LSU signed 19 players on the first day of the early signing period, including two five-star recruits, tight end Arik Gilbert and cornerback Elias Ricks. The recruiting class also features in-state stars like defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy and wide receiver Kayshson Boutte. The Tigers missed out on a couple of highly recruited receivers, but Coach Ed Orgeron still likes what he has
Cut 16 (16) …outstanding class”
Orgeron says they could use their available scholarship slots to sign a cornerback, safety or running back.

Louisiana Tech’s recruiting class ranks as the best in Conference USA. Cornerback Cedric Woods from Caroll High School in Monroe is their highest-rated player.

The Saints are getting ready to play the Tennessee Titans. It’s unclear if newly signed cornerback Janoris Jenkins will play. The 31-year-old has four interceptions this season before he was cut by the Giants last week. Jenkins says he’s willing to do anything on defense to help the Saints win…
cut 20 (07) “…my abilities”
The Saints have also signed veteran safety D-J Swearinger, who has 14 interceptions in seven seasons in the N-F-L. This is Swearinger’s third team this season. He also started a few games for the Cardinals and Raiders.

The Pelicans ended their franchise-record 13 game losing streak last night with a 107 to 99 win over Minnesota. Brandon Ingram had 34 points.

East Tennessee State upset LSU last night beating the Tigers 74-63. The Cajuns dropped their Sun Belt opener, falling to Arkansas State 79-67.ULM hosts Little Rock tonight.

LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron is unsure if running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire will play in the semifinal game versus Oklahoma because of a hamstring injury. Orgeron says he’ll know more about Edwards-Helaire’s status later this week. Coach O says it may take the three other running backs on the roster collectively, Tyrion Davis-Price, John Emery and Chris Curry, to fill the shoes of Clyde, if he can’t play
cut 18 (20) can’t go”
And Oklahoma will be without its top pass rusher for the game against LSU. Ronnie Perkins is one of three Sooner players suspended for the game. Perkins has six sacks on the year.

New Saints cornerback Janoris Jenkins is glad to be in New Orleans. The Giants released the veteran after he called a fan on Twitter a “retard.” On Wednesday, Jenkins apologized if he offended anyone for his choice of words and now he’s ready to help the Saints win a championship…
cut 19 (10) to it ”
It’s unclear if Jenkins will play Sunday against the Titans.

The Pelicans ended their franchise-record 13 game losing streak last night with a 107 to 99 win over Minnesota. Brandon Ingram came up big as he scored 34 points. Jrue Holiday had 18 points and Holiday became the franchise leader for three-pointers made as he knocked down three, three-point shots last night.

East Tennessee State upset LSU last night beating the Tigers 74-63 The Cajuns dropped their Sun Belt opener, falling to Arkansas State 79-67.

LSU’s leading rusher Clyde Edwards-Helaire may not play in the semifinal playoff game against Oklahoma. Coach Ed Orgeron says the Baton Rouge product suffered a hamstring injury during practice…
cut 17 (12) “….could not practice”
Meanwhile, three Sooners will be suspended for the game against LSU. One of the players that will miss the game is defensive end Ronnie Perkins, who is the team’s best pass rusher.

New Saints cornerback Janoris Jenkins is glad to be in New Orleans. The Giants released the veteran after he called a fan on Twitter a “retard.” On Wednesday, Jenkins apologized if he offended anyone for his choice of words and now he’s ready to help the Saints win a championship…
cut 19 (10) to it ”
It’s unclear if Jenkins will play Sunday against the Titans.

LSU basketball returned from a 10-day break and they were not ready to play and lost to East Tennessee State 74-63 last night. At one point, the Bayou Bengals trailed by as much as 23 points. The eleven-point defeat is the worst home loss for Coach Will Wade in his 2.5 years at LSU. E-T-S-U is the preseason favorite to win the Southern Conference and outrebounded the Tigers 40-29, including 19 offensive boards.

Elsewhere, the Ragin Cajuns lost their Sun Belt opener to Arkansas State 79-67. 59 fouls were called in this game. U-L Lafayette hosts Little Rock on Saturday to begin a four-game homestand.

In Southland play, Nicholls rallied back from a 14-point halftime deficit to beat Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi 64-58. The Islanders scored just 17 second-half points.

Sam Houston defeated Northwestern State 92-79, Southeastern Louisiana lost in overtime to Lamar 79-73. McNeese thumped Paul 109 to 68.

The Pelicans ended a 13-game losing streak by beating Minnesota 107-99. Brandon Ingram led the way with 34 points, Jrue Holiday had 18 points.

On the first day of the early signing period, LSU signed the state’s two best defensive tackles, Jaquelin Roy from University High in Baton Rouge and Alexandria’s Jacobian Guillory. 24-7 sports recruiting analyst Shea Dixon says Guillory is an impressive prospect…
cut 18 (18) “…Guillory”
Also signing at LSU today, Rummel wide receiver Koy Moore and Westgate’s Kayson Boutte.

But LSU missed out on a couple of recruits, five-star receiver Rakim Jarrett decided to stay at home and attend Maryland and top 100-receiver Jermaine Burton was an LSU commit, but has decided to attend Georgia instead.

Seven Saints have been voted to the Pro Bowl, Terron Armstead, Drew Brees, Marshon Lattimore, Will Lutz, Michael Thomas, and return specialist Deonte Harris. The seven selections lead the N-F-C, but you could also make a case that tackle Ryan Ramcyzk and linebacker DeMario Davis should have been named pro bowlers.

The Pelicans lost their 13th straight last night as they fell to Brooklyn in overtime 108 to 101. New Orleans begins a four-game road trip tonight in Minnesota. The Timberwolves have lost seven in a row.

In college hoops, 7-and-2 LSU hosts 9-and-2 East Tennessee State tonight at the PMAC. The Tigers have held their last three opponents to 60 points or less.

The Ragin Cajuns begin play in the Sun Belt Conference by taking on Arkansas State. U-L Lafayette is trying to figure out how to play without third-leading scorer Kobe Julien who is out for the season with a knee injury.

Southland Conference play begins tonight, Nicholls will host Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi.

Today begins the early signing period for college football and the LSU Tigers are in a position to bring home a top-four recruiting class. 24-7 sports recruiting analyst Shea Dixon says Coach Ed Orgeron has recruited one of his best classes
Cut 16 (23) …at Westgate”
The Tigers have also signed two quarterbacks today, Ponchatoula’s T-J Finley and Max Johnson from Georgia.

Louisiana Tech star cornerback Amik Robertson has announced he’s entering the N-F-L draft and he will not play in the Independence Bowl.

Saints Head Coach Sean Payton said today that claiming veteran cornerback Janoris Jenkins off of waivers gives the Black and Gold defense versatility, which is important down the stretch. Eli Apple, Pro Bowler Marshon Lattimore and P-J Williams have served as the team’s lead corners and it’s unclear what role Jenkins will have in New Orleans.

The McNeese football team is ineligible for the F-C-S playoffs in 2020 because of a poor Academic Progress Rate. But athletic director Bruce Hemphill says first-year head coach Sterlin Gilbert is already making strides to improve the team’s A-P-R and the hope is that this will be just a one-year postseason ban.

In basketball, the Pelicans lost their 13th straight as they fell to Brooklyn 108 to 101 in overtime. They’ll try again tonight in Minnesota. In college hoops, Louisiana Tech defeated North Carolina Central 69-60. Tonight, LSU hosts East Tennessee State and Southland Conference play begins and the Ragin Cajuns begin Sun Belt play at Arkansas State.

LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron says he expects the Tigers will sign 22 or 23 players on the first day of the early signing period. Two of the signees are expected to be quarterbacks. Ponchatoula’s T-J Finley and Max Johnson from Georgia. 24-7 recruiting analyst Shea Dixon says the son of former NFL quarterback Brad Johnson just had a big senior season…
cut 17 (19) “…at quarterback”
Heading into today, LSU has the third highest-rated recruiting class according to 24-7 sports. Clemson is number one, Alabama is two.

Louisiana Tech cornerback Amik Robertson has entered the N-F-L draft and will not play in the Independence Bowl.

Seven Saints have been voted to the Pro Bowl, Terron Armstead, Drew Brees, Marshon Lattimore, Will Lutz, Michael Thomas, and return specialist Deonte Harris. The seven selections lead the N-F-C, but you could also make a case that tackle Ryan Ramcyzk and linebacker DeMario Davis should have been named pro bowlers.

Ragin Cajuns senior offensive lineman Kevin Dotson is just the second player from U-L Lafayette to be named an AP All-American. The Plaquemine native has helped the Cajuns produce the nation’s second-best rushing attack. Orlando Thomas is the school’s only other AP All-American.

The McNeese football team is ineligible for the F-C-S playoffs in 2020 because of a poor Academic Progress Rate.

The Pelicans lost their 13th straight last night, falling to Brooklyn in overtime 108-to-101. In college hoops, Marquette defeated Grambling 93-72 and Louisiana Tech downed North Carolina Central 69-60.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees is the NFL’s new all-time touchdown passing leader. Brees surpassed Peyton Manning’s mark of 539 TD passes by tossing four touchdown passes in a 34-7 win over the Colts. Brees says it was special to do it on a night the franchise honored the 2009 Super Bowl team
Cut 3 (12) “…as well.”
Brees was nearly perfect on the night as he completed 29 of his 30 pass attempts. That’s the highest single-game completion percentage in N-F-L history.

LSU’s Ed Orgeron has been named Associated Press Coach of the Year. He’s the third coach in Tigers history to win the award. Louisiana tech star cornerback Ami Robertson announces he will enter the N-F-L and not return for his senior season. It’s unclear if he’ll play in the bowl game.

The Pelicans hope to snap a franchise-record 12 game losing streak tonight against the Nets at the Smoothie King Center. Injuries have piled up, but Locked on Pelicans podcast host Jake Madison says there are two major culprits for this season’s failure, starting with the second-worst defense in the league…
Cut 16 (20) …times”
The New York Times’ Marc Stein reports the Pelicans are open to trading team leader Jrue Holiday, but it would cost a significant amount back. And the Pels are reportedly reluctant to move 35-year-old shooting guard J-J Redick.

La Tech men’s basketball hosts North Carolina Central at 6:30. The Bulldogs have won 20 of their last 21 home games. LSU returns from final exams to host East Tennessee State tomorrow. LSU baseball is ranked 11th in the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper preseason poll. Louisville is ranked number one.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees feels blessed today after breaking the NFL record for most touchdown passes in a career last night. Brees surpassed Peyton Manning’s record of 539 TD passes…
cut 4 (12) “:..remember forever”
Brees had four touchdowns as the Saints crushed the Colts 34-7. New Orleans is 11-and-3 and will be in Tennessee this Sunday.

And the Athens County Food Pantry is appreciative of LSU Quarterback Joe Burrow. Burrow told the world during his Heisman Trophy acceptance speech about the poverty in his hometown in Ohio and it has resulted in over 300-thousand dollars in donations to the pantry. Rob Szabo is with the Athens County Food Pantry and he says it comes at a good time…
cut 12 (07) “….this time now

The Pelicans will try to snap a franchise-record 12-game losing streak tonight when New Orleans hosts Brooklyn. For whatever the reason is, the mix of young players and veterans has not worked with this team and Locked on Pelicans podcast host Jake Madison wonders if a lot of these key veterans are will to stick around…
cut 18 (17) “….have’
The injury to Zion Williamson has been a key factor. There’s video of him today putting up shots after shootaround.

Louisiana Tech hosts North Carolina Center tonight. The Bulldogs are 7-and-3, while N-C Central is 3-and-9. Tech is trying to improve to six and 0 at home.

No surprise here, but La Tech cornerback Amik Robertson has declared for the N-F-L draft. The Thibodaux native has 14 career interceptions.

The 10-and-3 Saints host the six and seven Indianapolis Colts tonight in Monday night football. New Orleans is coming off a loss to San Francisco. One area of improvement for the Saints is in the red zone. This season they are only scoring touchdowns 56-percent of the time in the red zone. Last year they were just at 68-percent. For the season, running back Alvin Kamara has just two touchdowns. He spoke about improving in the red zone
cut 18 (16) successful”
The Falcons did the Saints a favor yesterday by beating San Francisco. But as of right now Seattle is in position to claim the number one seed. New Orleans could also use a loss from Green Bay. The Packers are at Minnesota next Monday.

LSU’s Joe Burrow is the landslide winner of the Heisman Trophy this year. Burrow says he’s just a man from southeast Ohio, who had to battle adversity when he transferred from Ohio State. The 23-year-old says his story shows hard work pays off…
cut 6 (11) “…offseason work”
Burrow received 1,846 more voting points than runner-up Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts.

The 2019 high school football season concluded over the weekend with the Prep Classic. The first four games were blowouts, but the last two games on Saturday were nail bitters. Karr won its fourth straight Class Four-A title with a 35-34 win over Warren Easton. And Acadiana completed an undefeated season with an eight to three victory over Destrehan. That’s five championships for the Wreckin Rams. And Oak Grove is state champs for the first time 18 years after crushing 55-12 in the One-A title game.

The Saints will host the Colts tonight at the Superdome and Quarterback Drew Brees needs to throw two more touchdown passes to tie Peyton Manning’s all-time record for touchdown passes with 539. Manning threw 399 TD passes with the Colts.

But Brees says his main focus is for the Black and Gold to play their best football with the playoffs right around the corner…
cut 17 (19) “…..building towards”
The Saints are striving to get the number one seed in the N-F-C playoffs. They got a little help yesterday with the Falcons upsetting the 49ers. Seattle now has the number one seed, but New Orleans owns the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Seahawks.

Quarterback Joe Burrow delivered a memorable and tearful Heisman Trophy acceptance speech after he became only the second Tiger to win the prestigious award. He started his speech by thanking his offensive line and ended it thanking Coach Ed Orgeron who showed faith in him
Cut 30 (14) “…(applause)”
Burrow also talked about how his hometown in Ohio is dealing with poverty and that’s led to a flood of donations for the Athens County Food Bank.

The Pelicans lost a franchise-record 12th straight game last night as Orlando dribbled past New Orleans 130-119. Coach Alvin Gentry received two technical fouls and he was ejected. During this losing streak, New Orleans has allowed 121 points a game. The Pels are at Brooklyn tomorrow.