LSU will get a lot of players back from quarantine when they travel to Arkansas to take on the Razorbacks on Saturday, including quarterback Max Johnson.  Johnson is competing with TJ Finley for the starting job.  The quarterback position is not the only area that the tigers have uncertainty at, as the defense has been shaky all season.  Coach Ed Orgeron says LSU has been working to improve that side of the ball.

Cut 18 (15) “make them”

Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill are battling for the starting quarterback spot with Drew Brees sidelined.  Whoever wins the job will face off against an Atlanta Falcons defense that coach Sean Payton says, has shown a lot of improvement.

Cut 20 (16) “right now”

With the 13^th pick in last night’s draft, the New Orleans Pelicans selected guard Kira Lewis Jr. from the University of Alabama.  Lewis was considered arguably the fastest player in the draft.  The former Crimson Tide standout averaged 18.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game.  The Pelicans also had the 23^rd overall pick but it is involved in a trade.

Former LSU guard Skylar Mays heard his name called in last night’s draft when he was selected in the second round by the Atlanta Hawks with the 50^th overall pick.

In college basketball news, LSU forward Shareef O’Neal has been granted immediate eligibility by the NCAA and will now be able to play for the Tigers this season.  Shareef is the son of former LSU and NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal and he signed with UCLA out of high school but left after his freshman year due to a medical condition.

Also, LSU basketball players Javonte Smart and Trendon Watford have been named to the preseason All-SEC team.

The Pelicans used their first pick in last night’s NBA draft to select speedy point guard Kira Lewis Junior, who averaged nearly 19 points, five rebounds and five assists as a sophomore last season at Alabama. The Pels had four other picks, but all of those selections are involved in trades that will be finalized soon.
Former LSU Tiger and Baton Rouge native Skylar Mays was selected in the second round by the Atlanta Hawks.

There’s growing concern that high school athletics could be shut down again as more schools move to virtual learning and coronavirus cases continue to spike. But LHSAA executive director Eddie Bonine (Bo-nine) says he didn’t like shutting down track, baseball and softball last spring and does not plan on doing it again…
cut 14 (07) “…earned it”
The football playoffs begin next week and basketball is just getting underway.

LSU is preparing to play at Arkansas on Saturday. The Razorbacks have a few people within their program who have tested positive for the coronavirus, but head coach Sam Pittman expects the game will be played on Saturday…
cut 16 (15) “…playing”
Pittman also plans to return to the sidelines after missing last week’s game against Florida after testing positive for COVID-19.

Saturday’s final home game of the year between the Ragin Cajuns and Central Arkansas has been called off because of COVID issues with U-L Lafayette. Athletics Director Bryan Maggard…
cut 15 (11) “…nationally”
The Cajuns hope to play ULM on November 28th.

The 2020 NBA Draft is tonight and since New Orleans has reportedly traded guard Jrue Holiday to the Milwaukee bucks, they have 5 picks in this year’s draft, including 2 in the first round.  With the departure of Holiday, Jake Madison from the Locked On Pelicans podcast believes the Pels could have their eye on a guard in the first round.

Cut 28 (17) “very aggressive”

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees got a second opinion on his rib injuries and it’s not good news.  The second exam confirmed the original diagnosis that Brees sustained five rib fractures as well as a collapsed lung.  The diagnosis means that the Saints Quarterback will definitely miss time but the team has not yet decided whether or not Brees will be placed on injured reserve.  Placing Brees on IR means that he would have to sit out a minimum of three weeks.  Brees is not the only player who missed practice, Cam Jordan missed due to a back injury while Josh Hill and Tre’Quan Smith deal with concussions.

LSU star wide receiver Terrace Marshall addressed his teammates during a meeting where he reportedly energized the team and wanted to make sure that everyone was focused on the second half of the season.  Marshall says it’s hard to stay focused with the pandemic interrupting the schedule and also the health concerns associated with the virus…

Cut 20 (20) “do that”

The Ragin Cajuns home finale against Central Arkansas on Saturday has been cancelled due to Covid-19 issues with the Ragin Cajuns football program.  A total of 33 student-athletes are in the program’s Covid-19 safety program.  The team’s next game is scheduled for Saturday, November 28^th at ULM at 2pm.

The Pelicans have reportedly 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 Pelicans have five picks in tonight’s NBA draft, including two in the first round at 13 and 23.  Jake Madison from the Locked On Pelicans podcast says, With a plethora of picks at their disposal the Pelicans could be very active on draft day.

Cut 17 (10) “really want”

Former LSU guard Skylar Mays could hear his name called in the second round of this year’s NBA draft after a solid college career in Baton Rouge.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has been diagnosed with several fractured ribs and a collapsed lung after taking a big hit against the San Francisco 49ers.  There is no timetable for his return, but Brees and the Saints are awaiting a second opinion before him on injured reserve.  A move to IR would force Brees to miss at least three games.

LSU star wide receiver Terrace Marshall addressed his teammates during a meeting where he reportedly energized the team and wanted to make sure that everyone was focused on the second half of the season.  Marshall says it’s hard to stay focused with the pandemic interrupting the schedule and also the health concerns associated with the virus…

Cut 20 (20) “do that”

During the coaches teleconference, Ed Orgeron said LSU’s season opening starting left tackle Dare Rosenthal has re-joined the team and practiced yesterday.

Louisiana Tech has lost its starting left tackle for the second time this year as Donavaughn Campbell has decided to opt out the remainder of the season and enter his name into the NFL Draft.  Campbell joined the Bulldogs after transferring from LSU and was set to start at right guard, but switched to tackle after Willie Allen transferred to Michigan.

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.

________________________________________________________________________

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.