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.

________________________________________________________________________

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.

The Saints will host the San Francisco 49ers this Sunday.  The defending NFC Champs have been hit with a lot of injuries this season and are without quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, tight end George Kittle, and pass rusher Nick Bosa.  Last season, the 49ers pulled off a 48-46 victory over the Black and Gold in New Orleans.  Saints receiver Emmanuel Sanders threw a touchdown pass in that game for the 49ers and he also caught seven passes for 157 yards and another score.  Head coach Sean Payton says he’s glad Sanders is on his team this time…

Cut 20 (20)

The Ragin Cajuns will clinch the Sun Belt West title and a spot in the conference championship game with a win over South Alabama on Saturday.  South Alabama brings a 2-4 record into Lafayette, with a 2-2 mark in league play.  Head Coach Billy Napier says that when he watches the tape, he sees a fundamentally sound football team.

Cut 17 (19)

With the LSU-Alabama game being postponed due to Covid-19 concerns with the LSU program, the tigers will now turn their attention to the Arkansas Razorbacks.  LSU will hope to have some of their quarantined players back.  One player that will not be back is quarterback Myles Brennan, who Orgeron hinted, might be done for the season.

Cut 30 (07)

The Saints will host a banged-up San Francisco 49ers team this Sunday in the Superdome. The defending NFC Champs have been hit by the injury bug as quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, All pro tight end George Kittle and pass rusher Nick Bosa are out with injuries. But Coach Sean Payton says the scheme San Francisco uses still makes them a tough team to beat
cut 19 (24) “…well-coached.”
Four starters for the Saints were limited at practice yesterday, Drew Brees, Michael Thomas, Ryan Ramczyk and Erik McCoy. Ramczyk and McCoy are new additions to the injury report.

The LSU-Alabama game is one of four SEC games scheduled for this Saturday that have been postponed. But Coach Ed Orgeron is optimistic the Tigers will have enough players available for next Saturday when they are scheduled to play Arkansas at 11 AM. Orgeron says they have only a few players who have tested positive for COVID, but many more in quarantine, but they will get out of quarantine next week.

A win on Saturday over South Alabama and the Ragin Cajuns will clinch a Sun Belt West title and a spot in the conference championship game. It would be the third straight divisional title for Coach Billy Napier
Cut 16 (20) “…of the season.”
The Cajuns are 15.5 point favorites to win.

Saturday’s LSU-Alabama game in Baton Rouge has been postponed due to Covid-19 issues within the LSU program. The Tigers do not have any bye weeks to make up the game before the SEC Championship game, but Coach Ed Orgeron hopes the SEC can figure out a way for the rivalry game to be played this year…

Cut 3

Even though we are seeing more and more canceled high school football games because of COVID-19, the LHSAA is moving forward with plans to have a postseason, with the championship games at the Superdome from December 26th to the 28th. Executive Director Eddie Bonine says teams must play four games to make the playoffs and the size of the playoff brackets will not change.

Cut 27

Metairie Senator Cameron Henry says the vote to legalize sports betting in 55 of the state’s 64 parishes on Election Night paves the way for sports bets to be placed in Louisiana by the end of next year.

Henry indicated sports betting may not end up being as restricted as was once thought…

Cut 12

In Basketball news, LSU and coach Will Wade received signatures from a pair of recruits who signed with the tigers on the opening day of the early signing period.  Shooting guard Brandon Murray of IMG and center Jerrell Colbert both sent in their letters of intent.  They join Bradley Ezewiro in the 2021 class.  Ezewiro was initially part of LSU’s 2020 class but decided to attend prep school this season.