Changes are coming to LSU’s coaching staff. Tiger Rag Magazine reports that LSU offensive line coach Jeff Grimes is leaving to become the new offensive coordinator at B-Y-U. But head coach Ed Orgeron has already found his replacement and he is the assistant offensive line coach for the Los Angeles Chargers, James Cregg. The Syracuse, New York native was on the Broncos staff when they won Super Bowl 50 and has served on coaching staffs with Orgeron at Tennessee and U-S-C.

LSU starting Q-B Danny Etling is familiar with the Tigers bowl opponent, Notre Dame. Etling grew up in Indiana, attended games in South Bend and also played against Notre Dame, while at Purdue. Etling says it is a little bit ironic his final college game will be against the Golden Domers…
Cut 17 (14) “game plan”

Three of the six Saints players who were injured in New Orleans’ loss to Atlanta were at practice yesterday, including rookie running back Alvin Kamara. Starting left guard Andrus Peat, who missed the Falcons game, practiced on a limited basis. New Orleans hosts the Jets this Sunday.

Nice win last night for the LSU basketball team as they outmuscled Houston 80-77 in the PMAC. Head coach Will Wade…
cut 28 (09) “….in the country”
Senior Aaron Epps from Ball, Louisiana had his best game in a Tiger uniform with 26 points and 16 rebounds. And freshman point guard Tremont Waters had another nice night with 17 ponts, six assists and a blocked shot in the final seconds to secure the victory.

Anthony Davis had 25 points and 10 rebounds as the Pelicans overcame 21 turnovers to beat Milwaukee 115 to 108. The Pels visit Denver on Friday.

Saints running back Alvin Kamara was back at practice today. Kamara had a concussion in the loss to the Falcons and said today he plans to play this Sunday against the New York Jets. Left tackle Andrus Peat was also at practice. He missed the Atlanta game with a groin injury. Offensive lineman Senio Kelemete and safety Kenny Vaccaro left the Falcons game because of injuries, but both were back at practice today.

A week from today is the start of the early signing period for college football begins today. LSU head coach Ed Orgeron says over half of their 20 commitments are linemen…
cut 17 (16) “….tremendous job”
A main cog in LSU’s recruiting operation is leaving for Tennessee. Tigers general manager Austin Thomas will serve the same role in Knoxville. He is a Tennessee native and he has spent 4.5 years at LSU.

The LSU men’s basketball team faces a tough test tonight as they host 8-and-1 Houston. The Cougars are allowing just 65 points a game and opponents are shooting just 39-percent. But LSU is third in the nation when it comes to making field goal attempts from inside the three-point line at 63-percent. Tip-off is at 8 PM.

In Last night, the Ragin Cajuns went up to Ruston and beat Louisiana Tech 75-71. That’s five wins in a row for UL Lafayette and second straight win over the Bulldogs. Jordan Harris lay up at the buzzer gave ULM a 59-57 win over Grambling and Central Florida dribbled past Southeastern Louisiana 61-53. The loss ended the Lions four game winning streak.

Three LSU players are listed on Baseball America’s Top 100 college prospects list…sophomore outfielder Zach Watson, sophomore pitcher Zack Hess and junior outfielder Antoine Duplantis. Watson and Hess were freshmen All-Americans last season, while Duplantis was a member of the 2017 College World Series All-Tournament team.

LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron says edge rusher Arden Key is questionable for the Citrus Bowl against Notre Dame. But Orgeron says running back Derius will play and he’s holding out hope that this will not be Guice’s last game in Purple and Gold…
cut 18 (11) “….we’ll see”
The who man serves as LSU’s General Manager, Austin Thomas, is leaving the program for the same job at Tennessee. Thomas is a Tennessee native.

Saints running back Mark Ingram tweeted out good luck dude to the season ticket holder who is suing the franchise, seeking a refund, because he claims his tickets are unusable because of the national anthem player protests. Lee Dragna of Morgan City filed the suit .

The LSU basketball team hosts Houston tonight at 8 PM at the PMAC. The Cougars are 8-1 and led by the American Athletic Conference’s top scorer Rob Gray, who is averaging 22 points a game. Tigers Coach Will Wade says the Cougars have three other double digit scorers…
cut 20 (10) “…good players”
LSU is shooting 54-percent from the field for the season, which is the third best mark in the country.

Last night, the Ragin Cajuns went up to Ruston and beat Louisiana Tech 75-71. That’s five wins in a row for UL Lafayette and second straight win over the Bulldogs. JaKeenan Gant had 20 points, six rebounds and four steals to lead the way.

Jordan Harris lay up at the buzzer gave ULM a 59-57 win over Grambling and Central Florida dribbled past Southeastern Louisiana 61-53. The loss ended the Lions four game winning streak.

College football’s first ever early signing period begins a week from today. From December 20th to 22nd, schools can sign high school prospects to national letters of intent. The next signing day will be February 7th. LSU has 20 commitments and Coach Ed Orgeron says it’s their anticipation they’ll sign most of their verbal pledges next week…:
Cut 16 (14) “signed yet”
LSU has started its preparations for the New Year’s Day bowl game against Notre Dame. Coach O said Arden Key’s status for the Citrus is not certain, and same goes for Derrius Guice.

With injuries affecting their defensive unit, the Saints have made a roster move to get more depth at defensive line. ESPN’s Field Yates tweeted out that New Orleans signed veteran free agent defensive end George Johnson. The Saints take on the Jets Sunday in The Dome.

LSU hosts Houston at the PMAC tonight in the Tigers first big test since the Maui Invitational. The Bayou Bengals are coming off a 97-84 win over UNC-Wilmington. LSU shot 59-percent from the field and had 48 points in the paint. Coach Will Wade says the Cougars will make it more difficult to score around the rim…:
Cut 19 (17) “the ball”
Tipoff is at 8pm.

Last night UL-Lafayette knocked off Louisiana Tech 75-71 in Ruston. Down I-20 in Monroe, Grambling won at the buzzer against ULM, 59-57. Southeastern fell to Central Florida 61-53.

Tonight the Pelicans face the Bucks in New Orleans. The club announced rough news yesterday that guard Tony Allen has a fibula fracture in his left leg and is expected to miss three to four weeks.

A Saints season ticket holder has filed a lawsuit in an effot to receive a refund for his tickets over National Anthem player protests. Lee Dragna of Morgan City says he and his family can no longer enjoy the games. He claims the rowdy, angry reaction of fans around his seats during the protests have made his tickets unusable. Dragna told the Advocate that the Saints created this behavior by condoning it.

The LSU Tigers are back on the practice field this afternoon as they get ready for Notre Dame in the Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Day. Offensive coordinator Matt Canada was at practice today. Canada has been connected in media reports wtih the head coaching vancy at UL Lafayette. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says defensive starters Arden Key and Donnie Alexander were not at practice.

Former Louisiana Tech Head Coach Sonny Dykes has been named as the new head coach at SMU. Dykes will coach the Mustangs next week when they face Louisiana Tech in the Frisco Bowl.

A couple of in-state battles highlight tonight’s college basketball schedule as the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs host the Ragin Cajuns. It’s the 163rd meeting on the hardwood between the two schools. Both teams are 7-and-2 on the season. In Monroe, Grambling takes the bus ride to the ULM campus to play the Warhawks. Southeastern Louisiana is at Central Florida.

Tomorrow its LSU versus Houston at the PMAC. Tigers forward Duop Reath has been named SEC player of the week. He had 30 points in LSU’s 97-84 win over UNCW.

The Pelicans are off tonight after losing to the Rockets 130 to 123. Jrue Holiday had a season-high 37 points, E’Twaun Moore scored a career-high 36 points and Rajon Rondo had a triple-double. But Houston’s James Harden had 26 points and career-high 17 assists.

In major league baseball…former LSU Tiger Ryan Schimpf has been traded by the Padres to the Tampa Bay Rays. Schimpf has hit 34 home runs in his first two major league seasons, but he has not hit for a high average.

The NFL Network has suspended Marshall Faulk, Ike Taylor and Health Evans over allegations of sexual harassment and assault. The accusations are spelled out in a lawsuit by a former NFL Network employee Jami Cantor, who worked as a wardrobe stylist. Cantor claims Faulk, who is a New Orleans native, groped her breasts and her behind and asked deeply personal questions about her sex life. Taylor, who played for the Ragin Cajuns and is from Gretna, allegedly sent inappropriate pictures to her and Evans, who was on the Saints Super Bowl team, also allegedly groped and made sexually explicit comments to her.

The Saints will play the Jets this Sunday. We’ll get our first injury report tomorrow, but New Orleans running back Alvin Kamara told NOLA.com that he expects to play after leaving the Falcons game with a concussion. The Jets are expected to be without starting quarterback Josh McCown, who broke his left hand in a 23-0 loss to Denver. Former Baylor Q-B Bryce Petty is expected to start. He didn’t play well in four starts last season.

The LSU Tigers begin bowl practice today. The Tigers will play Notre Dame in the Citrus Bowl on January 1st. We’ll hear from head coach Ed Orgeron today. We’ll get the latest on whether offensive coordinator Matt Canada is staying and the likliehood that edge rusher Arden Key will play in the bowl game.

Former Calvary Baptist star Shea Patterson says he’ll transfer from Ole Miss to Michigan. Because of the NCAA sanctions that have hit Ole Miss, Patterson will likely be able to play for the Wolverines in 2018. In seven games for the Rebels in 2017, Patterson threw for 2,259 yards and 17 touchdowns.

SMU introduced former Louisiana Tech and Cal head football coach Sonny Dykes as its new head coach today. Dykes will coach against the Bulldogs in next week’s Frisco Bowl.

In college basketball…Tech hosts the Ragin Cajuns. Grambling visits ULM and Southeastern Louisiana is at Central Florida. Tomorrow, LSU hosts Houston.

Saints star rookie running back Alvin Kamara is still progressing through the NFL’s concussion protocol, but it’s reported that he expects to play Sunday against the New York Jets. A Saints spokesman said Kamara still has to clear certain benchmarks before being allowed to play.

Meanwhile on Monday Night Football, it’s clear the Patriots are struggling without suspended star tight end Rob Gronkowski, as New England Quarterback Tom Brady was intercepted by the Dolphins twice; and the underdog Miami went on to beat the Pats 27-20. Gronk is punished for one game for a late hit on former LSU, now-Bills cornerback Tre-Davious White last weekend. The Patriots can still put themselves in prime position for a top seed in the AFC playoffs with a win on the road against the Steelers.

The LSU football team begins practice today for the Citrus Bowl against Notre Dame on New Years Day. It’s the first of 15 workouts before the game in Florida.

SMU will reportedly hire former Louisiana Tech Coach Sonny Dykes as its new head coach. A news conference is slated for today.

Last night the Pelicans went toe-to-toe in the game, but couldn’t hang on against one of the best team’s in the NBA. The Rockets rallied for the 130-123 victory over New Orleans and Houston has now won 10 straight. But the 14-14 Pels had one of its most explosive outings of the year, even without star forward Anthony Davis. They’ll face Milwaukee tomorrow.

Former Calvary Baptist star Shea Patterson has decided he’ll play at Michigan next season. Because of the NCAA sanctions that have hit Ole Miss, Patterson will be able to play for the Wolverines in 2018. In seven games for the Rebels in 2017, Patterson threw for 2,259 yards and 17 touchdowns. Michigan needs a QB, they went through three this season.

In college hoops, LSU forward Duop Reath was named the Southeastern Conference player of the week Monday after pouring in a career high 30 points in the Tigers win over UNC Wilmington on Sunday.

Tonight on the hardwood, ULM hosts Grambling. Southeastern travels to face Central Florida, and Louisiana Tech welcomes in-state rival UL-Lafayette.

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.