Tough playoff defeat for Haughton native and Cowboys Quarterback Dak Prescott. Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers eliminated Dallas from the postseason with a 34-31 victory thanks to great a 36-yard play by Rodgers to Jared Cook, which set up a game winning 51-yard field goal. The Cowboys rallied from an 18-point deficit to tie the game. Prescott liked how this team fought back…
cut 30 (11) “…to the end”
Green Bay advances to play Atlanta in the NFC Championship Game, while the AFC title game has New England hosting Pittsburgh.

In LSU football news…Southern Lab linebacker Damone Clark has committed to the Tigers. He’ll be part of the 2018 recruiting class. And former LSU receiver Jazz Ferguson has decided to transfer to Northwestern State.

The NCAA has rejected Ragin Cajuns quarterback Anthony Jennings appeal for another year of eligibilty. Jenning was hoping for another year, because he barely played his junior season at LSU. This means Jennings college career is done after he led UL Lafayette to a New Orleans Bowl appearance.

In basketball…the Pelicans are at Indiana this afternoon to close out a five-game road trip. At the halfway point of the season, New Orleans is 16-and-25, a game and a half back of Portland for the final playoff spot.

After a 2-0 road trip, Louisiana Tech is in a three-way tie for second place with a 4-1 record. The Bulldogs host Rice and North Texas this week.

In the Southland…UNO is in first place with a 4-1 record in league play. Southeastern Louisiana is tied for second with a 4-2 mark. The Lions beat McNeese State 79-75 yesterday as Moses Greenwood had 19 points.

The LSU men’s basketball team looks to snap a two-game losing streak Saturday afternoon when they host Alabama. The Tigers are 1-3 in league play after losing by 30 points to Texas A-and-M on Wednesday night. Coach Johnny Jones is receiving criticism from fans over his team’s poor play, but Jones says there’s still time left in this season to move up the SEC standings…
cut 18 (22) “…better position”
Jones is in his fifth season and his record against SEC opponents is 41-35.

The Pelicans continue their five-game road trip on Saturday in Chicago with a four o’ clock tipoff against the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls have won four in a row over New Orleans in the series. Both teams might not have their star players, the Pelicans Anthony Davis has a hip injury, while Chicago’s Jimmy Butler has been ill.

Louisiana faces a tough road test on Saturday as they visit Old Dominion. Old Dominion is 4-1 in league play, while the Bulldogs are 3-1.

In the Sun Belt, ULM looks for its first league win when they host Georgia State. The Cajuns host Georgia Southern, who is 3-0 in conference.

Also on Saturday it’s Nicholls at Stehen F Austin and Northwestern hosts Sam Houston State.

Thousands of long-distance runners are in Baton Rouge this weekend for the Louisiana Marathon….
cut 15 (07) “…our race”
That’s the marathon’s marketing director Danny Bourgeois, who says the Louisiana Marathon begins Sunday at 7 AM near the State Capitol. There’s a 5 K race and a marathon for kids tomorrow.

Four NFL playoff games for Louisiana sports fans to watch this weekend. In the final game of the weekend, former Haughton star Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys host the Green Bay Packers. Dallas beat Green Bay 30-16 back on October 16th. Prescott threw three touchdowns in that game and hopes to use that experience to benefit him on Sunday…
cut 20 (09) “…as a team”
The Packers will not have star wide receiver Jordy Nelson. He’s been ruled out, after taking a hard hit to the ribs in last Sunday’s playoff win over the Giants.

The Pelicans did not have Anthony Davis last night, but they still beat the Brooklyn Nets 104-95. Tyreke Evans stepped up and scored a season-high 29 points and Terrence Jones had a double-double 24 points and 12 rebounds. New Orleans faces the Chicago Bulls Saturday in the Windy City.

Louisiana Tech started a two-game road trip by beating Charlotte 79-73 last night. The Bulldogs are 3-1 in Conference USA and they’ll be at Old Dominion on Saturday.

UNO suffered its first Southland defeat as the Privateers lost to Sam Houston 70-68. Northwestern State knocked off Nicholls State 86 to 81 thanks to Sabri Thompson’s 38 points and Southeastern Louisiana rallied from a 12-point deficit to beat Abilene Christian 56-50. The Lions are 3-2 in league play.

Racing will continue at the New Orleans Fair Grounds this weekend, even though the entire track is under a quarantine in an effort to stop the spread of an equine herpes virus. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says horses in barns not exposed can keep racing, while exposed horses under quarantine are monitored for at least two weeks…
cut 11 (04) “…with these horses”
A two-year-old thoroughbred gelding was humanely eutanized right after Christmas, because of the virus.

The criticism is mounting against the LSU men’s basketball program. The Tigers are 1-3 in the SEC and in all three losses, LSU has allowed 90 or more points. Fans are demanding better on social media and message boards, but fifth year head coach Coach Johnny Jones believes in what he’s doing…:
Cut 17 (13) “I do”
The Tigers will face Alabama tomorrow.

In the NBA, Anthony Davis did not play — but the New Orleans Pelicans were able to hand the Nets their 8th straight loss with the Pels posing a 104-95 victory Thursday night. Tyreke Evans was the star in this game with 29 points; followed by Terrance Jones who added 24. Davis is still dealing with a bruised hip sustained Monday after a fragrant foul caused him to crash into the stands. New Orleans plays Chicago tomorrow.

Haughton native Dak Prescott makes his first postseason start at quarterback when the Cowboys host the red hot Green Bay Packers on Sunday afternoon. Prescott led Dallas to the best record in the NFC and the rookie looks to carry their regular season success into the playoffs:
Cut 19 (09) “we’ll be ready”
Also playing in the divisional round this weekend: The Seahawks and Falcons, Texans and Patriots, and the Steelers and Chiefs.

In college hoops: UNO was handed their first Southland loss after falling to Sam Houston 78-68. The Privateers are still first in the conference. Southeastern overcame a 12-point first-half lead to snap a two-game losing streak with a 56-50 Southland Conference win at Abilene Christian.

Nicholls State couldn’t hang on to a 13 point lead and ended up falling to in-state rival Northwestern State 86-81. Louisiana Tech nearly faltered a massive 23 point second half lead, but ended up getting the win over Charlotte 79-73.

The Saints rallied to beat the San Diego Chargers this past fall and that’s the last trip they’ll take there in quite some time. The Chargers have made the move to Los Angeles, where they’ll eventually play in a new stadium in Inglewood and share the venue with the Rams.

Five members of LSU’s 2017 recruiting class have already enrolled, so they can participate in spring football. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says there are two safeties among this group….Jacoby Stevens and Grant Delpit….
cut 30 (09) “…than later”

And Ragin Cajuns Coach Mark Hudspeth is a dad again. Hudspeth’s wife Tyla gave birth to his fifth child and Rocky Nash Hudspeth is his fourth son, and the third child he’s had with Tyla.

Pelcians star Anthony Davis is questionable for tonight’s game in Brooklyn. Davis suffered a hip pointer in last Monday’s win over the Knicks, when he was fouled hard and ended up in the seats. Davis has been on a good run lately, as he’s had five straight games of at least 20 points and 15 rebounds.

Louisiana Tech begins a two-game road trip tonight at Charlotte. The Bulldogs are looking to improve to 3-1 in Conference USA play. Tip-off is at 6:00 and the game can be seen on ESPN 3.

UNO looks to remain undefeated in Southland play tonight as the Privateers host Sam Houston State. Northwestern State seeks its first Southland win as the Demons host Nicholls and Southeastern Louisiana is at Abilene Christian.

The LSU Tigers are now 1-3 in the SEC after getting blown out by Texas A-and-M last night. LSU hosts Alabama on Saturday and it will be interesting to see what kind of crowd will be there as the fan base is not happy with the team’s play.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees is likely bummed out today. That’s because the NFL Franchise that drafted him is heading to L-A. The Chargers have announced their 55-year relationship with San Diego is over and for the next two seasons, they’ll play in the 30-thousand seat StubHub Center in Carson City and then move into a brand new stadium in Inglewood, California, a stadium they’ll share with the Rams.

Five members of LSU’s 2017 recruiting class have already enrolled in school. One of those players is six-foot-two safety Jacoby Stevens of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says Stevens has a chance to play right away…
cut 30 (08) “…freakish athelte”
Other notable enrolles include defensive end Justin Thomas and quarterback Lowell Narcisse.

Brutal loss for the LSU men’s basketball team last night as Texas A&M jumped out to a 19-3 lead and never looked back in a 92-62 win over the Aggies. LSU is now 1-3 in league play and in each defeat, they’ve given up 90 points or more.

Tonight in college basketball…Louisiana Tech is at Charlotte. It’s the fifth time these two teams have met on the hardwood and Tech has won every previous matchup. A win for the Bulldogs and they’ll improve to 3-1 in conference play.

In the Southland…U-N-O is 4-0 in league action and they host Sam Houston State tonight. Nicholls is 2-1 in the Southland and they are at Northwestern State. The Demons are looking for their first conference win. Southeastern is at Abilene Christian.

In the NBA, the Pelicans have a chance to get a win tonight as the visit Brooklyn, who has the worst record in the league. But Anthony Davis is questionable with a hip pointer that he sustained after taking a hard foul in the win over the Knicks on Monday.

Brutal game last night for the LSU basketball team. The Tigers could not get it together in College Station as they fall to Texas A&M 92-62. It’s the fourth loss in five for LSU who is now 1-3 in the SEC and 9-6 overall. It was the first conference win for the Aggies.

Elsewhere, Tulane beat South Florida last night on the road, 82-67. Kain Harris scored a career high 27 points for the Wave who snap a 5 game skid.

Today Louisiana Tech travels to face Charlotte. Southeastern Louisiana takes on Abeline Christian for an away game. UNO hosts Sam Houston State.

Nicholls will face Northwestern State in Natchitoches in a Southland Conference matchup. The Demons are on a three game losing streak and 0-3 in the SLC; Nicholls is 2-1 in conference action.

New Orleans native Vance Joseph is the new head coach of the Denver Broncos. The former Archbishop Shaw quarterback has agreed to a four-year deal.

In the NBA, the Pelicans visit the Brooklyn Nets tonight. All-star forward Anthony Davis is questionable with a hip injury. He suffered that in the win over the Knicks on Monday when he was fragrantly fouled and ended up crashing into the front row of seats.

It looks like it could be a big year for the LSU and UL-Lafayette baseball teams; and expectations are certainly high. The Tigers are ranked No. 2 in the Perfect Game Preseason College Top 25. UL-Lafayette checked in at No. 13. The Ragin Cajuns and LSU will meet in the Wally Pontiff Jr. Classic at Zephyr Field in Metairie on Tuesday, April 11.

Louisiana Marathon officials believe Baton Rouge has a chance to host the 2020 Olympic trials. A bid must be in by August and the site for the trials will be announced later in the year.

Rumors are wild that former LSU coach Les Miles may have an interest in the job opening at Western Michigan. That’s according to ESPN. Western Michigan is not a Power 5, but Miles says while it’s nice to play for a championship year after year, he’s not opposed to taking a group of guys and making them better.

New Orleans native Vance Joseph is the new head coach of the Denver Broncos. The former Archbishop Shaw quarterback has agreed to a four-year deal and becomes the franchise’s first African-American permanent head coach.

Former LSU Coach Les Miles told Stephen A Smith on ESPN’s First Take that he’d be willing to coach at a Group Five School. Western Michigan currently has an opening. Miles says playing for a championship year in and year out is great, but he also likes taking a group of guys and making them better.

In football recruiting, Texas quarterback Zadock Dinkelmann has decommitted from LSU. He committed to the Tigers in 2014 and is a member of the 2018 class. However the Tigers welcomed several early enrolles today, including former St. James Quarterback Lowell Narcisse and Tenneesse defensive back Jacoby Stevens, who is considered the nation’s top safety prospect for the Class of 2017.

LSU baseball is ranked number two in Perfect Game USA’s preseason Top 25 poll. TCU is ranked number one, who LSU is scheduled to play March 3rd in Houston. The Ragin Cajuns are ranked 13th in the Perfect Game poll.

In college hoops tonight, LSU will face a Texas A-and-M Aggies team that was predicted to finish third in the SEC, but they are off to an 0-3 start in league play. But Tigers Coach Johnny Jones says A&M is one of the better shooting teams in the conference…
cut 18 (20) “…they play”
The Tigers are 1-and-2 in league play and they have had trouble stopping other teams from scoring. Tip-off is at 7:30 on the SEC Network.

LSU baseball is ranked number two in Perfect Game USA’s preseason Top 25 poll. TCU is ranked number one, who LSU is scheduled to play March 3rd in Houston. The Ragin Cajuns are ranked 13th in the Perfect Game poll.

Former Bastrop High and LSU star Rueben Randle has signed a reserve-future contract with the Chicago Bears. Randle did not play this past season after he was cut by the Philadelphia Eagles prior to the 2016 regular season. Randle caught 188 passes and had 20 touchdowns during four seasons with the New York Giants.

The fundraising arm of the UL athletic department, the Ragin Cajuns Athletic Foundation, announces that contributions to its Annual Fund has eclipsed two-point-one million dollars for a third consecutive year. The R-C-A-F says total contributions in cash and pledges during the 2016 fiscal year was nearly 11-million dollars.

The LSU men’s basketball team can even its SEC record to 2-2 with a win tonight at Texas A&M. But in recent games, teams have had a lot of success from beyond the three point stripe against the Tigers. They allowed 16 three-pointers in losses to Wake Forest and Vanderbilt and Mississippi State hit 11 three-pointers against LSU on Saturday. Freshman guard Skylar Mays they are making it too easy for opposing shooters…
cut 17 (10) “…grinding at it”
LSU will face an Aggies team tonight that was predicted to finish third in the SEC, but they are off to an 0-3 start in league play.

Louisiana Tech signee Exavian Christon has been nominated to participate in the 2017 McDonald’s All-American game. The six-foot-four guard from Hot Springs has had several games of 30 plus points this season.

The LSU men’s basketball team is in College Station tonight to take on the Texas A&M Aggies. The Bayou Bengals are 1-and-2 in league play and they’ve played poorly on the defensive end. In LSU’s last three losses, they are allowing 100 points a game. Coach Johnny Jones says he needs to see more from his players on that end of the court…:
Cut 16 (17) “winning and losing”
LSU will face an Aggies team tonight that was predicted to finish third in the SEC, but they are off to an 0-3 start in league play. Tipoff in Reed Arena is 7:30.

Also in college hoops today, Tulane plays at South Florida. The Wave are 3-12 overall, and 0-3 AAC.

The LSU football team finished the 2016 season with the fewest touchdowns allowed. The Tigers final poll numbers were 13th in the AP Top 25 — the highest in that poll since 2011; and 14th in the coaches poll. LSU is the highest ranked 4th loss team since Tennessee finished No. 12 in 2007; and the highest ranked 8 win team since 1994.

Coach O lost a verbal pledge from Zadock Dinckelmann, a 2018 QB out of Texas. He was one of four commits in the 2018 class for LSU.

Monday night’s College Football Playoff championship game was the lowest rated of the three CFP contests – but that could have been because it was the longest. The game which saw Clemson walk away with the title following a 35-31 victory over Alabama, was 4 hours and 8 minutes; the longest title game since the BCS era in 1999.

This weekend, it’s the NFL divisional round playoffs. On Sunday, the Cowboys will host Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. Dallas Owner Jerry Jones said Tuesday that former LSU Tiger and cornerback Morris Claiborne will be available. Claiborne missed the final nine regular season games with a groin injury.