Despite a 13-and-3 record, the Saints will not have a bye in the playoffs. Because Green Bay and San Francisco both won yesterday, New Orleans will host Minnesota on Sunday in the wild card round. After yesterday’s 42-10 win over Carolina Coach Sean Payton says they are not sweating it…
cut 8 (09) “…home game”
The Saints host the Vikings on Sunday, if they win, New Orleans will visit Green Bay on Sunday January 12th at 5:40 PM.

The other wild card match-ups this weekend. Houston will host Buffalo on Saturday, the Patriots will face the Titans on Saturday night. Following the Saints game on Sunday, the Eagles will host the Seahawks. Former Louisiana Tech standout Boston Scott had three touchdowns as Philadelphia clinched an NFC East title with a 34-17 win over the Giants.

After a historic 63-28 dismantling of Oklahoma in the Peach Bowl, LSU faces Clemson two weeks from today in the Superdome for the National Championship Game. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says considering the competition, LSU is coming off its greatest single-game performance ever.
Cut 13 (12) “…complete”
If they want to raise the trophy on January 13th, the Tigers will have to end Clemson’s 29-game winning streak.

LSU basketball handed Liberty its first loss as the Tigers put out the Flames 74-57. Darius Days had 14 points. Oklahoma State crushed Southeastern Louisiana 82-31, U-C Santa Barbara defeated U-L Lafayette 85-77.

The Pelicans defeated the Rockets 127 to 112. Lonzo Ball hit seven three-pointers, a new career-high and E-Twaun Moore had 25 points off the bench. New Orleans has won four in a row. James Harden did not play because of a leg injury.

The Saints did not get a first-round bye in the playoffs, but they are playing as good as anyone heading into the postseason following a 42-10 win over Carolina on Sunday. Quarterback Drew Brees threw for 253 yards and three touchdowns and Alvin Kamara had two rushing touchdowns. The defense has allowed just 45 points over the last three games and Coach Sean Payton says that’s a good sign heading into the postseason…
cut 9 (08) “…playoff football”
The Saints will host Minnesota at noon on Sunday in the wild card round. The Black and Gold needed San Francisco or Green Bay to lose on Sunday to get a first-round bye in the playoffs, but the Packers rallied to beat Detroit 23 to 20 and the 49ers held on to beat Seattle 26 to 21, Seahawks tight end Jacob Hollister was stopped at the one-inch line in the final seconds as Seattle failed to complete the comeback.

LSU is a 5.5 point favorite in the January 13th national championship game versus Clemson. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says Clemson Coach Dabo Swinney likes playing the underdog role…
cut 14 (09) “…disrespected”
LSU’s defense which has played so well over the last four games will have to defend one of the nation’s top quarterbacks in Trevor Lawrence and the A-C-C offensive player of the year Travis Etienne from Jennings.

LSU basketball handed Liberty its first loss on the season as the Tigers put out the Flames 74-57. Darius Days had 14 points. Oklahoma State crushed Southeastern Louisiana 82-31, U-C Santa Barbar defeated U-L Lafayette 85-77. Northwestern State thumped Champion Christian 101 to 61.

The Pelicans defeated the Rockets 127 to 112. Lonzo Ball hit seven three-pointers, a new career-high and E-Twaun Moore had 25 points off the bench. New Orleans has won four in a row. James Harden did not play because of a leg injury.

Saints Coach Sean Payton says there are no plans to rest the starters for the regular-season finale at Carolina. Payton says they are still playing for a chance to get the first seed in the N-F-C playoffs or at least a bye. The team had a walk-thru practice on Christmas Day and Drew Brees, Michael Thomas, CJ Gardner Johnson and Vonn Bell were among a large group of players listed as limited because of injuries.

The last time LSU’s defense was on the field, we saw them put together domianting performances against Georgia and Texas A-and-M. Defensive Coordinator Dave Aranda credits the players for trying to improve, even though the team was winning…
cut 17 (14) “…winning”
LSU will face an explosive Oklahoma offense on Saturday.
______________________________________________________________

How motivated will Miami be to play in today’s Independence Bowl contest against Louisiana Tech? The Hurricanes are 6-and-6 and playing a group of five school. Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz says there are several reasons why his team is fired up to play in the Indy Bowl…
cut 20 (18) “….them play”
Since 2006, the Hurricanes have just one bowl win and that was in 2016 over West Virginia.

The Pelicans concluded a four-game road trip with a 112-100 victory over Denver on Christmas night. Brandon Ingram had 31 points to end the Nuggets 7-game winning streak. Ingram hit a career high 7 3-pointers. New Orleans went 3-and-1 on the road swing. They return home Saturday to host Indiana.

Much of the talk heading into Saturday’s semifinal game between LSU and Oklahoma has been about the offenses. These two teams are ranked one and two in total offense in the country. The Sooners defense has improved over last year when they allowed 33 points a game. This year under first-year defensive coordinator Alex Grinch, they are allowing 25 points a contest. Tigers Center Lloyd Cushenberry on what he sees from Oklahoma’s defense…
cut 4 (11) “…play hard”
Despite a hamstring injury, Coach Ed Orgeron says there is a chance leading rusher Clyde Edwards-Helaire will play Saturday against the Sooners. Edwards-Helaire hurt his hamstring in practice last week and Coach O says they are taking it day-by-day. Kick-off on Saturday is at 3:00

The Saints did not get any help from Minnesota last night as the Packers defeated the Vikings 23-10 to improve to 12-and-3. So for the Saints to get the number one seed in the playoffs, they will need Green Bay to lose to Detroit, which is not likely and the 49ers have to lose to Seattle. The Seahawks are so banged up at running back, they are bringing back Marshawn Lynch. If New Orleans beats Carolina and either the Packers or 49ers lose, then the Saints will be the two seed.

Louisiana Tech will not have all-American cornerback Amik Robertson for Thursday’s Independence Bowl game against Miami, Robertson is entering the N-F-L draft and elected not to play in the bowl game. Former Ouachita Parish standout Zach Hannibal is expected to get the start in Robertson’s place.

The Pelicans won last night on the road in Portland, beating the Trail Blazers 102 to 94. Jrue Holiday led the way with 21 points and six rebounds. Brandon Ingram had 19 points and 11 rebounds. New Orleans is at Denver Christmas night.

Big win for the Saints on Sunday as they came back from 14 down to beat Tennessee 38-28. Michael Thomas set the N-F-L record for catches in a season and running back Alvin Kamara had two touchdowns, his first scores since Week three, but he’s more worried about winning…
cut 17 (12) “…I’m Good”
New Orleans is 12 and 3 and they can still get the number one seed in the N-F-C playoffs.

NFL analyst Mike Detillier says New Orleans must beat the Panthers on Sunday and hope a couple of teams lose…
Cut 10 (10) “…hands”
If the Saints have to go on the road in the postseason, they are 13-2 away from the Dome over the last two seasons.

There is some good news regarding LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s hamstring. Coach Ed Orgeron says his leading rusher is feeling better…
cut 30 (15) “…day-by-day”
Edwards-Helaire suffered the hamstring injury in practice last week.

The 7-and-23 Pelicans will try to get a win tonight in Portland. The Trail Blazers have won four in a row. New Orleans is coming off a loss to Golden State, who has the worst record in the N-B-A. The Pelicans had a late six-point lead in that contest, but like so many this season, they could not pull off a close victory. Tip-off tonight is at 7:00.

Speaking of close losses, LSU had another one on Saturday in Los Angeles as Coach Will Wade’s team dropped an 80-78 loss to U-S-C. The Tigers are 7-and-4 and three of the losses were two point defeats. LSU hosts undefeated Liberty on Sunday.

The Saints Michael Thomas is making a case as one of the best wide receivers in N-F-L history. In Sunday’s 38-28 win over Tennessee, Thomas set the record for most receptions in an NFL season. He’s caught more passes and has more receiving yards than any other player during their first four years in the league. NFL Analyst Mike Detillier…
cut 9 (10) “…this game”
The Saints conclude the regular season on Sunday against Carolina. The Black and Gold can still get the number one seed in the N-F-C playoffs. Meanwhile, Coach Sean Payton is still looking for his team to reduce the penalties, they had 11 more yesterday…
cut 18 (17) “….areas”

LSU is in Atlanta today prepare for Oklahoma in the Peach Bowl. Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire made the trip, but his status remains uncertain for Saturday’s game because of a hamstring injury. Oklahoma starting safety Delarrin Turner-Yell will miss the game with a broken collarbone.

LSU basketball has a two-game losing streak as the Tigers lost on Saturday night to USC 70-68. The Trojans hit 11 3-pointers, while the Tigers only hit three. Skylar Mays had 21 points, Trendon Watford had a double-double, 17 points and 10 rebounds. But sophomore guard Ja’vonte Smart had just five points. LSU hosts undefeated Liberty next Sunday.

The Ragin Cajuns and Warhawks are both 0-and-2 to start Sun Belt play. Tonight the Pelicans are in Portland for game three of their four-game road trip. The Trail Blazers have won four in a row and they are 14-and-16 on the season.

The Saints rallied from a 14-0 deficit to beat Tennessee 38-28 to keep alive their chances of getting the number one seed in the NFC playoffs. Drew Brees threw for 279 yards and three touchdowns and Michael Thomas broke the NFL record for most receptions in a season, as he had 12 catches for 136 yards on the day. Thomas has 145 catches on the year, but he’s more worried about winning a title
Cut 16 (27) …break more records”
The Saints are 12-and-3 and finish the regular season at Carolina next Sunday.

The Saints chances of getting one of the top two seeds in the N-F-C playoffs is easier thanks to Arizona’s upset win over Seattle. If New Orleans wins at Carolina next week and Seattle defeats San Francisco on Sunday night and the Packers lose tonight in Minnesota or next week against the Lions, then the Saints will have the number one seed. New Orleans can at least get the two seed, if they beat the Panthers. Seattle defeats San Francisco and the Packers would get the number one seed if they win out.

LSU arrived in Atlanta last night and will practice today as they continue to prepare for Oklahoma in the Peach Bowl. Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire traveled with the team to Atlanta, but his status remains uncertain for Saturday’s game because of a hamstring injury.

Louisiana Tech is in Shreveport preparing for Thursday’s Independence bowl matchup with Miami. The Hurricanes got to Shreveport on Saturday.

Tonight the Pelicans are Portland for game three of their four-game road trip.

Three Saints players have been ruled out of tomorrow ‘s game against Tennessee because they are injured. Linebacker Kiko Alonso, safety Vonn Bell and guard Larry Warford. Safety C-J Gardner-Johnson, cornerback Patrick Robinson and guard Larry Warford are questionable. Tomorrow’s game kicks-off at noon and there’s a 50-percent for rain in Nashville. Highs will be in the mid-50s. The Saints are a 2.5 point favorite.

Former Saints wide receiver Joe Horn faces up to 10 years in prison after he plead guilty to defrauding a health care program run by the N-F-L. The 47-year-old has admitted to receiving nearly 150-thousand dollars in false medical expenses. Nine other former players are involved in the scheme, but since Horn accepted a plea deal, he’ll likely avoid a long prison sentence.

Joe Burrow has earned his master’s degree from LSU and Coach Ed Orgeron has received the 2019 Eddie Robinson Award.

LSU will arrive in Atlanta tomorrow to continue preparations for the Peach Bowl. Oklahoma is set to get to Georgia on Sunday as well and there’s news out of Norman that starting safety Delarrin Turner-Yell will miss the game with a broken collarbone.

The Sports Business Journal is reporting that SEC games will no longer be televised on CBS after the 2023 season. The SEC has been on CBS since 1996, but ESPN-ABC’s bid to get the league’s top game each Saturday is reportedly much higher than what CBS is willing to pay.

The Pelicans lost to Golden State last night 106 to 102 in a match-up of the two worst teams in the Western Conference. New Orleans is at Portland on Monday.

LSU is in L-A tonight to battle U-S-C at the Staples Center. The Tigers are looking to bounce back from a home loss to East Tennessee State. Also, the Cajuns host Little Rock, Arkansas State is at ULM, La Tech hosts Southern-New Orleans.

It will be the Saints and Titans on Sunday in Nashville. One of Tennessee’s best threats on offense is rookie wide receiver A-J Brown. The former Ole Miss standout has 47 catches for 893 yards and seven touchdowns. Coach Sean Payton says Brown is tough to defend…
cut 18 (30) “…route runner”
Kiko Alonso, Larry Warford and Vonn Bell have ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Titans.

Quarterback Joe Burrow received his Master’s Degree in Liberal Arts from LSU today. His high school, Athens High in Ohio, will rename its football stadium after Burrow. The Tigers leave for Atlanta on Sunday, where they’ll spend the next week getting ready for Oklahoma in the Peach Bowl.

Marquis Nowell hit three three-pointers in the final 35 seconds as Little Rock defeated ULM 73-72 last night in the Sun Belt opener for both teams. Nowell finished with 33 points. The Warhawks will try to snap a three-game losing streak tomorrow when they host Arkansas State. Little Rock is at U-L Lafayette tomorrow.

LSU is in Los Angeles. Tomorrow they’ll face U-S-C at the Staples Center in downtown L-A. The Tigers are coming off an awful loss to East Tennessee State at home.

The Pelicans are also on the West Coast tonight to face the Golden State Warriors, who have lost five in a row. New Orleans just snapped its record 13-game losing streak. Tip off is at 9:30.

After throwing just one incomplete pass on Monday night, Saints quarterback Drew Brees looks to have another highly efficient game on Sunday when New Orleans visits the Titans. Brees takes pride in completing passes at a high percentage…
cut 16 (34) “…do that”
Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas needs just 11 more catches to break the NFL’s single-season record for receptions in a season.

LSU’s offensive line has won the Joe Moore Award which goes to the Most Oustanding O-Line in College football. That group helped the Tigers lead the nation in total offense.

The high school stadium where Joe Burrow played at has been renamed as Joe Burrow Stadium. Athens High School plans to hold a ceremony to honor Burrow on his Heisman Trophy Season.

The college football bowl season gets underway today with the Bahamas Bowl between Buffalo and Charlotte. Tomorrow night it’s the New Orleans Bowl as UAB takes on Appalachian State. The Mountaineers are seeking their 13th win.

Louisiana Tech has signed 20 players during the early signing period. According to 24-7 sports, the Bulldogs have the best class in Conference USA.

ULM basketball lost a tough game last night to begin Sun Belt play. Little Rock guard Markquis Nowell knocked down a 40-foot three-pointer with three seconds left to beat the Warhawks 73-72. J-D Williams had 24 points for ULM.