Tonight is the NBA draft and the Pelicans have already pulled off a big move as they look to build around young stars Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. New Orleans has reportedly traded veteran guard Jrue Holiday to Milwaukee, but in return they receive Eric Bledsoe, George Hill and three first round picks. The host of the Locked On Pelicans podcast, Jake Madison, says the Pels did well in the trade…
cut 16 (07) “…Jrue Holiday”
The Pels have two first round picks tonight, the 13th and 24th selection. Madison says New Orleans could make a trade in order to get in the top ten.

The Saints return to work today as they get ready for Sunday’s game against the Falcons. New Orleans has won six in a row, while the Falcons have played better since firing head coach Dan Quinn. Quarterback Drew Brees is reportedly getting a second medical opinion to determine the full scope of his chest injuries and to get a better idea on how much time he’ll miss.

LSU players say a team meeting called by junior wide Terrace Marshall has the team re-energized as they get ready to play the second half of the season. The Tigers have not played a game since losing to Auburn on October 31st. Offensive Guard Ed Ingram says Marshall told the team to get focused as they visit an improved Arkansas team this Saturday
cut 19 (18) “…to prove”
Arkansas is dealing with some positive coronavirus cases within its football program, but it’s not expected to impact Saturday’s game in Fayetteville.

Acadiana’s loss to Catholic on Saturday night has dropped the Wreckin Rams to number four in the latest Class 5A poll. Brother Martin is the new number one ranked team, followed by Rummel and Catholic. Brother Martin hosts sixth ranked John Curtis on Friday. Playoff pairings come out on Sunday.

The New Orleans Pelicans have traded star guard Jrue Holiday to the Milwaukee Bucks.  In exchange for Holiday, the Pelicans received guards Eric Bledsoe and George Hill, as well as a number of future draft picks.  The host of the Locked On Pelicans podcast Jake Madison says, when looking at what the Pelicans got in return for Holiday, he’s definitely pleased with the trade.

Cut 16 (07) “Jrue Holiday”

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees has multiple rib fractures as well as a collapsed lung, and is expected to miss some games.  Brees didn’t play in the second half of Sunday’s win over San Francisco and Jameis Winston finished the game at quarterback.  Winston will compete with Taysom Hill for the starting job.  If you’re looking for the Saints to name a starting QB soon, then you’re out of luck, because coach Sean Payton says he won’t name a starter until later in the week.

Cut 17(05) “later”

LSU football coach Ed Orgeron expects most of the players who were in quarantine should return today and that means they’ll actually have two scholarship quarterbacks at practice.  Orgeron says they’ll have to ease them back in.

Cut 18(16) “whatever it may be”

Orgeron suggested that TJ Finley would likely be the starter for the Arkansas game on Saturday.

Ragin Cajun Quarterback Levi Lewis has been named the Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week.  Lewis had a stellar performance against South Alabama, as he threw for 252 yards and had a season high three touchdowns.  Lewis is the eight Ragin Cajun player to earn a weekly honor from the conference this season and the first quarterback to win a weekly award since Andre Nunez back in 2018.

A U-S-A today story says LSU did not follow federal law and school policy after receiving complaints of sexual misconduct and dating violence involving nine former football players, including Derrius Guice and Drake Davis, since Ed Orgeron took over as head coach in 2016. Orgeron says when allegations are made, they should be reported to the university’s Title Nine office.
Cut 28 (05) “…protocols.”
LSU has hired an out of state law firm to review the claims that were made in the USA Today article.

There’s no official timetable on when Saints Quarterback Drew Brees will return to the field. It’s been reported he has several fractured ribs and collapsed lung.

The Pelicans have traded fan favorite and two-time All-Defensive member Jrue Holiday to the Milwaukee Bucks. In return, New Orleans receives Eric Bledsoe, George Hill, and three first-round draft picks.

LSU is getting ready to play Arkansas this Saturday after last Saturday’s game against Alabama was postponed. Will the Tigers and Crimson Tide still play each other? It will take the SEC reshuffling some games. Coach Ed Orgeron thinks it will happen…
cut 19 (15) “…some way”

ULM’s schedule has been shuffled around as the Warhawks will now play Arkansas State on December 5th. That game was originally scheduled for November 14th. The Warhawks will play Troy on December 17th, instead of December 12th.

But ULM starting quarterback Colby Suits will not play in those games as he’s decided to opt-out of the team’s final three games and enter the NCAA transfer portal. He’s started all games of a winless season. Suits is reportedly the 15th player to leave the program since March.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees reportedly has multiple rib fractures and a collapsed lung and is expected to miss some games. Brees didn’t play in the second half in Sunday’s win over San Francisco. Jameis Winston will compete with Taysom Hill for the starting job. Coach Sean Payton says he’s comfortable with both players.
Cut 16 (07) “…good room.”
The Saints host the Falcons this Sunday.

LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron says victims of sexual abuse need support and protection. That’s in response to a USA Today report alleging the university mishandled complaints of sexual misconduct involving former members of the football team. Orgeron started his Monday press conference with this statement…
Cut 7 (07) “…this type.”
LSU has hired an out of state law firm to review their sexual misconduct policies.

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This Saturday’s game between ULM and Louisiana Tech has been called off as the Warhawk football team is still dealing COVID-19 issues. The Bulldogs say they were ready to play after having to postpone last Saturday’s game against Rice because of a lack of players at a position group.

After a two-week layoff, LSU is getting to play a much improved Arkansas team. The Razorbacks did not win an SEC game in 2018 and 2019, but this year they are 3-and-4 in a conference only schedule. Coach Ed Orgeron says first-year coach Sam Pittman has done a phenomenal job…
cut 20 (20) the fundamentals’

And the Pelicans have reportedly traded veteran guard Jrue (Drew) Holiday to the Bucks for Eric Bledsoe, George Hill and three first round picks.

The Saints fell behind 10-0 yesterday, lost quarterback Drew Brees to a rib injury, but still ended up beating San Francisco 27-13 for their sixth straight win.  Brees was hurt after taking a big hit which resulted in a roughing the passer penalty.  He did not play in the second half.  Coach Sean Payton says…

Cut 13 (12) “the switch”

Jameis Winston took over at QB in the second half and led the Saints on an important fourth quarter drive that resulted in a touchdown by Alvin Kamara, his third of the game.

Reports have serviced that LSU allegedly mishandled sexual misconduct allegations that involved former football players Derrius Guice and Drake Davis.  Numerous complaints were made against both players throughout their college careers.

The 24^th ranked Ragin Cajuns are Sun Belt Western Division Champs for a third straight season.  They have clinched a spot in the conference title game with a 38-10 win over South Alabama.  Coach Billy Napier says it was their best performance of the year.

Cut 16 (21) “Throughout the day”

Napier is now considered a finalist for the South Carolina head coaching vacancy.

The NCAA has decided to create a bubble and host the men’s basketball tournament in one single location.  No location has been chosen at this point but Indianapolis seems to be the likely destination.

The game between ULM and La Tech this weekend has officially been canceled.

The Saints fell behind 10-0 and Drew Brees missed the second half with an injury, but the Black and Gold still won their sixth straight beating San Francisco 27-13 in the Superdome yesterday. Brees suffered a rib injury in the first half on a big hit that drew a roughing the quarterback penalty.
Jameis Winston relieved Brees and led New Orleans on an important fourth quarter drive that ended in an Alvin Kamara touchdown, his third of the day. Kamara knew Winston would be ready…
cut 14 (12) “…one person”
Josh Hill and Tre’Quan Smith also left the game with a concussion.

But the injury focus is on Brees, who says he’ll take it one day at a time…
cut 29 (09) “…possibly can”

The 24th ranked Ragin Cajuns locked up a Sun Belt Western Division title with a 38-10 win over South Alabama on Saturday. The Cajuns started fast and had a balanced attack throughout. Coach Billy Napier says it was nice to see his team take control early…
cut 17 (18) “….our play”
The Cajuns will play in the Sun Belt title on December 19th. But this Saturday they host Central Arkansas.

After defeating Army 38-12, Tulane will travel to 25th ranked Tulsa on Thursday. The Golden Hurricane is 4-0 in the American Conference. Green Wave defensive end Patrick Johnson says Tulsa will be tough to beat…
cut 20 (07) “…play next week now”
Tulane has won three in a row.

The Saints are seeking their sixth straight win on Sunday when they face the San Francisco 49ers. After appearing in the Super Bowl last season, the 49ers have been hit with a bunch of injuries and enter Sunday’s game with a four and five record. Quarterback Drew Brees says he’s not taking San Fran lightly
cut 18 (18) “..doing that.”
The Saints will also play in front of their biggest home crowd of the season as six-thousand fans will be allowed inside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

The Cajuns can win a Sun Belt Western Division title on Saturday with a win over South Alabama. But the Pride of Acadiana will not be there as the school has suspended on-campus music-making activities because of the rising number of COVID cases on campus and that includes band members.

The SEC announces it will use December 19th as a date to make up games that need to be rescheduled. That’s the day for the SEC Championship game as well. But it also opens the door for the league to reschedule Saturday’s postponed game between LSU-and-Alabama. Athletic Director Scott Woodward says December fifth is a possibility and that means the Ole Miss game on that day would be played on December 19th.

Woodward says there is only a small number of players who have tested positive, but many more are in quarantine. He says none of the players who have tested positive for COVID, have experienced a serious illness…
cut 5 (14) “…vulnerable”

And La Tech is hopeful its postponed game with Rice can be rescheduled. The Bulldogs reportedly did not have enough healthy offensive linemen to play on Saturday.

COVID-19 has resulted in three college football games involving Louisiana football teams being postponed this weekend. LSU versus Alabama, ULM against Arkansas State and yesterday Louisiana Tech informed Rice that because of a combination of COVID-19 cases, contact tracing and injuries they have a position group that’s too thin to play a game on Saturday.

LSU is hoping to make-up the Alabama game, even though the Tigers do not have an open date before the SEC Championship game on December 19th. Athletics Director Scott Woodward says his staff is working with the SEC to make sure the game will be played or else it’s another financial hit for his department…
cut 4 (13) “…as a program”
Just three SEC games on Saturday as four games have been postponed because of COVID-19.

Linebacker Kwon Alexander is eligible to make his Saints debut on Sunday when New Orleans hosts San Francisco. The Saints acquired Alexander in a deal with the 49ers before the trade deadline. The former LSU Tiger is 30-years-old and was a Pro Bowler in 2018. Safety Malcolm Jenkins is impressed with Alexander’s athletic ability
cut 17 (15) “…better defense.”
There were five Saints who were limited in practice last week including Quarterback Drew Brees. But he was limited last week as well and still led New Orleans to a five straight win last week.

25th ranked U-L Lafayette can win a Sun Betl Western Division Championship with a win over South Alabama on Saturday. It would be the third straight title for the Ragin Cajuns who are 6-and-1 on the season.

Tulane is also in action tomorrow as they are set to host Army at 11 AM on ESPN Two.

For the second straight week, Louisiana Tech had its upcoming football game postponed on Thursday. Last week it was a COVID issue with the North Texas football team. This time the Bulldogs had to postpone Saturday’s home game against Rice, because of injuries, COVID positive cases, and contact tracing led to one position group that is too thin to field a team. The Bulldogs’ next game is set for November 21st versus ULM at Independence Stadium in Shreveport. ULM also had to postpone its scheduled game with Arkansas State this Saturday, because of COVID cases within the Warhawk football program.

So there are two college football games on the schedule for Saturday. Tulane hosts Army and the 25th ranked Ragin Cajuns host South Alabama.

College basketball is right around the corner, LSU is picked to finish third, behind Tennessee and Kentucky. The Ragin Cajuns are picked to finish second in the Sun Belt West behind Little Rock, while ULM is expected to finish sixth.

Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas appears to be on track to play in his second consecutive game after missing six in a row because of ankle and hamstring injuries. Thomas was limited in practice yesterday, but that was the case last week and he still played against the Bucs. Running back Alvin Kamara says when Thomas is on the field, opposing defenses have to account for him…
cut 19 (15) “…it’s complimentary”
New Orleans hosts San Francisco this Sunday. The Saints are battling with Green Bay and Seattle for the top seed in the NFC. The Packers host Jacksonville and the Seahawks visit the Rams.

A decline in NFL viewership is not as bad as what was feared. The league and Nielsen say games are averaging 15 million television viewers, a six percent decline from last year.

The Saints will host the defending NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, but San Fran is not the same team as they were last year. They’ve been hit hard by injuries, as quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, all-pro tight end George Kittle and pass rusher Nick Bosa are all out. San Francisco also no longer has receiver Emmanuel Sanders. He’s on the Saints.

Sanders threw a touchdown pass and had seven catches for 157 yards and a touchdown as San Francisco defeated the Saints in New Orleans last year. Coach Sean Payton is glad Sanders is now with the Black and Gold…
cut 20 (20) “…we are doing”
Kick-off is at 3:25.

Ragin Cajuns quarterback Levi Lewis said on a conference call with reporters last night that he plans on coming back next season. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, all fall student-athletes, including seniors. get an extra year of eligibility. Lewis and the Cajuns can win the Sun Belt West title on Saturday with a win over South Alabama. The Jaguars are 3-and-4 and have the Sun Belt’s most accurate passer in sophomore Desmond Trotter. Coach Billy Napier says receivers Jalen Tobert and Kawaan Baker are also very good…
cut 18 (19) “….for you”
Kick-off is at 1 PM.

The other games on Saturday, Louisiana Tech hosts Rice at 2:30 and Tulane will take on Army at Uluman Stadium at 11 AM.