When the Saints face the Vikings on Sunday. It will be the second meeting this season between the two teams. Minnesota defeated New Orleans 29-19 in Week One on a Monday night. Coach Sean Payton says both teams are much different now…
cut 18 (19) “….done that”
Sam Bradford and Dalvin Cook made up the Vikings backfield in the regular season opener and now it features quarterback Case Keenum and running backs Jerick McKinnon and Latavius Murray.

Multiple reports say Steve Ensminger will be named LSU’s new offensive coordinator. Ensminger served as an interim offensive coordinator eight games last season after the firing of Les Miles. He’s served as tight ends coach at LSU the last several years.

After beating the Pistons 112 to 109 last night, New Orleans heads to Memphis to take on the Grizzlies tomorrow night. Anthony Davis had 30 points in last night’s win over Detroit, but left in the second half with an ankle injury. Coach Alvin Gentry said today it’s doubhtful A-D will play tomorrow night.

In college hoops last night, Jackson State went to Baton Rouge and edged Southern 65-61 despite 22 points from Jared Sam, while Grambling beat Alcorn State 72-61. Southern and Grambling are 1-3 in league play.

Tonight, Tulane takes on Memphis at 6 PM. The Green Wave have won four of their last five.

In college baseball…Perfect Game announced it’s preseason All-American team today and Southeastern Louisiana third baseman Taylor Schwaner and LSU center fielder Zach Watson landed on the third-team.

Tiger Rag Magazine reports catcher Mason Doolittle has left the LSU baseball program. He was expected to compete for a starting role, but Coach Paul Mainieri says Hunter Feduccia has won that job.

Nick Saban won his sixth national championship last night as Alabama rallied to beat Georgia 26-23 in overtime. Saban’s decision to bench an ineffective Jalen Hurts for Tua Tagovailoa paid off as the freshman from Hawaii threw three touchdown passes, including the game winner to Devonta Smith, a former standout at Amite High School.

LSU is reportedly close to naming Steve Ensminger as the Tigers new offensive coordinator. Ensminger has been the Tigers tight ends coach for a number of years and served as interim offensive coordinator in 2016 after Les Miles and Cam Cameron were fired. LSU averaged 41 points a game in six victories with Ensminger calling plays, but didn’t do much in losses versus to Alabama and Florida.

And former LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis has found another job in the SEC. Arkansas has hired Chavis, after he failed to get Texas A-and-M’s defense among the best in the SEC the last two seasons.

The Saints coaching staff is developing a game plan to beat the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. The two teams met in the regular season opener, Minnesota won 29-19. Head Sean Payton says there are many reasons why the Vikings finished with the second best record in the NFC…
cut 17 (20) “…the season”
The Saints defense gave up 470 yards in that first meeting. And Minnesota has a different quarterback. Case Keenum has led Minnesota to a 13-3 record.

In the NBA last night, the Pelicans edged the Pistons 112 to 109. Anthony Davis had 30 points, before leaving the game in the third quarter, because of an ankle injury. New Orleans is at Memphis tomorrow.

And LSU has moved up about 40 spots in the RPI rankings after beating Texas A-and-M on Saturday. The Tigers visit Arkansas tomorrow.

Alabama ended up creeping back up on Georgia in the College Football Playoff national championship game last night, and rallied to a 26-23 win after Amite grad Devonta Smith caught the winning pass for the Crimson Tide in overtime. Alabama Coach Nick Saban now has six major poll natties, including one at LSU.

There are reports indicating LSU Coach Ed Orgeron is going to name Steve Ensminger as offensive coordinator for the Tigers. Coach O had previously expressed interest in expanding the role of the longtime assistant, though the move is not final yet and is not being confirmed by LSU.

LSU is losing junior defensive back Kevin Toliver to the 2018 NFL Draft, and right tackle Toby Weathersby. Each announced their plans to forgo their senior seasons with the Tigers on MOnday. They join edge rusher Arden Key as LSU underclassmen who have declared for the draft. Key announced his news last week and said Monday he’d partnered with CAA, an agency that represents numerous NFL players.

Saints Coach Sean Payton’s dance moves following Sunday’s playoff win over Carolina have made the rounds on social media. Rookie running back Alvin Kamara filmed Payton and the rest of the team getting down in the locker room. Linebacker Manti Te’o says it was a great moment for the entire team:
Cut 16 (21) dance floor though”
New Orleans will face the Vikings on Sunday at 3:40 pm in the NFC divisional playoffs.

In the NBA, the Pelicans started strong and ended up with the win over the Pistons last night, 112-109.

Monday, LSU point guard Tremont Waters was named the SEC freshman of the week for the second time this season.

The Saints completed the sweep of Carolina as they defeated the Panthers 31-26 for a third time this season and advance to the divisional round of the NFC playoffs. New Orleans couldn’t get its running game going, but hall of fame quarterback Drew Brees threw for 376 yards and two touchdowns and the Saints defense kept Carolina out of the end zone in the final seconds. Head Coach Sean Payton also gives credit to the Who Dat Nation for bringing the noise during the game…
cut 18 (19) “….formations”
Up next for the Saints, they’ll play the Minnesota Vikings at 3:40 on Sunday afternoon. Minnesota beat New Orleans in the regular season opener 29-19.

The search is on for a new offensive coordinator at LSU now that Head Coach Ed Orgeron and Matt Canada have split ways after just one season. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says is a very important hire for Orgeron, because if he misfires again, it could mean the end of his tenure at LSU…
cut 6 (05) “…third chance”
Orgeron says he’s looking for someone that has a wealth of experience that is totally committed to the vision of the program and has the drive to do whatever it takes to see it through.

Louisiana Tech’s Amik Robertson has been named to the Football Writers Association of America Freshman All-American team. Robertson had a team-high five interceptions during the 2017.

In basketball…LSU’s Tramont Waters has been named the SEC Freshman of the Week. The point guard from Connecticut knocked down a miraculous shot to upset Texas A-and-M on Saturday.

In the NBA…the 19-and-19 Pelicans host the Detroit Pistons tonight.

The Saints are moving on in the playoffs after beating the Carolina Panthers 31-26 in front of a raucous Superdome crowd. New Orleans defense came up with a big stand in the final minute of the game and Drew Brees threw for 376 yards and two touchdowns…:
Cut 16 (19) make em”
The Saints will now head to Minnesota Sunday to take on the Vikings for a trip to the NFC Championship.

Two SEC teams will face off tonight in the College Football Playoff national championship game. Alabama is back in the big contest for a third straight season, and will kick off against Georgia in the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta around 7:30. President Donald Trump is expected to attend.

In men’s hoops, LSU got past No. 11 Texas A&M 69-68 on the road Saturday following two Termont Waters 3-pointers in the final 12.4 seconds.

Nicholls beat Houston Baptist 72-71 on Saturday night. UL-Lafayette picked up an 81-64 victory over Coastal Carolina. Louisiana Tech finally broke into the Conference USA win column by holding off UTEP 97-88. Southern picked up its first conference win, beating Grambling 80-69. Stephen F. Austin beat Northwestern State 64-56. Southeastern stayed undefeated in the Southland with a 72-70 win over Abilene Christian.

In the NBA, Minnesota cruised past New Orleans 116-98 over the weekend. The Pelicans host Detroit tonight.

LSU athletics reportedly paid 1.7 million dollars to buy out the final two years of Matt Canada’s contract. So the search is on for a new offensive coordinator. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham believes Athletics Director Joe Alleva is willing to spend a lot on a new play caller..:
Cut 4 (09) “your coordinators”
He says this is a very important hire for Orgeron, because if he misfires again, it could mean the end of his tenure at LSU.

The separation is official. Matt Canada is no longer LSU’s offensive coordinator. Tigers Head Coach Ed Orgeron says it was tough a decision, but he chose to go in a different direction in order to get the program where it needs to be. Coach O says the search for a new offensive coordinator begins immediately and he’ll look to identify a coach with a wealth of experience. The Advocate Reports Canada will receive one-point-seven million dollars to coach somewhere else.

For Carolina to upset the Saints tomorrow in the NFC Wild Card Game, Panthers quarterback Cam Newton needs to have a big game. Newton can be erratic as a passer, but New Orleans Defensive end Cam Jordan says it’s never easy to play against Newton…
cut 30 (13) “…get after em”
Kick-off tomorrow is at 3:40.

After falling by three points to 17th ranked Kentucky on Wednesday, the LSU Tigers get a chance to upset 11th ranked Texas A&M in College Station. The Aggies are 0-2 in the SEC, but they are getting back six-foot-nine forward D-J Hogg from a three-game suspension. He’s the Aggies leading scorer at 15 points a game and is shooting 50-percent from three-point range. Tip-off is at 1:15.

Tonight in the Cajundome, U-L Lafayette hosts Coastal Carolina. The Cajuns are the lone unbeaten team in the Sun Belt at 3-0. If they win tonight, it will equal their best conference start in four years.

ULM looks to even its record to 2-2 in league play as the Warhawks host Appalachian State at 2 PM. In Ruston tonight, Louisiana Tech goes after its first win in Conference USA as the Bulldogs host UTEP for a six PM tip.

In the Southland….McNeese hosts UNO. the Privateers are 4-0 in league play, while the Cowboys have won three of their last four.

The Saints will host division rival Carolina this Sunday in a wild-card playoff game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. New Orleans started its season with an 0-2 record, but began an eight-game winning streak by beating the Panthers in Week 3. The Saints also beat the Panthers 31-21 at home on December 3rd. Saints sideline reporter Kristian Garic says there’s a belief that it is difficult to beat a team three times in one season, but history shows that’s not the case….
cut 18 (14) “…rematches”
Two Saints players are listed as questionable for Sunday’s game, defensive end Trey Hendrickson and offensive tackle Terron Armstead. Carolina has four players questionable, including former LSU Tiger and offensive guard Trai Turner and wide receiver Devin Funchess.

The Advocate reports to expect an outcome regarding LSU offensive coordinator Matt Canada’s future by Sunday. The report goes on to say that Canada’s representatives and LSU are discussing a contract buyout. Canada still has two more years remaining on a three-year contract that still owes him three-point-three million dollars. Sources say Head Coach Ed Orgeron wants to take the Tigers offense in a different direction.

In high school football, St. Frederick in Monroe needs a new head coach as Jeff Tannehill is out after five seasons. Tannehill led the Warriors to the state championship game in 2014.

In college basketball tomorrow, after losing to 17th ranked Kentucky on Wednesday, the Fighting Tigers visit 11th ranked Texas A-and-M. The Aggies are 0-2 to start SEC Play.

UL Lafayette looks to imrove to 4-0 in Sun Belt Play as they host Coastal Carolina. UNO can also go to 4-0 in the Southland as they are at McNeese.

The Saints meet their division rival Carolina on Sunday in an NFC Wildcard matchup. New Orleans has won seven straight inside the Dome. Saints Sideline reporter Kristian Garic says the fans made a difference when New Orleans beat Atlanta on Christmas Eve to clinch a playoff spot and they should be ramped up even more this Sunday….
cut 17 (20) “…loud Superdome”
Before the Saints playoff game on Sunday, it’s the Bills versus the Jaguars in an AFC wildcard matchup. Former LSU Tiger Leonard Fournette has purchased rolex watches for his offensive linemen. Fournette rushed for 1,040 yards and nine touchdowns during his rookie season.

LSU atheltics director Joe Alleva says they expected other schools to come after defensive coordinator Dave Aranda and he says they were ready to put a plan in place to keep Aranda, who has signed a contract extension. Alleva added that keeping Aranda is a step for the future of the program.

Now the next order of business is to resolve the situation involving offensive coordinator Matt Canada. The Advocate reports Canada’s representatives and LSU are deep into negotiations that would allow Canada to coach somewhere else this season. Canada signed a three-year deal in December of 2016 and the school owes him just over three-million dollars to buy out the remainder of his contract.

In college basketball…the Ragin Cajuns moved to 3-0 in the Sun Belt with a 78-45 win over Appalachian State. ULM got its first conference win of the year by beating Coastal Carolina 82-72, Louisiana Tech fell to 0-3 in Conference USA with a two-point loss to U-T-S-A and Tulane rallied to beat SMu 73-70.

The Saints and the Carolina Panthers will meet for the third time on Sunday in the NFC Wild Card Round. In an effort to avoid distractions, the Saints have been prohibited from playing ping pong or Ninentdo 64 in the locker room. Quarterback Drew Brees will be making his 12th postseason start…
cut 30 (18) “…is no different”

In basketball, the Pelicans beat Utah 108-98 last night, while LSU fell to 17th ranked Kentucky. Tonight….the Ragin Cajuns host Appalachian State in a battle of two teams that are 2-0 in the Sun Belt. ULM hosts Coastal Carolina and Louisiana Tech takes on U-T San Antonio in Ruston. Tulane also hosts SMU.

Dave Aranda is staying. Still no word on Matt Canada. Kelley Ray has the latest on LSU’s coordinators…
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray”

Texas A-and-M has reportedly hired Notre Dame’s Mike Elko as defensive coordinator.

In Hammond, Southeastern Louisiana announces Greg Stevens is back as the Lions offensive coordinator. Stevens spent the last four seasons at Eastern Illinois. He was calling plays at S-L-U in 2012 and 2013 and in 13 Southeastern won a Southland Championship.

One of the top defensive coordinators in the country is staying in Baton Rouge. LSU and Dave Aranda have reportedly agreed to a four-year contract that will pay him on average 2.5 million dollars a year. Texas A-and-M came after Aranda with a strong offer, but Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says LSU showed him the money…
cut 11 (12) “…years after years”
As expected, edge rusher Arden Key will not return for his senior season. He’s declared for the NFL draft and despite injury troubles this past year, he’s expected to be a first round pick.

The LSU men’s basketball team battled last night, but came up short in an upset bid of 17th ranked Kentucky. The Wildcats responded well in the second half to a five-point halftime deficit to beat the Bayou Bengals 74-71. Duop Reath had 24 points and 11 rebounds in a losing effort.

The Saints continue preparations today for their NFC Playoff match-up with the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Second-year safety Von Bell is looking forward to his first playoff game…
cut 19 (16) “…prove it”
Rookie cornerback Marshon Lattimore has been named the N-F-L’s Defensive rookie for December. The former Ohio State Buckeye also won the award in October. Lattimore leads the Saints in interceptions with five.