LSU’s Matt Canada told reporters covering the Citrus Bowl he’d love to remain the offensive coordinator of the Tigers. Multiple media reports say Canada will leave the program following Monday’s game against Notre Dame, because of differences with Head Coach Ed Orgeron. Canada says the focus right now is beating the Fighting Irish…
cut 3 (05) “…get to 10 wins”
Canada says speculation about his future has not impacted the players.

On the defensive side of the football, the Tigers will need to figure out how to stop Notre Dame running back Josh Adams, who has rushed for 1,386 yards and nine touchdowns. Senior defensive end Christian LaCourture says they’ll need to gang tackle Adams…
cut 18 (16) “…bring em down”
Kick-off on Monday is at noon in Orlando.

The Saints wrap up the regular season on Sunday against Tampa Bay. New Orleans has already locked up a postseason berth, a win against the Buccaneers gives them a division crown and homefield advantage next week in the first round of the playoffs. Who would be the best matchup for the Black and Gold next weekend? Saints Sideline reporter Kristian Garic says it could be dangerous to face either Atlanta or Carolina for a third time this season. He says Seattle may be the Saints best bet…
Cut 16 (17) “up facing.”
Kickoff Sunday is at 3:25pm on FOX.

In basketball tonight…the Pelicans can improve to 19-16 on the season, if they beat Dallas at the Smoothie King Center. The Mavericks are 11 and 25.

In college hoops…Sun Belt play gets underway….the Cajuns are at Little Rock, while ULM visits Arkansas State. The Warhawks have been picked to finish last in the Sun Belt, while UL Lafayette is projected to finish fifth.

Offensive coordinator Matt Canada says he’d love to be at LSU next season when asked by reporters during a media session in Orlando for the Citrus Bowl. Canada says he has not spoken to anyone about his future and the focus is on Monday’s game against Notre Dame. The 45-year-old says the speculation about his future has not impacted the players…
cut 4 (12) “…that at all”
Canada was asked about his relationship with Head Coach Ed Orgeron and he said they both have the same goal and that is to win.

A win on Sunday for the Saints and they clinch the NFC South. They have already locked up their first postseason appearance in four years. A win in Tampa Bay, means New Orleans will host a playoff game the next week. They could face either Atlanta, Carolina or Seattle in that first round playoff matchup.

35-year-old Will Wade won his 100th game of his coaching career last night as LSU defeated Memphis 71-61 in the FedEx Forum. The Tigers are 9-3 on the season and they’ll begin conference play next Wednesday against 16th ranked Kentucky at the PMAC.

Conference play started last night for Louisiana Tech and they lost by one point to Western Kentucky 69-68. The Bulldogs shot just 39-percent from the field.

Tulane topped Temp to begin play in the American Conference as Melvin Frazier scored 25 points in an 85-76.

In the Southland Conference….Southeastern Louisiana had an impresive win over Stephen F Austin 73-62. Marlain Veal had a big game with 27 points and 10 rebounds.

Nicholls State crushed Northwestern State 87 to 46. The 41 point win is the largest ever for the Colonels in a Southland Conference contest. The Demons turned it over 26 times.

McNeese and UNO were also winners last night and Grambling lost to Seattle 93-63.

In the NBA, the Pelicans host the Dallas Mavericks.

The Saints are in the playoffs, but who they will play remains a question. If New Orleans beats Tampa Bay Sunday, they are guaranteed a post-season game in the Dome. Saints Radio Network sideline reporter Kristan Garic says if they end up at home next weekend they’ll likely be favored against either Atlanta, Carolina or Seattle..:
Cut 15 (11) “at home”
Kickoff Sunday is at 3:25pm on FOX. The Panthers and Falcons play at the same time.

Saints breakout rookie running back Alvin Kamara wore red cleats on Christmas Eve in the victory over Atlanta, and tweeted Thursday that he was fined for doing that. He joked that The Grinch stole Christmas and he was going to start a Go Fund Me account to help pay for the $6,079 fine.

In the NBA, The Pelicans host the Dallas Mavericks tonight.

LSU is in Orlando getting ready to play Notre Dame in Monday’s Citrus Bowl. All the buzz is about Tigers offensive coordinator Matt Canada, who will likely leave the program after the game. Meanwhile on defense, LSU will face one of the top offensive lines in the country. Defensive end Christian Lacouture says the Fighting Irish like to run the football with 225-pound ball carrier Josh Adams…:
Cut 17 (09) “help out”
Kickoff is at noon.

LSU men’s hoops got a nice road victory last night over Memphis, 71-61. It’s the third straight win for Coach Will Wade and The Tigers before the open SEC play on Wednesday against No. 16 Kentucky in the PMAC.

Elsewhere, Tulane topped Temple 85-75. McNeese State got by Incarnate Word 85-62. UNO over Abilene Christian 77-74. Nicholls State over Northwestern State 87-46. Southeastern over Stephen F Austin 78-62.

UL-Lafayette announced Thursday it will keep Troy Wingerter as director of football operations.

About a year ago, LSU football coach Ed Orgeron proclaimed Matt Canada as the best offensive coordinator in the country. But it appears Canada’s time as LSU’s play caller will last just one season as multiple reports indicate he’ll leave after Monday’s bowl game against Notre Dame. Canada got off to a rough start at LSU, only scoring seven points in a blow out loss against Mississippi State. The Tigers were also upset by Troy. Glen Guilbeau, with USA Today Network, says Orgeron wasn’t a fan of Canada’s offense that featured pre snap shifts and motion…
Cut 7 (09) “for the split.”
Canada has two more years remaining on his contract and LSU will owe him about three million dollars if the school buys out his contract. Tight ends coach Steve Ensminger has been rumored to replace Canada.

Saints running back Alvin Kamara wore red cleats for the victory over Atlanta. And Kamara posted a photo today on social media that says he was fined for his holiday-themed cleats and joked he might start a Go Fund Me Page.

In college basketball tonight, the LSU Tigers final non-conference game of the year is a road contest against Memphis. Both teams have three losses on the season and the Tigers are looking to have a three-game winning streak when they start SEC play next week against Kentucky.

Conference play starts tonight for Louisiana Tech, Tulane and the Southland Conference. The Bulldogs are at Western Kentucky. The Hilltoppers are best shooting team in Conference USA. The Green Wave are at Temple. Tulane brings a 9-3 record into league action, while Temple is 7-and-4.

In the Southland tonight, Northwestern State is at Nicholls State. Both schools enter league play with losing records. McNeese hosts Incarnate Word, UNO takes on Abilene Christian and Southeastern Louisiana is at Stephen F Austin.

Multipe reports say offensive coordinator Matt Canada will leave the LSU football program following Monday’s game against Notre Dame in the Citrus Bowl. Before the reports came out, head coach Ed Orgeron spoke about his relationship with offensive coordinator Matt Canada. It appeared there was tension between the two after the upset loss to Troy, but Orgeron says the offense has been fanatastic…
cut 17 (09) “….been great”
Meanwhile, LSU will be without three defensive starters for the bowl game. Donnie Alexander, Arden Key and Corey Thompson are injured, so K’Lavon Chaisson, Michael Divinity and Tyler Taylor will take their spots. Orgeron says they’ll have to step up…
cut 18 (13) “…answer the bell”

The Saints head into Sunday’s regular season finale against Tampa Bay, ranked second in the NFL in total yards per game. They are averaging nearly 400 yards a contest. Quarterback Drew Brees on the success of this season…
cut 20 (16) “….exceptional”
Following Sunday’s game, Brees will travel to Texas for funeral serviecs for his grandfater Ray Atkins, who pased away at the age of 92. Atkins is a World War two veteran and a longtime high school football coach.

The USA Today has named Richwood’s Robert Arvie as the high school coach of the year in Louisiana. Arvie led the Rams to their first appearance in a state championship football game in the Superdome. Hahnville Running back Pooka Williams is the offensive player of the year, while Scotlandville defensive back Kelvin Joseph is the state’s defensive player of the year.

Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada is reportedly expected to leave LSU soon after the Citrus Bowl against Notre Dame Monday. Glen Guilbeau at the USA Today Network said it appears tight ends coach and veteran offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger may be the replacement. The Tigers leave for Orlando today. When asked about the offense Wednesday, Coach Ed Orgeron answered the reporter’s question without mentioning Candada’s name…:
Cut 17 (09) “been great”
There appeared to be tension between Coach O and Canada after the Tigers embarrassing upset loss to Troy. Guilbeau reports that Canada, who is the highest paid offensive coordinator in college football, has not gotten another job.

This year, the Sugar bowl and New Year’s festivities are merging into one weekend long celebration in The Big Easy. Alabama and Clemson face off for the third year in a row Monday night, and New Orleans is expecting a full house.

After a clinching a playoff berth last week in a win over the Falcons, the Saints are now focusing on Sunday’s regular season finale against Tampa Bay. A win for the Black and Gold and they will win the NFC South. Quarterback Drew Brees says it’s good to be playing for something with the playoffs starting in two weeks….:
Cut 19 (15) “control that”
The game against the Bucs Sunday will kick off at 3:25.

There are lots of state college basketball games taking place today. LSU returns to action to face Memphis on the road. McNeese State is at Incarnate Word. Nicholls State is at Northwestern State. Grambling is at Arkansas and Southeastern is at Stephen F Austin.

In the NBA, the Pelicans had a nice 128-113 victory over the Brooklyn Nets last night in the Smoothie King Center.

The Saints returned to the practice field today to continue preparations for the regular season finale in Tampa Bay. Wide receiver Michael Thomas was one of seven Saints players not spotted at practice during the portion that’s open to the media. Starting tackles Terron Armstead and Ryan Ramczyk were also absent.

Both Alabama and Clemson arrived in New Orleans today for Monday night’s Sugar Bowl. It’s the fourth consecutive apperance in the College Football Playoff for the Crimson Tide. Head Coach Nick Saban his players are more concerned about the outcome of the game than the bowl experience, because they know it’s win or go home.

At the Independence Bowl in Shreveport, Florida State fell behind six to nothing, but the Seminoles scored the next 33 points to beat the Golden Eagles 42 to 13. James Blackman threw four touchdown passes, three of them to Auden Tate.

Tonight in the Texas Bowl in Houston, it’s Missouri versus Texas.

LSU Coach Ed Orgeron spoke today for the first time since the football program signed 21 players during the early signing period. The class is currently ranked as the 12th best in the nation and Head Coach Ed Orgeron is pleased with what they’ve done so far…
cut 30 (30) “…sign em”
LSU can only sign four more players. The team leaves tomorrow for Orlando where they’ll play Notre Dame on New Year’s Day in the Citrus Bowl.

Tonight at the Smoothie King Center, the Pelicans host the Brooklyn Nets. Tip-off is at 7 PM.

The Saints can win the NFC South with a win over Tampa Bay on Sunday. Playoff seeding is also on the line. If New Orleans is victorious and the Rams win, then the Saints will be the four seed and L-Ais the third seed. The Rams are resting their starters in the regular season finale against San Francisco. There could be an advantage to being the four seed, if you get past the first round, you could play the Eagles in the second round and Philadelphia looks vulnerable with starting quarterback Carson Wentz out for the season.

LSU has two more practices in Baton Rouge and then it’s off to Orlando where they’ll play Notre Dame in the Citrus Bowl. Running back Derius Guice was back at practice yesterday after missing practices last week.

Alabama and Clemson arrive in New Orleans today for the Allstate Sugar Bowl which will be played New Year’s Day night in the Mercedes Benz Superdome.

Its Florida State versus Southern Miss in the Independence Bowl this afternoon. It will be interesting to see what kind of motivation the Seminoles will have. They started out the year thinking about playing for a national championship, instead they went 6-and-6. It’s the final game for Golden Eagles running back Ito Smith, who has rushed for nearly 45-hundred yards in his career.

Karl Scott is the new defensive coordinator at UL Lafayette. The Houston native has coached the defensive backs at Texas Tech the last two seasons. This past season the Red Raiders forced 29 turnovers.

The Pelicans begin a three-game homestand tonight when they host the Brooklyn Nets. New Orleans is 17-and-16 on the year, while the Nets are just 12-and-21 and in last place in the Atlantic Division. Tip-off is at 7 PM.

The only game on the schedule in college basketball tonight, the Lady Tigers host Sam Houston State. Tomorrow, the LSU men’s team is at Memphis and Louisiana Tech is also in action as the Bulldogs are at Western Kentucky for the Conference USA opener.

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.