The defending national champion LSU Tigers are ranked sixth in the AP preseason poll. The team that LSU beat in the national championship game, Clemson, is ranked number one. Ohio State, who is not playing in the fall, is ranked second. Alabama is ranked third with two first-place votes, Georgia is ranked fourth and Oklahoma is ranked fifth.

The college football playoff committee announced today that it will begin providing regular rankings on November 17th and then select the four teams for the college football playoff on December 20th. The semifinals are still set for New Year’s Day, which will be the Sugar Bowl and Rose Bowl. The national championship game will take place on January 11th in Miami.

ULM announces it will play at Army on September 12th. It’s the first time the Warhawks will play against one of the United States service academies.

Ragin Cajuns Coach Billy Napier says redshirt sophomore wide receiver Cassieu Allen suffered a significant knee injury on Saturday, but no word if he’s out for the season.

There’s a three-way battle for starting quarterback at Louisiana Tech. Senior Westin Elliot, redshirt sophomore Aaron Allen and graduate transfer Luke Anthony are competing for the job. Anthony was a three-year starter at Abilene Christian and says he had interest from Power Five schools, but knew La Tech was the place for him…
cut 18 (20) “…my fit”

At Saints camp, the team has released veteran linebacker Nigel Bradham, who they just signed prior to the start of training camp. Coach Sean Payton says Bradham’s release will allow some younger linebackers, like third-round pick Zack Baun, to get more reps. Payton says the team is planning to hold a scrimmage in the Superdome on Friday.

LSU is ranked sixth in the AP preaseason poll that was released today. Clemson is ranked number one. Ohio State, who is not even playing this fall is ranked second, followed by Alabama, Georgia and Oklahoma. Florida is ranked eight, Auburn is 11th and Texas A-and-M is ranked 13th.

A three-way battle for starting quarterback is ongoing during Louisiana Tech’s preseason camp. It’s between redshirt sophomore Aaron Allen, graduate transfer Luke Anthony and redshirt senior Westin Elliot. Elliot has been on campus since 2017 and says whoever wins the job will lead the Bulldogs to victories…
cut 17 (19) “…to win”

The Saints have made a surprise move. ESPN’s Adam Schefter says the Black and Gold have cut veteran linebacker Nigel Bradham. He signed with New Orleans in the summer after spending the past four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. Bradham was competing for playing time as Alex Anzalone and Kiko Alonso are coming back from injuries.

Quarterback Drew Brees did not practice yesterday as he got the day off. The 41-year-old worked on throwing the deep ball during the offseason with his personal trainer, Todd Durkin. Coach Sean Payton says he’s seen a difference
cut 20 (25) “ throwing motion”

The Saints are less than three weeks away from the season opener against Tampa Bay and so far so good when it comes to keeping COVID-19 out of the building. Coach Sean Payton says he’s even surprised that the team has stayed virus free
cut 19 (17) “…good way”
Only three players in the NFL are on the reserve-COVID-19 list.

Running back Alvin Kamara did not practice yesterday, because of a stomach illness. Right tackle Ryan Ramczyk also missed practice yesterday, but it was a veteran rest day for him. Quarterback Taysom Hill has returned to practice after he and his wife had their first child, Beau Nixon Hill. The Saints will hold another full-pad practice today.

Louisiana Tech football coach Skip Holtz calls the three-way battle for starting quarterback a healthy competition. Holtz is impressed with how much respect Aaron Allen, Luke Anthony and Westin Elliot have for each other as they compete. Redshift sophomore Aaron Allen says they push each other to get better
Cut 16 (18) “…perform better”

Conference USA has decided to move fall team sports, except for football, to the spring of 2021. The La Tech programs affected are women’s soccer and women’s volleyball. The move allows the Lady Techsters and all Conference USA schools to play for a spot in the NCAA Championships. Dates of competition and formats will be announced at a later date.

The NCAA has reportedly approved a rule that gives all fall sport student-athletes a free year of eligiblity, no matter how many games they compete in over the next ten months. It remains to be seen how schools react to this news. Scholarships cost money and athletic budgets have seen their revenues shrink because of COVID-19.

At LSU’s football camp, one of the biggest players on the field is freshman tight end Arik Gilbert, who stands at six-foot-five, 250 pounds. Tigers Safety Jacoby Stevens he’s been impressed with the Georgia product…
cut 20 (20) “….at you”
Gilbert is the reigning Gatorade National Player of the Year, the first tight end to win the award since its inception in 1985.

The Saints are getting ready for the season and they are also keeping an eye on the tropics as there’s the potential for two named storms in the Gulf of Mexico for the first time in 87 years. Coach Sean Payton says he’ll talk with General Manager Mickey Loomis to discuss options in case one of the storms hits New Orleans…
cut 30 (30) “…everyone”

ULM football is pausing its preseason camp, because COVID testing produced nine positive cases. The school is hoping they can resume early next week. Their first game is September fifth at Troy.

LSU Coach Ed Orgeron disputes a quote attributed to him in a USA Today report about two women who claim former LSU running back Derius Guice raped them in 2016. In the USA Today story, a former player said that Orgeron told him that everybody’s girlfriend sleeps with other people. Orgeron released a statement on Twitter last night and said that the quote is not accurate. Coach O also says the sexual assault allegations against Guice should be taken seriously.

ULM is pausing its preseason football practice, because COVID testing administered earlier this week produced nine positive cases. The school is conducting contact tracing to mititgate the spread of the virus. In a statement, Coach Matt Viator says he’s disappointed, but realized the suspension of practice was a real possibility this preseason and the team remains optimistic they will be able to safely compete this fall. The Warhawks first game is September fifth at Troy.

Saints Safety Malcom Jenkins is trying to win his third Super Bowl ring as he begins his second stint with the Black and Gold. New Orleans drafted Jenkins in 2009 and he won a Super Bowl to cap off his rookie season. He also won a Super Bowl in Philadelphia in 2017. Jenkins says there’s enough talent on this Saints team to win the Lombardi Trophy
cut 17 (21) “…and grow”

The Pelicans will pick 13th in the NBA draft which is scheduled for October 16th. The NBA draft lottery did not produce a higher pick for the Pels. The Minnesota Timberwolves won the lottery and they will have the number one pick.

LSU Coach Ed Orgeron disputes a quote attributed to him in a USA Today report about two women who claim former LSU running back Derius Guice raped them in 2016. In the USA Today story, a former player said that Orgeron told him that everybody’s girlfriend sleeps with other people. Orgeron released a statement on Twitter last night and said that the quote is not accurate. Coach O also says the sexual assault allegations against Guice should be taken seriously.

After watching the Big 10 and PAC 12 move football to the spring, LSU safety Jacoby Stevens is cherishing the opportunity to play. Stevens credits Shelly Mullenix, LSU’s Health and Wellness Coordinator for putting a plan in place so the Tigers can take the field next month…
cut 19 (15) “…their system”

The chemistry of the Saints was challenged in the offseason when Quarterback Drew Brees said he could never agree with anyone who did not stand for the national anthem. Brees later apologized for those comments and Safety Malcolm Jenkins, who originally said he was hurt by Brees’ comments, says his discussions with Brees brought the team closer
Cut 18 (15) “…no exception”
Jenkins is trying to win his third super bowl ring and second with the Saints.

In college football scheduling news, the Cajuns have added UAB and Central Arkansas to their schedule. They’ll visit the Blazers on Friday, October 23rd, and host the Bears on November 21st. ULM will kick off the season on September fifth at Troy, moving that game up from October 17th.

And the Pelicans will have the 13th pick in the NBA Draft, Minnesota won the lottery and has the top pick.

Eight SEC teams have released their plans for fans at football games this season, with all of them having capacities somewhere between 20 and 25 percent. Governor John Bel Edwards expects we will know the situation at Tiger Stadium in the next ten to 12 days
Cut 6 (09) “…26th”
LSU opens the season in Baton Rouge on September 26th against Mississippi State.

The Ragin Cajuns have finalized their football schedule for 2020 as they’ve added a trip to UAB on Friday October 23rd and will host Central Arkansas on November 21st at Cajun Field. That gives U-L Lafayette 11 games on the schedule, making up for the games lost against New Mexico State and Missouri. The game at U-A-B will be on a Friday.

ULM announces it will kick off the season on September fifth at Troy. The two teams were originally scheduled to play on October 17th.

As long as COVID-19 doesn’t get in the way, Myles Brennan will finally get his chance to be LSU’s starting quarterback. Brennan arrived at LSU in 2017 and has watched Joe Burrow take snaps the last two seasons. In today’s college football, many quarterbacks look to transfer if they don’t play right away, but Brennan says he knew he would eventually get his chance with the purple and gold…
cut 17 (25) “….that position”

Tonight is the NBA draft lottery. The Pelicans have only a one-percent chance of landing the top pick. A six-percent chance of moving up and getting a top four selection.

LSU interim president Thomas Galligan told WAFB-TV in Baton Rouge today that the university is looking into the allegations that former running back Derrius Guice raped two female students in 2016. Galligan says they take every allegation of sexual misconduct very seriously. Guice’s lawyer has said the accusations are not true.

LSU’s first-year starting quarterback Myles Brennan says he has no problems handling a leadership role and says he’s been a leader, even though he’s watched from the sidelines during most of his collegiate career…
cut 18 (25) “…whole time”

The Ragin Cajuns have finalized their football schedule for 2020 and they’ve added a trip to UAB on October 23rd and will host Central Arkansas on November 21st at Cajun Field. That gives U-L Lafayette 11 games on the schedule, making up for the games lost against New Mexico State and Missouri. The game at U-A-B will be on a Friday.

The NFL will reportedly not allow cheerleaders, mascots and reporters on the sidelines thsi year. According to a memo to teams, the only people allowed on the sidelines are players, officials, and essential television network employees.

Tonight is the NBA Draft Lottery and is lady luck on the Pelicans side again. New Orleans won the lottery last year. But the Pels only have a one-percent chance of winning the first overall pick tonight and a six-percent chance for a top-four pick. Unlike last year, there is not a consensus number one pick.

Myles Brennan finally gets his chance to lead LSU’s offense. Brennan has been with the Tigers since 2017. Since his recruitment, there’s been a new head coach, three different offensive coordinators, and now COVID-19. But Brennan says having Steve Ensminger, a former LSU quarterback, as his offensive coordinator is reassuring…
cut 16 (19) “…really nice”
The junior says he’s 220 pounds, up 45 pounds from his freshman season.

NFL Vice President of football operations Troy Vincent said the league may create a bubble for its teams that make the postseason. It’s an idea Saints Coach Sean Payton suggested to the competition committee. A bubble scenario would need approval from the players union.

Two former LSU students have told the USA Today that former running back Derius Guice raped them when he was a freshman in 2016. One of the women, a former tennis player, says she reported the allegation to LSU’s Title nine office but received no response. LSU has released a statement saying the school takes all accusations of sexual assault seriously and formal complaints are promptly and fully investigated.

Tonight is the NBA Draft Lottery and is lady luck on the Pelicans side again. New Orleans won the lottery last year, which allowed them to select Zion Williamson. But the Pelicans chances are not as great this year. They only have a one-percent chance of winning the first overall pick and a six-percent chance of a top-four pick.

The NCAA has granted a waiver to allow the University of Washington transfer center Bryan Penn-Johnson to play for the LSU basketball team this season. The seven-footer has three years of eligibility left. He appeared in seven games last season.

Two former LSU students tell USA Today that former Tigers running back Derrius Guice raped them in 2016 when he was a freshman. This news comes on the heels of Guice’s arrest on domestic violence charges in a separate incident that took place in Virginia earlier this month. The Washington Football Team released Guice after the arrest and USA Today Network reporter Glen Guilbeau says Guice might not play football ever again.
Cut 8 (09) “…that much longer.”
Guice’s attorney says the accusations are not true.

During a conference call with reporters, NFL Vice President of football operations Troy Vincent said the league may create a bubble for its teams that make the postseason. It’s an idea that Coach Sean Payton suggested when speaking with the competition committee. A bubble scenario would need approval from the players union.

LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron says two-to-three players tested positive for COVID-19 when the Tigers began preseason camp on Monday. But Orgeron remains convinced LSU will play this season and it’s the best thing they can do. He admits that during the stay at home order, he spent many nights alone at the LSU football operations building in disbelief with what’s going on…
cut 19 (20) “…for sure”
LSU reported today that it’s had 22 positive coronavirus tests among its student population since August 15th.

Ragin Cajun Athletics announced today that the school will hold a virtual fan fest from September 1st to the 3rd. U-L fans will get a chance to hear from the head volleyball and soccer coaches, football coach Billy Napier and Athletics Director Bryan Maggard. There will also be giveaways.