board of Managers will meet tomorrow and vote on a 12-team playoff bracket that could begin as soon as the 2024 season. The Board of Managers is eleven members representing each FBS conference and Notre Dame and the vote needs to be unanimous.

BJ Ojulari, Ali Gaye, and Mike Jones Junior have been named team captains for LSU football this season. Coach Brian Kelly says they were selected based on a vote by the team…
Cut 19 (18) “…weigh in.”
Kelly says a player on offense each week will also be nominated to be a co-captain.

Saints coach Dennis Allen says cornerback Paulson Adebo has been dealing with an ankle injury. Adebo told reporters he expects to play in the regular season opener. Meanwhile, the Saints practice squad is set. It includes former Nicholls receiver Dai-Jean Dixon, former Cajuns defensive tackle Christian Ringo and and former Destrehan standout Kirk Merritt.

And according to Baseball America, LSU’s 2022 transfer class is ranked number one in the nation.

4:45 LRN Sportscast August 31

BJ Ojulari, Ali Gaye and Mike Jones Junior have been name co-captains for the LSU football team. And it was announced today that the LSU-Florida State game in the Superdome is a sell out.

The Saints active roster is down to 53 after cutting several players on Tuesday. Ian Book, Kirk Merritt, Dai Jean Dixon adn Taco Charlton are among the players who were cut. Coach Dennis Allen says a lot of thought goes into these moves…
cut 18 (18) “….final decision”
And there are reports the Eagles have claimed Ian Book.

Former Ragin Cajuns Quarterback Levi Lewis has signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League. Lewis was a three-year starter at U-L Lafayette and is the school’s all-time leader in passing touchdowns.

ULM is a huge underdog heading into its season opener against the Texas Longhorns who are ranked 18th in the coaches poll. Warhawks Coach Terry Bowden calls the Longhorns a great team…
Cut 19 (27) “…ready to play.”

TCU transfer Matthew Downing will get the start tomorrow night at quarterback when Louisiana Tech kicks off the season at Missouri. Head Coach Sonny Cumbie says Downing faced a Power Five team in 2020 when Cumbie was the offensive coordinator for the Horned Fogs…
cut 16 (16) “…take over”
Kick off is at 7 PM on ESPN U.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Based on reports, the failure to reach a long term contract with defensive back CJ Gardner Johnson led to the Saints trading him to the Philadelphia Eagles. New Orleans receives a fifth-round pick next year, and two sixth round selections in 2024. The Eagles are also getting a seventh round pick in 2025.

Coach Dennis Allen says it was not an easy decision, but he says the depth they have at cornerback made them feel they could depart with the 2019 draft pick….
cut 17 (14) “…..we made”
Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo are the Saints starting cornerbacks and they also have Bradley Roby and second round pick Alontae Taylor.

The Saints also had to get their active roster down to 53, which resulted in waiving 12 players like Ian Book, Kirk Merritt and former Nicholls receiver DaiJean Dixon.

BJ Ojulari, Ali Gaye and Mike Jones Junior have been name co-captains for the LSU football team. Ojulari wears number 19 and is a preseason All-American selection. Gaye recently graduated from LSU and Jones enters his fifth season of college football with 81 career tackles.

There are a bunch of first year coaches in Louisiana this year, but ULM’s Terry Bowden is entering his second season. The Warhawks went four and eight last season and Bowden believes there’s more talent on this team…
cut 20 (09) “….on the field”
ULM is heavy underdogs heading into its season opener on Saturday. Texas is a 37.5 point favorite.

Sunny Cumbie era begins tomorrow night for Louisiana Tech as the Bulldogs visit Missouri. Mizzou is a 19.5 point favorite.