The Florida State Seminoles are just hours away from kicking off against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles in the Walk-On’s Independence Bowl in Shreveport. This is the first year Walk-On’s to sponsor the game. Director of public and media relations for the I-Bowl, Stefan Nolet, says there are plenty of activities for fans beforehand…:
Cut 14 (11) “gonna have”
Kickoff is slated for 12:30pm this afternoon.

New UL-Lafayette head football coach Billy Napier added another key piece to his coaching staff on Tuesday, announcing the hiring of Karl Scott as defensive coordinator. Scott comes to the Ragin’ Cajuns from Texas Tech where he spent two seasons coaching the Red Raider secondary. Napier said Scott fully understands the Ragin Cajuns recruiting footprint with ties in Louisiana, as well as being a Houston native.

As the LSU football team continues preparations for the Citrus Bowl against Notre Dame on New Years Day, players had a special visitor attend practice on Tuesday afternoon. Governor John Bel Edwards talked to The Tigers prior to workouts, and even joined in on a few plays…:
CUT 25 (03) “Tigers”
LSU has two more practices in Baton Rouge before heading to Orlando. The Fighting Irish arrived in Florida yesterday.

The New Orleans Pelicans are hosting the Brooklyn Nets tonight at the Smoothie King Center in their first home game since December 13th. The Pels are going into tonight’s game off three days of rest  following back-to-back blowout victories over the Orlando Magic and the Miami Heat last weekend.

The New Orleans Saints can win the NFC South on Sunday in Tampa, but will have to wait a little later to do it. The game, which was originally slated as a noon kickoff, has been moved to a 3:25pm start time. The TV networks are also delaying the start of the Falcons – Panthers game to 3:25pm. If the Saints win or the Panthers lose, New Orleans wins the division.

There is a major competition underway for playoff spots in the NFC South, and the NFL wants to make sure all of the drama goes down at the same time. The league has moved the Saints game against the Buccaneers to the 3:25 pm time slot for Week 17. The Panthers and Falcons game has also moved to the same time.

In the Saints win over Atlanta on Christmas Eve, star receiver Michael Thomas was having a hamstring issue, but said the play before halftime with the deep pass for receiver Ted Ginn is the reason he played the game…:
CUT 25 (29) “playing for each other”

LSU meets Notre Dame in the Citrus Bowl on January 1st. The 14th ranked Irish and 16th ranked Tigers clash with identical records, similar rankings and a somewhat lengthy series history. They’ve played 11 times and will meet for a third time in a bowl game in the past 11 years.

There are three college bowl games today, the Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl which features Utah and West Virginia. The Quick Lane Bowl is this evening featuring Duke and Northern Illinois. Tonight’s Cactus bowl features Kansas State versus UCLA.

Tomorrow’s bowl games include the Walk-On’s Independence Bowl in Shreveport, featuring Southern Miss vs. Florida State. The Wednesday game in Northwest Louisiana kicks off at 1:30pm.

After a few days off, the Pelicans are set to take on the Nets tomorrow night in New Orleans. The Pels are coming off a 109-94 win Saturday in Miami. A win tomorrow night would make it three in a row.

The Saints are going to the playoffs following a 23-13 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday in the Mercedes Benz Superdome on Sunday. Quarterback Drew Brees was 21-of-28 for 239 yards and a touchdown. He says it’s exciting to be headed to the post-season, but the work is not over yet…:
CUT 25 (23) “for that game”
The Saints defense gave up 331 total yards to the Falcons and stepped up big when it counted most, allowing only one touchdown. New Orleans now needs to win in Tampa next week or the Panthers must lose in Atlanta in order for the black and gold to clinch the division.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees became the third quarterback in NFL history to pass for more than 70,000 yards in his career with a 13-yard screen to Mark Ingram in the first quarter of yesterday’s game, joining Peyton Manning and Brett Favre.

Holding only a three-point lead at the half, the Pelicans came out in the second half and put their offense on display, out-scoring the Miami Heat 27-16 in the third quarter en route to a 109-94 win, Saturday, in Miami. The Pels return home Wednesday, looking to make it three in a row as they face the Brooklyn Nets. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ December Aerial Waterfowl Survey shows a major migration of birds, over three million compared to just over one a half million last month. Waterfowl Program Manager Larry Reynolds blames the weather…:
Cut 10 (09) “birds out”
Duck hunting season will go on through mid January in the coastal areas of Louisiana.

LSU football landed a huge signee Friday who waited until the last minute to announce he’d decided to officially become a Tiger. It’s Terrace Marshall, the top-ranked receiver in the nation out of Parkway high who has been a long-time LSU commitment. Marshall is the top-ranked player in Louisiana, a top 15 overall prospect and number one in the US at his position. The Tigers ended the three day signing period with a total of 21 commitments, leaving four spots open.

Last night in the PMAC, the LSU men’s basketball team dominated North Florida 104-52 — the largest win for coach the program since 2006. The Tigers were lead offensively by Duop Reath and Tremont Waters who each had 15 points. LSU’s next game in Baton Rouge will be on January 3rd against Kentucky to open SEC play for the Tigers.

Elsewhere in men’s hoops, Louisiana Tech topped Fort Wayne 85-76, and UL-Lafayette beat Clemson 89-60. Today Nicholls State is at Seattle.

The Saints and Falcons will meet for the 97th time Sunday when the two long-time rivals square off in the Superdome. New Orleans is 10-4, and the NFC South is extremely competitive with three teams fighting for playoff spots. Atlanta is 9-5, and the Panthers at 10-4. Head Coach Sean Payton normally doesn’t discuss playoffs during the regular season, but he broke character a bit Friday…:
CUT 28 (22) “the South”
The game in the Big Easy kicks off at noon tomorrow.

The Magic was no match for the Pelicans Big 3 last night as New Orleans topped Orlando 111-97. The Pels never trailed in the victory in a game that saw Demarcus Cousins pick up 26 points and 11 rebounds, 24 points for Jrue Holiday, and 20 on the board from Anthony Davis.

A dynamic and explosive running back from south Louisiana has decided to sign with Kansas. Hahnville’s Pooka Williams has been committed to the Jayhawks for several months and despite a recruitment effort by LSU, he decided it was best for him to play for the Jayhawks. Williams rushed for over 13-hundred yards in the postseason.

The Saints can win the NFC South this Sunday with a win over rival Atlanta and a Carolina Panthers loss. In the first game against the Falcons, New Orleans wasn’t able to get its running game going. Quarterback Drew Brees expects a big game this time from Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram…:
Cut 17 (15) “the job”
The Saints have placed safety Kenny Vaccaro on injured reserve. The free agent to be, may have played his last game with the Black and Gold.

The Pelicans have a chance to snap their two-game losing streak tonight when they visit the Orlando Magic. New Orleans lost to the Magic earlier this season 115 to 99. Orlando is currently on a six-game losing streak and they have the third worst record in the Eastern Conference.

The LSU basketball team hosts North Florida tonight at the PMAC. U-N-F will start four sophomores and a freshman tonight as they bring a 5-and-9 record to the PMAC. The 7-and-3 Tigers are coming off a 22-point win over Sam Houston State.

Funeral servies are today for Louisiana Sports Hall of Famer Charlie Hennigan, who still holds two NFL receiving records. Hennigan starred for the Houston Oilers in the 1960s after a standout career at Northwestern State, where he excelled in both football and track. He still holds NFL records with three games of at least 200 yards receiving in a season and he also had seven straight games of at least 100 yards receiving in 1961.

The Saints can qualify for the playoffs with a win over NFC South rival Atlanta or a Carolina loss this weekend. New Orleans has the easiest road to the post season of any NFL team still trying to qualify, only needing to win one of the next two to play in January. Quarterback Drew Brees says he would love to wrap this up and win in front of the home crowd…:
Cut 16 (17) “a game”
The game kicks off Sunday at 12noon on FOX.

New Orleans will be without safety Kenny Vaccaro who has been placed on injured reserve as a result of a groin injury which needs surgery so he’ll miss the rest of the season.

In the NBA, the Pelicans are on the road to face Orlando tonight at 6pm.

The college football new early signing period continues today. On day 2, LSU landed a second running back in Alabama native Tae Provens who becomes the 19th signee this week. #20 is expected to come today, Dallas native Jarell Cherry – then possibly at #21 five-star Bossier City Parkway wide receiver Terrace Marshall who is top-ranked nationally.

A third player from Notre Dame has been suspended for the Citrus Bowl New Years Day against No. 16 LSU. The latest is a junior tight end who won’t play because of what team leaders say is an internal matter. Two other players are already indefinitely suspended for the Fighting Irish after being arrested for shoplifting.

In college hoops, East Carolina held off Grambling 76-68. Southeastern fell to Notre Dame 86-50. Tulane picked up a victory over South Alabama, 77-73. Louisiana Tech defeated Alabama State 74-62 at the New Orleans Shootout. The Bulldogs will face Forty Wayne in The Big Easy today.

The LSU men’s basketball team looks to go on a short Christmas break on a happy note with a win over North Florida when the teams meet tonight at the PMAC for a 7pm tipoff.

Elsewhere, UL-Lafayette travels to face Clemson. The Ragin Cajuns wrapped up its non-conference home schedule on Tuesday with a come-from-behind 82-74 win over SLU.

Saints Safety Kenny Vaccaro has been placed on injured reserve as a result of a groin injury, which means he’ll miss the rest of the season. He suffered the injury on November fifth and a source says it never healed correctly and it will require surgery.

LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron says Arden Key will not play in the Citrus Bowl. He’s been dealing with injuries all season long. Starters Donnie Alexander and Corey Thompson will also not play as they are also banged up.

On the first day of the early signing period, LSU signed 10 offensive and defensive linemen, including six-foot-one defensive tackle Davin Cotton from Evangel Christian Academy in Shreveport. Head Coach Ed Orgeron says Cotton has great upper body strength and an explosive first step to shed blockers…
Cut 18 (12) “defensive linemen”
The early signing period ends tomorrow.

Louisiana Tech won its fourth straight bowl game last night, crushing SMU 51-10 in the Frisco Bowl. The defense returned two interceptions for a touchdown and quarterback J-Mar Smith completed three touchdown passes and rushed for a score.

The federal tax reform bill means fans can no longer deduct the donations they make for the right to purchase season tickets for college athletics. Kelley Ray looks at what it means for LSU…
Voicer 5 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

Ten of the 18 recruits LSU signed on the first day of the early signing period are offensive and defensive linemen. Head Coach Ed Orgeron is impressed with the big defensive tackles they signed….
cut 17 (17) “…we got em”
Five defensive linemen on LSU’s current roster are seniors and three of them are starters.

Linebackers Donnie Alexander and Corey Thompson have played their final games in a Tiger uniform. Orgeron has announced they will not play in the bowl game because of injuries and the banged up Arden Key will also not play and his LSU career is likely done as well, as he’s expected to skip his senior season.

New UL Lafayette Football Coach Billy Napier announces Michael Desormeaux will remain on the Cajuns staff, but what position group he’ll coach is not determined.

Quite a beat down last night in the Frisco Bowl as Louisiana Tech trounced SMU 51-10. The Bulldogs led 42-10 at halftime as the Mustangs turned it over on their first three drives and six overall. La Tech returned two interceptions for touchdowns and Bulldogs Q-B J’mar Smith threw three touchdown passes and ran for another score. Tech finishes the year with a 7-6 record.

LSU has beefed up its offensive and defensive lines by signing ten linemen on the first day of the early signing period. The Tigers inked five defensive tackles and four offensive linemen, including the number one o-line junior college prospect in Badara Traore and Cole Smith one of the country’s top centers. Head Coach Ed Orgeron says Smith is from Pontotoc High School in Mississippi…
cut 16 (16) “…is a Tiger”
LSU needed help on the O-line after five offensive linemen transferred during the last offseason.

Louisiana Tech heads into its offseason with a bunch of momentum after winning its third straight last night as they crushed SMU 51-10 in the Frisco Bowl last night.

Saints Head Coach Sean Payton has apologized for the choke gesture he made towards Falcons running back Devonta Freeman. TV cameras caught the incident when the two teams met two weeks ago in Atlanta and the two teams are set to meet again this Sunday. In a conference call with Atlanta reporters, Payton said he let his emotions get the best of him. Freeman says he’s not bothered by Payton’s actions.

Former LSU Tiger Rob Sale is the new offensive coordinator at UL Lafayette. Sale was also an assistant coach at McNeese and ULM.

The Warhawks basketball team beat Centenary 74-51 last night. Travis Munnings recorded his first double-double of the season, 19 points and 13 rebounds.

Nicholls dribbled past Mobile 96-62 as Kimani Jackson had 23 points on 10-of-11 shooting. Northwestern State allowed 15 three-pointers and lost to Utah 84-62.

Today, Louisiana Tech faces Alabama State in New Orleans and Southeastern Louisiana is at Notre Dame.

On the first day of the new early signing period for college football, LSU signed 18 players. Half of the signees are either offensive linemen or defensive tackles. Recruiting analyst Shea Dixon of 24-7 sports, says the o-line was decimated by injuries and attrition this year, but they’ll have good depth next season, based on the guys they signed…
cut 20 (15) “…Damien Lewis”
LSU also signed two linebackers Shreveport’s Micah Baskerville and Damone Clark of Baton Rouge. The class also contains a couple of wide receivers, Jena’s Jaray Jenkins and Berwick’s Kenan Jones.

La Tech is a four-point underdog against SMU in tonight’s Frisco Bowl. There are some really good wide receivers in this game. Teddy Veal for the Bulldogs and the Mustangs have a pair of one-thousand yard receivers, Courtland Sutton and former LSU Tiger Trey Quinn. Kick-off is at 7 PM.

In the NFC South, there’s still much to be decided with two games left. New Orleans is hosting Atlanta this Sunday. Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones did not practice today because of an ankle injury, but he’s expected to play against the Saints. For the Black and Gold, guard Larry Warford didn’t practice today.

New UL Lafayette football coach Billy Napier has named former LSU Tiger Rob Sale as his offensive coordinator. Sale has 12 years of experience as an offensive line coach and served last season as the o-line coach and running game coordinator under Napier for the Sun Devils in 2017. He also coached at ULM and McNeese and played at LSU from 2000 to 2002.

In college hoops action tonight….ULM hosts Centenary, Nicholls faces Mobile in Thibodaux and Northwestern State is at Utah. Last night, LSU beat Sam Houston State 80-58 and the Ragin Cajuns won their seventh straight, an 82-74 victory over Southeastern.