NOLA.com reports Saints running back Alvin Kamara remains in concussion protocol, but expects to play this Sunday against the New York Jets. A Saints spokesperson says there are benchmarks that Kamara will have to pass before he’s allowed to play.

The Jets are coming off a 23-0 loss to Denver and Quarterback Josh McCown is not expected to play, after breaking his left hand in a loss to the Broncos. Bryce Petty would be the next man up for the Jets.

The team with the best record in the NFC, the Philadelphia Eagles, have lost their quarterback for the season. Carson Wentz tore his ACL in yesterday’s wild 43-35 win over the Los Angeles Rams. Nick Foles will be the guy the rest of the way for the 11-and-2 Eagles.

Former Louisiana Tech football coach Sonny Dykes has reportedly been hired as the head coach at SMU. Dykes went 22-15 in his three seasons in Ruston and led the Bulldogs to the Western Athletic Conference championship in 2011. SMU and Louisiana Tech will meet next week in the Fort Worth Bowl.

The Pelicans rallied to beat the Philadelphia 76ers 131-124 yesterday New Orleans faces the team with the best record in the NBA tonight, the Houston Rockets. The Rockets are 10-0 on the season when Chris Paul is in the lineup. Expect a lot of points in this game, Houston is averaging 114 a game, while New Orleans is averaging 109 points.

In college hoops, Duop Reath scored a career-high 30-points as LSU defeated UNC-Wilmington 97-84. LSU is now 5-and-2 on the season they’ll host Houston on Wednesday night.

Tomorrow night, Louisiana Tech hosts UL Lafayette. Both teams are 7-and-2. the Cajuns have won seven of their last eight and they’ll bring a four-game winning streak to Ruston. UL Lafayette is averaging 91 points a game, while the Bulldogs are averaging 93 points in their last three games.

The Saints didn’t get any help from the Minnesota Vikings. Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers defeated the Vikings 31 to 24 to make an NFC South race even tighter. New Orleans and the Panthers each have records of 9-and-4, but the Saints own the tie breaker. The Black and Gold host the Jets this Sunday. New York was shutout by the Broncos 23-0. Jets starting QB Josh McCown broke his left hand and if he can’t play this Sunday, Bryce Petty will get the start.

Did you watch the NFL games yesterday? Reports indicate ratings for pro football have been slipping of late. Baton Rouge-based Todd Advertising Agency owner Deborah Todd says one reason could be cheap streaming services:
Cut 8 (08) “a month”
She also believes games being on multiple nights instead of just on Sunday hurts ratings.

The Pelicans scored a franchise record 44 fourth quarter points as New Orleans rallied to beat the 76ers 131 to 124. Rajon Rondo had 18 assists, which is a season high in the NBA. Rondo also had five steals and scored 13 points. Jrue Holiday also had a big game, 34 points and nailed five three-pointers.

In college basketball last night, Duop Reath had 30 points and freshman point guard Tremont Waters nearly had a triple double as LSU defeated UNC Wilimginton 97-84.

In other action yesterday, Florida State topped Tulane 72-53 and Iowa knocked off Southern 97-60.

The 2017 Prep Classic wrapped up on Saturday with three more champions crowned, Zachary, Edna Karr for a second straight year and Catholic won its second title in three years with an upset win over John Curtis.

The LSU men’s basketball team beat UNC Wilmington 97-84 Sunday, as Duop Reath scored a career high 30 points. Here’s a highlight with Chris Blair on the call from the LSU Sports Radio Network…:
CUT 25 (11) “with 19”
Tremont Waters added 20 for the Tigers. Coach Will Wade said his team showed defensive improvement, but he wasn’t happy with the 16 turnovers. LSU hosts Houston Wednesday.

In the NFC South race the Saints didn’t get any help from the Panthers on Sunday, as Carolina beat the Vikings 31-24. But the playoff picture got a shakeup yesterday after Philadelphia quarterback Carson Wentz left the Eagles’ 43-35 win at the Los Angeles Rams with an injury which ESPN says could be a torn ACL. New Orleans will next face the New York Jets who were shut out by Denver yesterday, 23-0.

In high school football, Zachary beat Hahnville 34-14 in the 5A title. Broncos QB Keilon Brown ran for 189 yards and a touchdown. Pooka Williams rushed for 210 yards and a touchdown. Karr defended its 4A crown with a 48-26 win over Lakeshore and Catholic High of Baton Rouge knocked off John Curtis 20-14.

The Pelicans overcame an 8 point deficit to beat Philadelphia 131-124 last night at the Smoothie King Center. Jrue Holiday made five 3 pointers in the 4th, when he scored 19 of his 34 points. LSU-product Ben Simmons led the Sixers, recording a double-double with 27 points and 10 assists. The Pels take on the Rockets on the road tonight.

There are a couple of controversies stirring around the NFL which has Saints fans and New Orleans coach Sean Payton unhappy. According to FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer, the league has hired Mike Cerullo, a former Saints coach who was an instrumental whistle-blower in the bounty scandal. Payton tweeted that the report is troubling and unbelievable. It’s also being reported that the NFL used a former Atlanta Falcons player on the officiating crew for the Saints game Thursday against The Dirty Birds.

Tough night in Atlanta for the Saints who lost a hard fought game to the Atlanta Falcons 20-17. New Orleans had a chance to win it in the end, but quarterback Drew Brees pass into the end zone with 1:25 ended up in the hands of former LSU Tiger Deion Jones for an interception. Saints Head Coach Sean Payton was not hard on his team’s effort…:
Cut 16 (11) “hurt tonight”
The loss drops the Saints record to 9-4. The Black and Gold are still in first place in the NFC South, but Carolina moved a half-a-game closer to 8-4 and Atlanta is now 8-5.

Tonight the New Orleans Pelicans take on the Kings in the Smoothie King Center. Superstar forward Anthony Davis’ injury condition has been upgraded from doubtful to questionable for the contest. But the team says he remains day-to-day. But fellow All-Star Demarcus Cousins has been filling the gap nicely averaging 35.4 points in games Davis has missed. Sacramento is ranked NO. 29 in both the NBA’s offensive and defensive efficiency rankings. Tipoff is 7pm.

On the First Day of the All State Sugar Bowl Prep Classic, West St. John, Lafayette Christian and Catholic High of New Iberia were all crowned champions.

In the Class One-A game, West St. John won its fourth championship by beating Kentwood 20-14. The Rams secondary intercepted four passes, while Kylan Duhe rushed for 120 yards and two touchdowns.

Lafayette Christian blanked Ascension Catholic 10-0 to win the Division 4 title. It’s the first state championship for the Knights. The Bulldogs couldn’t muster any offense as they did not finish with their four running backs. Jamar and Dorian Barber didn’t play as they were injured in a car accident on Wednesday. And Jai Williams left with a possible concussion in the second quarter and Mason Zerinque broke his finger.

And finally in the Division Three title game Catholic upset top seeded Notre Dame 33-16. First state title for the Panthers since 1962. Trey Amos had two interceptions and forced a fumble.

Huge game tonight for the New Orleans Saints, and you can be sure fans will be on the edge of their seats as the Black and Gold take on the Falcons in Atlanta. Quarterback Drew Brees knows the defense is what got the Dirty Birds to the Super Bowl last year, and knows their D will be flying around tonight:
Cut 15 (11) “ball security”
The Saints can clinch at least a Wild Card playoff spot with a win and some help. Guard Andrus Peat will not play tonight due to a groin injury; and five other players are questionably including running back Mark Ingram.

How about that stat line for DeMarcus Cousins last night in the Pelicans 123-114 win over the Denver Nuggets. Boogie collected a whopping 40 points and grabbed 22 rebounds, gifted 4 assists and blocked 4 shots.

Nine state champions will be crowned the next three days, as the state football championships take place in the Superdome…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

In college hoops, Stephen F Austin edged Louisiana Tech 85-83, ending the Bulldogs 10 straight win streak at home. UL-Lafayette pounded Loyola, 98-56. Louisiana Tech will continue its hardwood rivalry on Tuesday when the Ragin’ Cajuns visit the Bulldogs in Ruston. Earlier Wednesday, Southern fell to Tulane, 96-76.

The Saints left for Atlanta today where they’ll play the Falcons tomorrow night in a big NFC South matchup. New Orleans is 9-3 and they lead the NFC South, while the Dirty Birds are 7-and-5 and this is a must win for them, if they want to win the division. New Orleans running back Mark Ingram goes into the game as the second leading rusher in the NFC, with 922 yards.

The Pelicans continue their four-game homestand tonight as they host the Denver Nuggets. These two teams met on November 17th in the Mile High City and the Nuggets beat New Orleans 148-114. That’s the most points given up by the franchise since its move to New Orleans.

In college hoops action….Tulane has already defeated Southern today 95-76. Louisiana Tech begins a four-game homestand against Stephen F Austin. The Bulldogs have won 10 straight at home. Loyola College is at the Ragin Cajuns. UL Lafayette has won six of its last seven.

LSU running back Derius Guice has left open the possibility he may return for his senior season. In an Instagram post Guice says a decision on his football future will be made after the Tigers play Notre Dame in the Citrus Bowl. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says he’ll be shocked if Guice returns and it will be interesting to see what offensive linemen, like Will Clapp will do…
cut 18 (17) “…could leave’
LSU senior quarterback Danny Etling has been named SEC Scholar Athlete of the Year.

Louisiana Tech’s Teddy Veal ahs been named Conference USA’s co-newcomer of the year. The transfer from Tulane had 69 catches for 832 yards and five touchdowns during the 2017 campaign.

The Advocate is reporting that LSU’s coaching staff will get a combined $115,000 in bowl bonuses. Coach O will get an extra 25 grand for leading the team to the Citrus Bowl on New Years Day. Position Assistants getting 10 grand and coordinators earning 15. The bonuses are subject to approval by the LSU Board of Supervisors at its annual fall meeting Friday.

With the end of the season looming, talk of juniors who won’t return to LSU is heating up. Tiger running back Derrius Guice, widely considered to be a first round draft pick in 2018, said he’s not going to make a decision on whether or not to come back to LSU until after the bowl game. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says Arden Key is another player likely to leave LSU and be picked in the first round. He says also expected to go pro are cornerbacks Donte Jackson and Kevin Toliver…:
Cut 17 (07) “declaration yet”

ULM will be looking for some new quarterbacks as they’ve lost their second and third string play callers on the same day. Garrett Smith is leaving Monroe, after losing the starting QB job to Caleb Evans. Smith is now looking to transfer to another school. Shortly after Smith’s announcement, third string QB Will Collins also said he’d be leaving ULM. He didn’t play at all this season.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is reporting that Falcons Coach Dan Quinn is appealing to fans to be in their seats for the Saints game tomorrow night, instead of “using the coasters.” The Dirty Birds new home, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, features clubs suites and other amenities that may be keeping fans from being 100% focused on the game. Quinn said when the Saints come to town, they need fans to make it as loud as they can.

KLFY in Acadiana is reporting that those in the running to replace outgoing Ragin Cajuns Head Coach Mark Hudspeth include LSU Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada, former Florida OC Doug Nussmeier and Penn State Defensive Coordinator Brent Pry.

In college hoops today, Tulane is hosting Southern, Stephen F Austin is at Louisiana Tech, UL-Lafayette hosts Loyola.

Two quarterbacks have announced their departure from ULM. Warhawks backup QB Garrett Smith said through Twitter that he was transferring, and with another year of eligibility he’ll likely seek another opportunity. Smith lost the starting gig last year to Caleb Evans. Shortly after Smith’s announcement, third string QB Will Collins also said he’d be leaving ULM. He didn’t play at all this season.

KLFY in Acadiana is reporting that those in the running to replace outgoing Ragin Cajuns Head Coach Mark Hudspeth include LSU Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada, former Florida OC Doug Nussmeier and Penn State Defensive Coordinator Brent Pry.

There’s possibly a shakeup taking place in Louisiana Tech’s Bowl game. Multiple reports indicate Arkansas has hired SMU head coach Chad Morris. He just finished his third year as the Mustangs’ leader, finishing 7-5 on the season and earning a bowl bid against the Bulldogs in the Frisco Bowl. This hire could mean Morris won’t coach SMU in the game.

There has been a lot of buzz over the Instagram post by LSU star running back Derrius Guice which says he will decide whether to enter the draft after the Citrus Bowl against Notre Dame. The junior is expected to be selected in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft if he leaves early. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says he would be shocked if Guice stayed another year..:
Cut 16 (16) “draft stock”
Guice says he is fulling healthy now, but nobody wants to play injured.

The Saints normally don’t practice on Tuesday, but they are on a short week as they next play the Falcons tomorrow night. With little recovery time, the injury list has grown. Running back Mark Ingram and Offensive Lineman Andrus Peat did not suit up yesterday. Cornerback Marshon Lattimore was limited.

The 12-12 New Orleans Pelicans host the 13-10 Denver Nuggets tonight inside the Smoothie King Center.

Usually, Tuesday is an off day for the Saints, but they were on the practice field today getting ready for Thursday night’s NFC South matchup with the Atlanta Falcons. As it stands now, the Saints appear to be in good position to make the playoffs, But running back Mark Ingram says nothing is guaranteed…

Cut 18 (14) “….keep getting better”

On the injury front, cornerback Marshon Lattimore was on the practice field for today’s walk-thru. He’s missed the last two games because of an ankle sprain.

The Pelicans fell to 12-and-12 on the season after losing to Golden State 125-115 last night. New Orleans led by 20 points at halftime. It’s the third time they’ve had a double digit lead over the defending champs, but still lost the game. New Orleans hosts the Denver Nuggets tomorrow night.

LSU star running back Derrius Guice has left the door open that he could return for his senior season. In an Instagram post, Guice said it wasn’t easy playing this season, because of an injured knee. The Baton Rouge product says he’s now fully healthy and a decision on whether he’ll leave or stay at LSU is still in the air and he won’t know until after the bowl game. If Guice enters the NFL draft, he’s expected to be a first round pick.

ULM quarterback Garrett Smith is leaving Monroe. Smith made 17 starts for the Warhawks and threw for nearly 4,000 yards and 31 touchdowns. But Smith made just one start this season as sophomore Caleb Evans established himself as the starting Q-B, so Smith is now looking to transfer to another school.

And in college baseball, Tiger Rag Magazine reports infielders Rankin (Rank-in) Woley and Mason Templet (Tom-play) are transferring from the program. Woley made eight starts last season and Templet, a former star player at St. Thomas More in Lafayette, was hitless in six at-bats as a freshmen last year.

Surprising news from LSU star running back Derrius Guice. The junior posted on Instagram last night that he was not going to make a decision about whether to enter the draft until after the Tigers bowl game against Notre Dame. It’s expected that Guice would be selected in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft if he decided to leave school early. Guice said he’s been frustrated with a knee injury and added nobody wants to play that way.

The combination of Saints running backs Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara has been so on fire that fans are looking for a nickname for the duo such as Thunder and Lighting, or Smash and Dash. Ingram says the run game is without-out-doubt one of the reasons the 9-3 Saints are one of the best teams this year:
Cut 17 (16) “great running game”
As it stands now, New Orleans appears to be in good position to make the playoffs.

Louisiana Tech is heading to a bowl game for a fourth consecutive season as they’ll play SMU in the first ever Frisco Bowl. The game will be played on the same day as the start of the new early signing period. Bulldogs Head Coach Skip Holtz says they’ll figure out how to sign recruits and play a football game at the same time..:
cut 20 (18) this year”
The Frisco Bowl will be held on December 20th in Frisco, Texas.

Last night the Warriors rallied past the Pelicans in New Orleans, 125-115. Jrue Holiday scored 34 for the Pels, and E’Twaun Moore had a career-high 27 points. DeMarcus Cousins and Kevin Durant both received their second technical fouls of the game when bickering in the final minutes and were both ejected. Cousins is up to seven technical fouls for the season.