The Saints are set to the play the Texans in exhibition game number three. Quarterback Drew Brees is expected to get his first action of the preseason and he’s excited to finally play in a game…:
Cut 16 (19) “that I’m proud of”
Veteran running back Adrian Peterson is expected to make his preseason debut as well. The Texans practiced with the Saints Thursday ahead of the preseason game, just as they did last summer in Houston. Kickoff tomorrow night in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome is 7pm.

After the practice, Texans coach Bill O’Brien was asked about the now-Category 2 Hurricane Harvey as the massive storm threatens his team’s city. He said football is the focus right now, but that could change quickly depending on what happens because it’s never football before family.

The LSU Tigers will count on a lot of young players during 2017 season. Defensive coordinator Dave Aranda says his young linebackers Tyler Taylor, Patrick Queen and Jacob Phillips strive to be great..:
Cut 18 (19) “love to see”
SEC Network analysts Gene Chizik and Jordan Rodgers predicted the Tigers’ win-loss record Thursday night, and they both think LSU will have a 10 win season. Chizik predicts the Tigers will lose to Alabama and Arkansas, while Rodgers felt the losses would be against The Crimson Tide and Auburn.

The SEC announced on Thursday afternoon that Will Wade’s first SEC game as LSU’s men’s basketball head coach will come against Kentucky. The Wildcats will make their way to the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on January 3rd.

The Saints first round picks left practice early today. Cornerback Marshon Lattimore left during individual drills, while left tackle Ryan Ramczyk exited early in team drills with the Houston Texans. Coach Sean Payton said after practice that he thought they would bounce back and be ready to play Saturday versus the Texans.

In preseason action tonight…Carolina is at Jacksonville. Jaguars first-round pick Leonard Fournette will not play because of a foot injury, but Cam Newton will make his first appearance of the preseason for the Panthers.

LSU basketball will begin conference play in 2018 by hosting Kentucky. The tigers will travel to Texas A&M and Arkansas and then come back to host Alabama on January 13th.

Louisiana Tech’s schedule was also finalized today. The Bulldogs will play 18 games against Conference USA opponents and it will start December 28th at Western Kentucky. The big nonconference games for the Dunkin Dogs are against Alabama and Texas and they’ll also host UL Lafayette at the Thomas Assembly Center.

Could Donnie Alexander become the next LSU linebacker that goes from unknown player to a high draft pick. Alexander has added about 15 pounds so he can play inside linebacker in the SEC. Defensive coordinator Dave Aranda says he’s been impressed with Alexander during training camp…
cut 30 (38) “…a lot to them”
Alexander and the Tigers will take on BYU on September 2nd.

LSU quarterback Danny Etling has taken the news in stride that he’s been named the starting QB for the season opener against BYU. Etling says when Coach Ed Orgeron broke the news, he initially joked that he needed to discuss an academic issue…
cut 17 (15) “….right after”
Etling was the presumed starter throughout the spring despite a back injury that required off-season surgery. He says the only thing on his mind during camp was that he’s got to get better…
cut 18 (13) “…focus on”
The Saints had a joint practice with the Texans in Metairie today as the two teams are getting ready for their preseason matchup on Saturday night in the Dome. Both of New Orleans first-round picks, cornerback Marshon Lattimore and tackle Ryan Ramczyk, had to leave practice. Lattimore has been dealing with a knee injury and it’s unclear why Ramczyk couldn’t finish the practice.

Louisiana Tech released its men’s basketball schedule today. The Bulldogs tip-off the 2017-18 campaign with a home game against UT Tyler on November 10th. Tech will play in a tournament in Cancun. One game will be against George Mason. Tech will also travel to Alabama on November 29th and Texas on December 16th, while hosting the Cajuns on December 22nd.

Not only does Shreveport mayor Ollie Tyler want to build a 30-million dollar sports complex for an NBA minor league team for the New Orleans Pelicans, she’s also proposing a training camp practice facility for the Saints.

LSU quarterback Danny Etling is excited about being named the stater when the Tigers hit the field September 2nd against BYU in Houston. The fifth year senior says he’s never entered a season without competing hard for that starting job…:
Cut 16 (13) “that I’m proud of”
Coach O said it was important to make the announcement about a starter a couple of weeks before the season started so that Etling knew the team believed in him.

LSU placed six players on the 2017 Preseason Coaches All-Southeastern Conference Football Team. Linebacker Arden Key and running back Derrius Guice were once again named to a preseason first team. Defensive back Donte Jackson, along with offensive linemen K.J. Malone and Will Clapp, earned a spot on the All-SEC second team. Defensive lineman Christian LaCouture was named to the All-SEC third-team.

In New Orleans Saints news…the starters are expected to play in Saturday night’s preseason game against the Houston Texans. Drew Brees, Adrian Peterson, Mark Ingram, Zach Strief and Cam Jordan have yet to play in the preseason, but Coach Sean Payton strongly hinted they’ll see action against the Texans. Also, center Max Unger has been removed from the physically unable to perform list.

The Southland Conference’s 2017 football television plans for the August and September portion of the schedule have been announced. The ESPN3 Game of the Week schedule begins as Nicholls hosts McNeese in the season-opener for both teams on Thursday, Aug. 31. 6 other games are expected to stream live September 2nd including Northwestern State at Louisiana Tech and Southeastern at UL Lafayette.

Facebook has announced it will stream several NCAA football games this year, including the Louisiana Tech home game against North Texas on November 4th.

Not only does Shreveport mayor Ollie Tyler want to build a 30-million dollar sports complex for an NBA minor league team for the New Orleans Pelicans, she’s also proposing a training camp practice facility for the Saints.

As expected, LSU Head Coach Ed Orgeron has named Danny Etling as his starting quarterback for the season opener against BYU. Orgeron says Etling knows the offense and has been the most consistent quarterback on the roster during training camp….
cut 30 (21) “….not ready”
True freshman Myles Brennan will serve as Etling’s backup.

Also, running back Derrius Guice has not practiced this week with an undisclosed injury. Oregeron calls it a minor injury. Former LSU offensive lineman Maea Teuhema has transferred to Southeastern Louisiana. His brother also plays for the Lions.

Southern Lab High School will have to vacate its 2016 and 2015 state championship football titles, plus its runner-up trophy in 2014 after it was learned the Baton Rouge school violated the LHSAA’s recruiting rules. The school has been banned from postseason play for the next two years and their head coach, former LSU quarterback Marcus Randall, has been fired and suspended by the LHSAA for one year.

Saints offensive tackle Terron Armstead told the Advocate Newspaper he’s ahead of schedule in his rehabiliton from surgery to fix a torn labrum. But no timetable has been set on when he’ll return.

Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Junior could reportedly miss the season opener because of a sprained ankle. New York kicks off the season in Dallas.

Leon Landry is back with the LSU baseball program as an undergraduate assistant coach. The Baton Rouge native was on the 2009 national championship team.

And one of the state’s top prep baseball players for 2018, Cade Beloso of John Curtis, has committed to LSU. He’s a left-handed hitting first baseman.

At LSU there is a lot of focus on the quarterback position, but LSU’s best player onoffense is running back Derrius Guice, who led the SEC in rushing last year. Offensive coordinator Matt Canada says Guice wants to be a complete player….
cut 18 (16) “….he said”
Canada is also expecting big things from Senior running back Darrel Williams.

The Baton Rouge Advocate reports the Saints may use the Baton Rouge Orthopaedic Clinic has their new orthopedists. The team fired two orthopedists affiliated with Ochsner Hosptal after cornerback Devlin Breaux’s fibula fracture was first diagnosed as a contusion. Ochsner released a statement that disputes there was a misdiagnoses involving Breaux’s injury.

Shreveport Mayor Ollie Tyler presented plans to the city council for a 100-million dollar mixed used sports complex that could be the future home of the Pelicans minor league team. The structure is also expected to feature retail stores and professional offices, while seating three-thousand individuals for a sporting event. Pensacola is reportedly the other Gulf Coast city that could be home to the future G-League team of the New Orleans Pelicans.

Former LSU baseball outfielder Leon Landry is a new member of Paul Mainieri’s coaching staff. Landry is listed as an undergraduate assistant coach.

Mike VII’s former owners couldn’t be happier that the tiger has landed a home at LSU. Jeremy Hargett of the Wild at Heart Wildlife Center in Florida says when Mike’s veterinarian came to visit him for the first time, Dr. Baker fell in love almost immediately…:
Cut 7 (07) “full of spirit”
He says Mike VII, formerly Harvey, was bred as a photo cub and given up once he got too big.

An announcement could come as early as today on who will be LSU’s starting quarterback for the season opener against BYU. Senior Danny Etling is expected to get the nod, but offensive coordinator Matt Canada likes what he’s seen from freshman Myles Brennan…:
Cut 16 (17) “he’s done”
Canada says Etling looks like a better quarterback after undergoing back surgery, and is giving it his all to get the starting job.

Once again not surprisingly, Alabama is No. 1 on the AP preseason Top 25. LSU was ranked No. 13 in the poll, one spot lower than in the coaches survey published earlier this month. Rounding out the top five are Ohio State, then Florida State, USC and Clemson.

KSLA is reporting that Shreveport is being considered a finalist to be the home city of the New Orleans Pelicans affiliate for the NBA’s development league. The other finalist is Pensacola, Florida. Shreveport Mayor Ollie Tyler announced late Monday that she intends to move forward with a new $100 million dollar mixed use complex to be built in the north side of downtown.

The Sports Business Journal said Monday that Commissioner Roger Goodell and the NFL are nearing a new five-year contract extension that would be good through 2024. The report indicates the deal would be similar to his current contract which expires in 2019.

It didn’t take long for Mike VII merchandise to hit the shelves. The new mascot at LSU was introduced Monday, and the gift shop next door to his habitat debuted a new line of products in honor of the 11-month-old Tiger. Mike VII arrived on campus last week and underwent nearly seven days of an indoor quarantine to make sure he was healthy. And with that clean bill of health, be becomes Mike VII.

The Saints defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 13-7 last night to end a 10-game losing streak in preseason play. New Orleans took the lead on its first offensive play, a 50-yard TD run by rookie running back Alvin Kamara….
cut 28 (10) “…kept going”
The first team defense also played well for a second straight week. The Chargers gained only 31 yards in the first quarter and the Saints defense had four sacks in the first half. Head Coach Sean Payton…
cut 29 (20) “…off the field”
The Saints next preseason game is Saturday at home against the Texans.
LSU Head Football Coach Ed Orgeron has yet to name a starting quarterback for 2017 season, but he’s still leaning towards senior Danny Etling. In last Saturday’s scrimmage, Etling threw for 168 yards and three touchdowns, while true freshman Myles Brennan threw for 122 yards and a touchdown. Orgeron on how the passing game improved during camp…
cut 18 (14) “…getting better”
After practice tonight, we’ll hear from offensive coordinator Matt Canada for the first time since training camp started.

Preseason camp continues tomorrow for ULM as they are getting closer to their August 31st season opener with Memphis. Warhawks Head Coach Matt Viator on how the team has improved…
cut 30 (10) “…big difference”
In Saturday’s scrimmage, the Warhawk defense recorded 16 tackles for a loss, including seven sacks.

The Saints won their first preseason game since 2010 last night as they snapped a 10-game losing streak in exhibition play with a 13-7 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Quarterback Drew Brees did not play, but rookie running back Alvin Kamara did. On the first offensive play for the Saints, he ran 50 yards for a touchdown….
cut 28 (08) “…here to do”

Chargers starting QB Phillip Rivers also did not play as the L-A offense only had 31 yards in the first quarter. The Saints defense produced four sacks in the first half. Former Charger Mati Te’o had one of those….
cut 29 (17) “…right direction”
The depth chart for LSU season opener against BYU has yet to be finalized. Tigers Coach Ed Orgeron says several positions are still being discussed, including who will start in the place of edge rusher Arden Key, who is not expected to play against BYU….
cut 17 (12) “…special teams”
Orgeron says he has yet to name a starting quarterback either, but senior Danny Etling has the edge over freshman Myles Brennnan.

ULM Head Coach Matt Viator says they may play two quarterbacks to begin the season, sophomore Caleb Evans and junior Garrett Smith….
cut 30 (19) “….problem to have”
ULM opens the season on Thursday August 31st at Memphis.

Preseason camp is over for the LSU Tigers as today is the first day of school. Tiger fans will have to patiently wait until the season opener against BYU on September 2nd, before we get a better idea of what LSU’s new offense will look like under Matt Canada. Head Coach Ed Orgeron says they will look to throw the football to their talented running backs…:
Cut 16 (17) “we are doing it”
Orgeron says he plans to name a starter at quarterback this week.

The Ragin Cajuns also wrapped up fall camp following a scrimmage Saturday. Head Coach Mark Hudspeth says he likes what he saw when the team finally got to play outside…:
CUT 26 (13) “in that sun”
UL-Lafayette and Southeastern open the season at Cajun field on September 2nd.

They did it without Drew Brees, Mark Ingram or Adrian Peterson, but the Saints saw an incredible performance last night from Alvin Kamara. The rookie running back had a 50 yard touchdown run on New Orleans’ first offensive snap in a 13-7 preseason victory over the Charges. Coach Sean Payton said, overall, he was pleased with his team’s effort in the game.:
CUT 25 (17) “some success”
Kamara finished the game with 61 yards on five carries, and one reception for 20 yards.

LSU men’s head basketball Will Wade announces former national junior college player of the year, Kavell Bigby-Williams, will transfer from the University of Oregon to play for the Tigers this fall. He was a member of the Ducks squad that made it to the Final Four.