6:45 LRN Sportscast

Number-22 LSU takes on 16th-ranked Mississippi State at 11 a.m. tomorrow. Coach Lane Kiffin will face another former coordinator in Bulldogs head coach Jeff Lebby. Lebby was the Ole Miss offensive coordinator for two seasons, and Kiffin says his offense can be lethal.

Cut 16 (16) “…pick you apart.”

Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor is still listed as questionable on the latest SEC availability report. Taylor has turf toe. Bulldogs starting running back Fluff Bothwell is also questionable with an ankle injury.

It looks like the College Football playoff will expand to 24 teams starting next year. No more conference championship games. The 24-team field would have 19 at-large bids and five automatic qualifiers.

 

After losing three straight at home, the Saints kick off a long road trip against the Giants on Sunday. Former Saints quarterback Jameis Winston has led New York to two wins and a tie since taking over for an injured Jaxson Dart. Saints D-end Carl Granderson says the Black and Gold will need to capitalize on any mistakes.

Cut 18 (14)  “…a mistake sometimes.”

Kick off is at noon.

Tomorrow night, ULM hosts Louisiana Tech for the first football game in 26 years between the I-20 rivals. Warhawks athletics director S-J Touhy told KNOE-TV in Monroe says his staff has been working hard to improve the fan experience…

Cut 8 (11) “…a fund day”

Kick-off is at 7 PM.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

ESPN reports that the College Football Playoff is finalizing a deal to expand to 24 teams next season. The new format is expected to feature automatic bids for Power conference champions, one auto bid for the top Group of Six team, and 19 at-large bids. In the expected format, the top eight seeds receive a bye, and all first- and second-round games would be played on campuses. Conference title games would likely be eliminated, and the format could jeopardize many bowl games.

LSU is rebounding from a gut-wrenching loss to Kentucky and will host number-16 Mississippi State on Saturday. The Tigers’ defense did not play up to its dominant standard in the loss, and Linebacker T.J. Dottery says it’s added motivation.

Cut 16 (11) “…week for sure.”

The Tigers and Bulldogs kick off at 11 on Saturday. Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor is listed as questionable as he deals with a right foot injury.

ULM coach Bryant Vincent announced on The Morning Drive with Aaron & Jake in Monroe that graduate running back Don Chaney is eligible and expected to play against LA Tech this weekend. The Miami, Louisville and Charlotte transfer will make his Warhawk debut and give the team another option in the backfield.

Louisiana Tech head coach Sonny Cumbie says the Warhawks passing offense is already a threat.

Cut 21 (11) “…in coverage.”

McNeese visits Northwestern State Saturday, and Cowboys coach Matt Viator says they have to be ready for an in-state battle.

Cut 22 (15) “…Northwestern State.”

McNeese is 2-and-4 on the season and 1-and-2 in conference, while Northwestern is 0-and-6. Kickoff is at noon.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor was listed as questionable to play against LSU this weekend on the initial SEC Availability Report last night. Taylor has been one of the most electric playmakers in college football, but he is dealing with a foot injury that ended his game against Alabama early. LSU linebacker TJ Dottery says the Tigers’ preparation will be the same whether or not he plays.

Cut 18 (13)  “…out there Saturday.”

Kickoff is at 11 a.m.

Saints Quarterback Tyler Shough and head coach Kellen Moore agree with owner Gayle Benson that the team needs to improve. Shough says he feels the team has a chance to go on a run and change the narrative, and the players share Benson’s expectations for the team.

Cut 15 (10) “…can that way.”

A big game for northeast Louisiana this weekend as Louisiana Tech and ULM renew their rivalry for the first time in 26 years. As new Sun Belt members, the Bulldogs beat UL Lafayette in their first matchup in over a decade last week. Quarterback Blake Baker earned Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week honors after throwing for over 300 yards and totaling four touchdowns. Head coach Sonny Cumbie…

Cut 20 (18) “…their pass pro.”

The Warhawks have lost 13 straight, but coach Bryant Vincent says they haven’t given up.

Cut 21 (14) “…kicking game.”

Kickoff is at 7 on Saturday.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Saints owner Gayle Benson says the fans deserve better after watching the Black and Gold lose three consecutive games at home to start the season 1-and-4. Coach Kellen Moore says Benson’s comments will not change the team’s preparation because they were already focused on getting better…

Cut 14 (08) “…moving forward”

The Saints visit the New York Giants on Sunday.

LSU’s defense played well for most of the game in the overtime loss to Kentucky, but they did not finish well, allowing the Wildcats to tie the game right before the end of regulation. Kentucky easily scored a touchdown and a two-point conversion in overtime. Linebacker TJ Dottery says he spoke with coordinator Blake Baker about what went wrong.

Cut 17 (14) “…it for sure.”

 

Louisiana Tech is making the 30-minute drive to Monroe to face the Warhawks for the first time in 26 years this weekend. The teams have met 43 times going back to 1953. Tech head coach Sonny Cumbie says his team is ready to write their own chapter in a historic rivalry.

Cut 19 (09) “…the Sun Belt.”

Louisiana Tech is trying to get to 2-0 in the Sun Belt, while the Warhawks have lost 13 in a row. Kick-off is at 7 PM.

The LSU men’s basketball team won a fun exhibition game last night, beating UCF 85 to 81. Donovan Dent scored the winning basket on a driving layup with eight seconds left and he finished with 21 points. Dent nearly had a triple-double, also had 11 assists and nine rebounds. LSU guard Abdi Bashir had 26 points as he played all 40 minutes. The Tigers only played six guys last night as they wait for others to get eligible.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

As LSU turns the page from a disappointing loss to Kentucky last weekend, tight end Roman Mothershed says some of the team’s leaders are stepping up to change the Tigers’ mentality.

Cut 22 (20) “… whatever’s wrong.”

22nd-ranked LSU will host 16th-ranked Mississippi State for an 11 a.m. kickoff on Saturday. Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor’s status is still uncertain.

The SEC filed a request that their federal lawsuit against LSU not be dismissed even though the Tigers have not rostered any former pro athletes. The conference said that Will Wade’s recruitment of former NBA G Leaguer RJ Luis is still an ongoing threat to its First Amendment rights. Wade has said he intends to follow all SEC protocols.

Saints wide receiver Chris Olave and defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd did not practice today as they were out with an illness. Linebackers Kaden Elliss and Anfernee Jennings were also still sidelined with injuries. Running back Alvin Kamara, D-tackles Vernon Broughton and Colby Wooden, and edge rusher Tyree Wilson were all limited. Long snapper Zach Wood made his return from injured reserve.

ULM hosts Louisiana Tech in the first I-20 Showdown in 26 years this weekend. The Warhawks are 0-and-5 and have not won a game since September of last year. The Bulldogs are 3-and-2 to start the season and got a big win over UL Lafayette last week. ULM coach Bryant Vincent says his team still believes in itself and there is a lot of football left.

Cut 19 (20) “…a big one.”

Kickoff between ULM and Tech is at 7 p.m.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt is the only player in college football to have a turnover in every game this season. He leads the nation with eight interceptions and had a crucial fumble late against Kentucky. He says it’s an area he needs to improve.

Cut 17 (12) “…getting better at.”

Saints owner Gayle Benson did not pull any punches when speaking to the Greater New Orleans Quarterback Club about her team’s 1-and-4 start yesterday. She says she will not make excuses for the Saints’ recent performance.

Cut 13 (10)  “…improve this team.”

Benson says the fans deserve better, and it will take results, not words, to win back their confidence. The Black and Gold will be on the road at the Giants on Sunday.

ULM and Louisiana Tech face off Saturday in the first I-20 Rivalry clash since 2000. Warhawks coach Bryant Vincent expects an electric atmosphere in Monroe. He says Northeast Louisiana will thrive off of the conference matchup.

Cut 18 (14)  “…see this environment.”

The Warhawks are 0-and-5 while the Bulldogs are second in the Sun Belt West at 3-and-2. Tech coach Sonny Cumbie says his team knows not to underestimate ULM just because of their record.

Cut 20 (14) “…them as well.”

Kickoff in Monroe on Saturday is set for 7 p.m.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Saints owner Gayle Benson says her team’s one and four start is unacceptable. Benson spoke at the Greater New Orleans Quarterback Club and read a lengthy statement that reflected her disappointment with the team’s current three-game losing streak, all of the losses happening in the Superdome. She says the responsibility falls on her to do what is best for the team, and it will take results to win back the confidence of the fan base.

Cut 15 (12) “…throughout our organization.”

The Saints are on the road this Sunday to play the New York Giants.

The SEC’s latest legal filing in its federal lawsuit against LSU over the eligibility of players who signed contracts with NFL and NBA teams says the case should not be dismissed, because LSU has refused to publicly and definitely state that RJ Luis will not be included LSU’s roster. Coach Will Wade says are going to follow all SEC protocols when it comes to Luis, who signed contracts with two different NBA teams, but never played in an NBA game. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says LSU has broken no rules and the case is moot.

 

22nd ranked LSU is looking to bounce back from a tough loss to Kentucky as they host 16th-ranked Mississippi State this Saturday at 11 AM. Quarterback Sam Leavitt says sometimes it can be hard to mentally rebound from a close loss because there aren’t always a lot of coaching tips to work on.

Cut 16 (19) “…keep getting better.”

LSU guard Mikaylah Williams is taking charge of the Lady Tigers women’s basketball team in her senior season. The Bossier City native has been a star since her freshman year; but after two trips to the Elite Eight and a Sweet 16 elimination, she has more to prove in Baton Rouge.

Cut 20 (17) “…I’ve been here.”

The Lady Tigers regular season opener is November second against Southeastern Louisiana.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU lost yet another close one in Kentucky, falling 35-34 to the Wildcats on Saturday. The Tigers missed too many chances, including two trips to the red zone where they had to settle for field goals. Coach Lane Kiffin says it’s an area where they need to get better.

Cut 18 (12)  “…it’s a problem.”

The LSU basketball teams did not make it to Birmingham for SEC Media Days due to dense fog in Baton Rouge, but coach Will Wade and forward Mo Dioubate joined the SEC Network Broadcast. Wade says his team is ready to get going despite any noise about his unfinished roster.

Cut 22 (15) “…really think.”

LSU guard Mikaylah Williams is preparing for her senior season in Baton Rouge. The Bossier City native has been a star in all three seasons at LSU, and she says she stayed at LSU to make a difference off the court.

Cut 21 (12) Become great

Southern Safety Herman Brister was named SWAC Defensive Player of the Week after the Jaguars’ 28-14 win over Prairie View A&M. The redshirt junior made ten tackles and two picks, including the game-winning 47-yard pick-six. Coach Marshall Faulk says in big moments players don’t need to switch on another gear, just fall back on their practice.

Cut 16 (17) “…time for him.”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU fans have been grumbling about how the game was officiated in last Saturday’s one-point overtime loss to Kentucky. It sure seemed like the Tigers stopped Kentucky’s Tush Push on the final play of the first half, but the refs didn’t blow the whistle when Kenny Minchey’s forward progress was stopped, which allowed Minchey’s teammates to drag and push him into the end zone.

There was also a potential false start before Kentucky’s game-winning two point conversion. Coach Lane Kiffin says the refs missed some calls…

Cut 20 (19) “…always evened out”

LSU hosts 16th ranked Mississippi State on Saturday. There’s a chance Bulldogs star Q-B Kamario Taylor doesn’t play because of a foot injury.

 

Grambling quarterback Jacobe Robinson has been named the SWAC Football Newcomer of the Week. Robinson accounted for five touchdowns in the Tigers 45-38 win over Jackson State. He threw for 212 yards and rushed for 52 yards. Robinson previously played at Boston College and Southern Miss and Coach Mickey Joseph says you can see why he was part of two F-B-S programs…

Cut 17 (16) “…the game go”

The G-men are now first in the SWAC West and will visit 5-and-2 Alabama A&M on Saturday.

Louisiana Tech’s Blake Baker was named Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week. The fourth-year quarterback threw for 319 yards and three touchdowns in the Bulldogs come from behind win over the Cajuns. Baker also had a rushing touchdown. Tech is at ULM this Saturday.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

After a promising week one effort and a big upset win in week two, following a 23-13 loss to the Vikings yesterday, the Saints have now lost three straight home games. Head coach Kellen Moore says the team will lean on one another as they push through a rough start to the season.

Cut 20 (08) “…our focus.”

The Saints head to New York to face the Giants this weekend.

LSU’s college football playoff chances are slim after letting one slip away to Kentucky. For the second straight week, the Wildcats walked it off with a two-point conversion in overtime, and the Tigers suffered a gut-wrenching 35-34 defeat on the road. Coach Lane Kiffin watched his team fail to close out a three-point lead in the final minutes…

Cut 15 (09) “…going to happen.”

Louisiana Tech won its Sun Belt debut against UL Lafayette 32-31 behind a 12-point fourth-quarter comeback. Tech had 485 total yards, 338 through the air and converted seven of 13 third-downs. The Bulldogs turned it over three times and had eight penalties. Coach Sonny Cumbie says it was not perfect, but his team found a way…

Cut 19 (18) “…resiliency.”

Quarterback Blake Baker was named Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week after totaling four touchdowns.

Current Sun Belt favorite James Madison announced it will be leaving the conference and joining the American Conference by 2028. The Dukes entered the Sun Belt in 2022 as it made the move up from the FCS and made the College Football Playoff last season. Sun Belt Commissioner Keith Gill re-emphasized the conference’s commitment to regional rivalries and said leadership would examine all opportunities.