The Saints and Buccaneers will meet for a third time this season on Sunday when the two NFC South rivals meet in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs.  New Orleans won the two regular-season matchups, including a 38-3 trouncing of Tampa Bay on its home field on November 8.  Coach Sean Payton says that last game will not factor into what will happen this Sunday.

Cut 16 (14) “entirely different”

Zac Alley has been named the new Defensive Coordinator and LB coach for ULM. At the age of 27, Alley becomes the youngest defensive coordinator in the FBS.

Multiple sources are reporting that Mississippi State defensive coordinator Zach Arnett flew to Baton Rouge this morning to interview with Ed Orgeron for the defensive coordinator position on LSU’s staff.  Arnett just finished his first season with the Bulldogs.

The New Orleans Pelicans were scheduled to play the Dallas Mavericks yesterday, but the game was canceled just hours before tipoff after several Mavericks players tested positive for Coronavirus.  The Pelicans will now turn their attention to the Clippers as the team is scheduled to travel to Los Angeles for the matchup tomorrow night.  The Pelicans currently sit at 4-5 on the season while the Clippers hold the second spot in the western conference with a 7-4 record.

Amite native and Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith was named Offensive MVP of the national championship as the Crimson Tide beat Ohio State 52-24.  Smith caught 12 passes for 215 yards and 3 touchdowns, all in the first half.  His 12 receptions set a title game mark and his 3 scores tied a championship record.

The final AP top 25 rankings have been released and the Ragin Cajuns finished at number 15.  The Cajuns ended the season with a 10-1 record and a share of the Sun Belt championship.  Their last game was a 31-24 victory over UTSA in the First Responder’s Bowl.

Alabama won its sixth national championship in 12 years last night as the Crimson Tide crushed Ohio State 52-24. Amite City native Devonta Smith was named the most outstanding offensive player of the game as he caught 12 passes for 215 and three touchdowns in the first half. Smith left early in the second half with a hand injury. Former West Monroe standout Slade Bolden also caught a touchdown pass. And Alabama is the favorite to win the title again next year.

The Saints are a three-point favorite to beat Tampa Bay this Sunday in an NFL divisional round playoff game. During the season the Buccaneers signed four-time All-pro receiver Antonio Brown. In his last four games, Brown has caught a touchdown pass in each contest. Coach Sean Payton…
cut 18 (14) “…getting him the ball”

LSU starting right tackle Austin Deculus has announced he’s returning for another senior season. That means the Tigers will have four of their five starting offensive linemen returning next season. Deculus is a three-year starter who has 34 starts during his four-year career.

New ULM football coach Terry Bowden has hired Zac Alley to be his defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. Alley becomes the youngest defensive coordinator in the F-B-S at the age of 27. He spent last season as Boise State’s co-special teams’ coordinator and outside linebackers coach.

The Pelicans scheduled game against Dallas last night was postponed because several Maverick players have tested positive for the coronavirus. New Orleans will begin a six-game road trip tomorrow night in Los Angeles against the Clippers.

LSU basketball hosts Arkansas and leading scorer and freshman Cam Thomas is questionable with a right ankle injury.

The Saints 21-9 win over the Chicago Bears yesterday sets up another matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday in the divisional round. It will be the third time the NFC South rivals have played each other this season. Quarterback Drew Brees figured Tom Brady and the Bucs would be a possible playoff match…
cut 18 (12) “…inevitable”
There’s a common saying in the NFL that it’s hard to beat a team three times in one season. But NFL analyst Mike Detllier says it’s happened 21 other times and the team that wins the first two games, usually completes the three-game sweep
cut 7 (10) “….incorrect narrative”
New Orleans did it during the 2017 season when they beat the Carolina Panthers three times.

Nearly three years after winning a Super Bowl for the Eagles, former Northeast Louisiana quarterback Doug Pederson has been fired as Philadelphia’s head coach. Pederson was the head coach in Philly for five seasons, winning the Super Bowl in 2018. But the Eagles just suffered through a 4-and-11-and-1 season.

In high school football news…Frank Monica is reportedly retiring as head coach at St. Charles Catholic. Monica has spent the last 51 years of his life coaching, winning state titles at St. Charles Catholic, Lutcher, and Riverside.

Lafayette Christian Head Coach Jacarde Carter led the Knights to back-to-back state titles in Division Three, but he’s out as head coach. Carter has told reporters he was fired.

The Pelicans-Mavericks game scheduled for tonight in Dallas has been postponed because of COVID issues involving the Mavs basketball team. The Pels will now get ready to visit the Clippers on Wednesday to begin a six-game road trip.

Tonight’s the national championship game between Alabama and Ohio State.

The New Orleans Saints have advanced to the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs after a victory over the Chicago Bears.  The Saints led 7-3 but dominated the second half in route to a 21-9 victory.  The defense held Chicago to 239 total yards and just one third-down conversion.  New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees threw for 265 yards and two touchdowns.  Here’s Brees on the performance…

Cut 16 (20) “great teams do”

The Saints play the Buccaneers on Sunday.

The winner of the Saints-Bucs will take on the winner of the Rams-Packers game in the NFC Championship game.

Ragin Cajuns running back Elijah Mitchell announced Sunday that he will enter the 2021 NFL draft.  He joins the other half of the Cajuns’ running back duo, Trey Ragas, who declared for the draft on Thursday.  Mitchell ran for over 800 yards and 8 touchdowns this season.

The LSU men’s basketball team cruised to a 75-61 win over Ole Miss on Saturday.  Trendon Watford had a game-high 21 points to go along with 6 rebounds, while Javonte Smart added 17 points and 6 assists.  The Tigers played well despite losing star Cam Thomas in the first half due to injury.  Head Coach Will Wade said he was pleased with the performance.

Cut 28 (25) “our guys”

In high school football news, two high-profile coaching changes are set to take place as Frank Monica will reportedly retire as St. Charles head coach.  Monica has coached for 51 years and won state titles at St. Charles, Lutcher, and Riverside.  Also, Lafayette Christian and Coach Jacarde Carter have parted ways.  The school says it was mutual, however, Carter claims he was fired and it wasn’t mutual.

The Saints didn’t have much trouble beating Chicago yesterday as the defense kept the Bears out of the end zone until the final play of the game in a 21-9 NFL wildcard victory. The defense held Chicago to 239 total yards and just one third-down conversion. On offense, quarterback Drew Brees threw for 265 yards and two touchdowns while running back Alvin Kamara rushed for 99 yards and a score after missing last Sunday’s game due to a COVID positive test. Kamara says he felt fresh after not playing last week or practicing leading up to the game…
cut 17 (17) “….didn’t miss a beat”
New Orleans advances to the NFC Division round where they’ll meet Tampa Bay for a third time this season. The Saints will need to beat the Bucs for a third time this season to advance to the NFC title game.

The LSU men’s basketball team didn’t have much time to prepare for Ole Miss but still handled the Rebels 75-61 on Saturday night. The game was set up the day before after the Tigers originally scheduled game against Missouri was called off because of COVID issues involving the Mizzou basketball program. The Tigers are 3-and-1 in the SEC heading into Wednesday’s home game against Arkansas.

Elsewhere, Louisiana Tech split a pair of games against Western Kentucky. After four games in the Sun Belt, ULM and the Ragin Cajuns are 2-and-2. Nicholls has a two-game winning streak after beating Southeastern Louisiana 87-67 on Saturday. McNeese is off to an 0-2 start in league play after losing at home on Saturday to Northwestern State 78-75.

After a disappointing homestand, the Pelicans are at Dallas tonight looking to snap a three-game losing streak. It’s the start of a seven-game road trip for New Orleans. Tip off is at 7:30.

The Saints continued their preparations today for Sunday’s playoff game against the Chicago Bears. Running back Alvin Kamara is expected to be activated from the COVID-19-reserve list and Quarterback Drew Brees says their ability to run the football has been a key to their success…
cut 17 (15) “….good formula”
Kick-off is at 3:40. The game will be televised on CBS and it will also air on Nickelodeon in a special-kid-friendly broadcast. Coach Sean Payton …
cut 29 (19) “…if we won”

The LSU basketball team will now play Ole Miss tomorrow night, instead of Missouri, because Mizzou is dealing with COVID issues.

Tonight on the hardwood, the Pelicans complete a four-game homestand by hosting the Hornets.

ULM looks to improve to 3-0 in Sun Belt play as they host U-T Arlington, while the Cajuns are at home to face Little Rock. The Trojans are the other team in the Sun Belt to start league play at 2-0.

After splitting a pair of games last week versus Marshall, Louisiana Tech will take on Conference USA preseason favorite Western Kentucky tonight and tomorrow on their home floor. Coach Eric Konkol on the matchup between two teams that have an identical record of 8-and-3
Cut 19 (23) “…the past.”
Tip off in Bowling Green, Kentucky is at 7 PM.

The Saints are 10-point favorites to beat the Bears in their playoff matchup. New Orleans needed overtime to defeat Chicago in the regular season and defensive end Cam Jordan says if another close game takes place Sunday they have confidence they can get the W…
Cut 18 (10) “…built.”
Saints running back Alvin Kamara sent out a tweet last night that said “See y’all Sunday” likely indicating he will be able to play against Chicago. The Pro Bowler is currently on the NFL’s reserve-COVID-19 list but is eligible to come off that list on Sunday.

Ragin Cajuns running back Trey Ragas has entered the 2021 NFL draft. The New Orleans native rushed for 758 yards and 10 touchdowns this past season.

New Texas head football coach Steve Sarkisian is reportedly trying to hire Defensive backs coach Corey Raymond away from LSU.

Contract details have been released for LSU’s new coaching hires. Offensive coordinator Jake Peetz is set to make one-point-two million dollars this year and one-point-three million dollars next year, while passing game coordinator DJ Mangas has agreed to a two-year deal that pays him 400-thousand dollars a year.

In college basketball tonight, the Ragin Cajuns host Little Rock. ULM hosts U-T Arlington. Louisiana Tech is at Conference USA preseason favorite Western Kentucky. The Sun Belt and CUSA have league schedules that feature back-to-back games against the same opponent. Bulldogs coach Eric Konkol says the unusual scheduling makes conference play that much more interesting…
cut 20 (23) “…fascinating race”

It’s win or go home as the NFL playoffs begin this weekend. The Saints will host the Chicago Bears as New Orleans looks to avoid its third straight postseason home defeat. Quarterback Drew Brees on the possibility that this will be his last game…
cut 16 (09) “…much the same’
Saints running back Alvin Kamara tweeted out last night, “See y’all Sunday” an indication that he’ll play in Sunday’s playoff game after testing positive for COVID-19 last Friday. He’s eligible to be activated on Sunday. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Kamara has been participating in practice this week remotely thanks to TVU networks technology. Kamara has been able to view practice as the Saints were installing the game plan for the Bears.

Tonight at the Smoothie King Center, the Pelicans host the Hornets at 6:30.

Contract details have been released for LSU’s new coaching hires. Offensive coordinator Jake Peetz is set to make one-point-two million dollars this year and one-point-three million dollars next year, while passing game coordinator DJ Mangas has agreed to a two-year deal that pays him 400-thousand dollars a year.

In college basketball tonight, the Ragin Cajuns host Little Rock. ULM hosts U-T Arlington. Louisiana Tech is at Conference USA preseason favorite Western Kentucky. The Sun Belt and CUSA have league schedules that feature back-to-back games against the same opponent. Bulldogs coach Eric Konkol says the unusual scheduling makes conference play that much more interesting…
cut 20 (23) “…fascinating race”

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Saints running back Alvin Kamara is participating in live practices this week remotely via TVU networks technology after testing positive for the coronavirus last week. Schefter tweets that Kamara has a transreceiver at his home and is viewing practice as the Saints implement the game plan for Sunday’s playoff game against the Bears. New Orleans is hopeful Kamara will be able to play.

Only three-thousand fans will be in the Dome for Sunday’s game. Coach Sean Payton says the team will need to create its own energy in order to have a home-field advantage.
cut 17 (17) “…other factors.”
And there are tickets still available for Sunday’s game as an allotment of tickets was returned from the Bears.

LSU football has hired Carolina Panthers quarterback coach Jake Peetz as its offensive coordinator and Carolina offensive assistant DJ Mangas as the passing game coordinator. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says both coaches are in their 30s and worked with former LSU assistant Joe Brady…
cut 29 (11) “…be hired”
LSU reportedly interviewed 34-year-old University of Cincinnati defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman today as the Tigers are looking to replace former D-C Bo Pelini.

Louisiana Tech receiver Cee Jay Powell has reportedly entered the transfer portal after catching 37 passes last season.

In basketball…Freshman Cam Thomas had 26 points as the Tigers beat Georgia in overtime. Southeastern, Northwestern State and UNO all lost in Southland play, while Nicholls rallied to beat Lamar 76-69.

Saints All-Pro receiver Michael Thomas has reportedly returned to practice on a limited basis ahead of Sunday’s playoff game against the Chicago Bears.  Coach Sean Payton is hopeful that Thomas will be available on Sunday.

Cut 16 (09) “significant”

LSU named a pair of Carolina Panthers to its coaching staff.  Quarterbacks coach Jake Peetz is the Tigers’ new Offensive Coordinator and offensive assistant DJ Mangas will be the Passing Game Coordinator.  Both of these coaches worked with former LSU assistant Joe Brady this past season.  Brady was LSU’s passing game coordinator in 2019 and connected well with Heisman Winner Joe Burrow, ultimately winning the national championship.  Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says the goal is to re-create that magic, but with different coaches and players.

Cut 20 (12) “in there”

Louisiana Tech’s receiving corps has gotten a little thinner as senior wideout Cee Jay Powell has entered the transfer portal.  Powell was one of the more consistent pass catchers for the Bulldogs the last two seasons.  He was second on the team in receptions during the 2019 and 2020 seasons, totaling 80 catches for 759 yards.

The New Orleans Pelicans dropped a close one to the Oklahoma City Thunder last night 111-110.  The Pelicans were led offensively by Zion Williamson’s 29 points and Brandon Ingram’s 24 point double-double.  While the team shot 49 percent from the floor, they shot just 4-22 from three-point range.

Nicholls St took down the Lamar Cardinals 76-69 to improve to 3-5 on the season.  Najee Garvin led the way for the Colonels with 19 points and 8 rebounds.

The Southeastern Louisiana men’s basketball team fell to Sam Houston 70-52 last night.  The Lions will travel to Thibodeaux to take on Nicholls on Saturday at 5 p.m.

Northwestern State lost 75-67 to Incarnate Word last night, dropping their record to 1-12.