06:45 Sportscast, September 22nd, 2016

The Saints have put cornerback PJ Williams on injured reserve, after the second-year pro was carted off the field last Sunday after taking a knee to the helmet twice while trying to make a tackle. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says the Saints are snakebit at this position as they’ve lost several cornerbacks this year because of injuries…:
Cut 17 (12) “tough loss”
They are expected to get Delvin Breaux back, but he’ll still miss several weeks because of a broken fibula.

Meanwhile Quarterback Drew Brees told WWL radio some of what he expects during the Saints Monday night game against the Falcons…:
CUT 2 (20) “in the end”

LSU Quarterback Brandon Harris received death threats following the Tigers loss to Wisconsin in the season opening game. That’s according to former LSU quarterback Jamie Howard, who was the starting quarterback for LSU in the early 90s. He told a Baton Rouge radio station that he had to give Harris some advice because the death threats really shook him up. Coach Les Miles says he realizes that games are important to players, coaches and fans, but what happened to Harris is unconscionable…:
CUT 1 (10) “wrong decisions”

LSU kicker Colby Delahoussaye tweeted a picture of his cleats with the numbers of two friends and football players who died in a car crash before the season started this summer. A small “27” and “3” appear at the heel of the cleat. Delahoussaye wrote on Twitter with the picture, “This is for my two boys, I got you guys always with me!”

 

16:45 LRN Sportscast September 21st

A former LSU player told a Baton Rouge radio station that Tigers Quarterback Brandon Harris received death threats following the season opening loss to Wisconsin, and it really bothered him. Jamie Howard, who was the starting quarterback for LSU in the early 90s, said he gave Harris some advice because he was having a hard time with the death threats.

Meanwhile, the Tigers continue preparations for Saturday’s match-up with the Auburn Tigers. LSU Linebacker Kendell Beckwith and safety Jamal Adams are two of LSU’s leading tacklers. LSU defensive coordiantor Dave Aranda says believes those two can be bigger playmakers as the season goes along…
cut 18 (16) “…matched up”
LSU’s defense produced six sacks last week, while Auburn ranks last among FBS schools in sacks given up with nine.

Several NFL reporters say the Saints will likely put cornerback PJ Williams on injured reserve. Williams was carted off the field last Sunday after taking a knee to the helmet twice while trying to make a tackle. He lost consciousness and spent the night at a local hospital. Coach Sean Payton said yesterday that Williams is fine. Williams spent all of last year on injured reserve, because of a hamsting injury.

Northwestern State is looking to avoid an 0-4 start when they visit Southeastern Louisiana on Saturday. The Demons have been struggling on offense. The most points they’ve scored in a game this year is 18, which they did in a 21-18 loss to Incarnate Word.

Grambling’s offense has been clicking. The Tigers won their SWAC opener last week by beating Jackson State 35-14. This Saturday Grambling hosts Alcorn State at 6 PM.

Louisiana Tech looks for a much better performance this Saturday when they visit Middle Tennessee for the Conference USA opener.

06:45 LRN Sportscast September 21st

18th ranked LSU is getting ready for an Auburn team struggling on offense. The War Eagles have scored a total of 29 points against the two Power 5 teams they’ve played this year. Tigers Defensive Coordinator Dave Aranda says the big challenge is all of the formations that Auburn uses…
cut 16 (12) “…main points”
Auburn Coach Gus Malzahn has announced Sean White will remain the Tigers starting quarterback, even though Auburn has struggled to produce big plays through the air.

The Saints have an extra day to prepare for the Atlanta Falcons, who they host on Monday night. Falcons QB Matt Ryan has been sharp this season, completing 73-percent of his passes, with four touchdowns and one interception, but Atlatna’s defense has given up a bunch of points this season.

Louisiana Tech looks for a much better performance this Saturday when they visit Middle Tennessee. The Bulldogs allowed 666 total yards in a 59-45 loss to Texas Texas last week. Calling the plays for the Blue Raiders this Saturday will be Tony Franklin. He was the offensive coordinator for Tech from 2010 to 2012.

Grambling’s offense has been clicking. The Tigers won their SWAC opener last week by beating Jackson State 35-14. This Saturday Grambling hosts Alcorn State at 6 PM. Fans are encouraged to wear white for the 6 PM kickoff at Robinson Stadium.

Southern also has a SWAC game this Saturday as the Jaguars visit Alabama A-and-M. Southern has already forced nine turnovers through three games.

In the Southland….Southeastern Louisiana begins the home portion of its schedule by hosting winless Northwestern State. The Lions are 12-and-1 in home openers.

16:45 LRN Sportscast September 20th

LSU’s Danny Elting should be heading into the Auburn game with confidence. In seven quarters of action. Etling has completed 57-percent of his passes for 315 yards and two touchdowns. But the transfer from Purdue knows there’s room for improvement…
cut 18 (13) “…keep going”
Auburn starting quarterback Sean White was pulled in the fourth quarter during last week’s loss to Texas A&M. But Coach Guz Malzhan says White will start this Saturday against LSU.

Ragin Cajuns Coach Mark Hudspeth says the placekicking job is under evaluation after sophomore kicker Stevie Artigue missed two PATS and a 40-yard field goal last Saturday. Hudspeth says other guys will get some opportunities this week, but he’s hoping Artigue can improve.

Louisiana Tech begins league play this Saturday against Middle Tennessee. The Blue Raiders are 2-1. They started the year with a shutout win over Alabama A-and-M, they lost to Vanderbilt and then defeated Bowling Green last week.

Looking ahead to this weekend in the Southland…Nicholls, who won its conference opener last week, are at South Alabama this Saturday. McNeese looks to rebound from a loss in their Southland opener, by getting a victory at U-I-W. Northwestern State travels to Southeastern Louisiana. The Lions are coming off a bye week, while the Demons are looking for their first win of the year.

In NFL news…former Saints running back CJ Spiller is reportedly visiting with the Green Bay Packers. New Orleans released Spiller last week, even though it seemed like he performed well during training camp.

Louisiana Tech men’s basketball releases its schedule for the upcomign season. The Dunkin Dawgs will visit Power Five schools like South Carolina, Nebraska, Cal and they’ll visit the Ragin Cajuns on December 10th.

11:40 LRN Sportscast September 20th

LSU’s new starting quarterback Danny Etling is getting ready for his first road start in the SEC. The Bayou Bengals’ last trip to the Plains was not a good one. The Tigers were embarrassed as Auburn beat up LSU 41-7 and the Tigers have lost six of eight on the Plains. But Etling is confident they can get the job done on the road…
cut 17 (17) “…win or lose”
Etling and LSU’s offense will go up against a defense that’s run by former LSU defensive coordinator Kevin Steele.

Saints Coach Sean Payton wants to see his team run the football more. New Orleans only had 13 rushes in their 16-13 loss to the Giants. Also, Payton still has a lot of confidence in rookie kicker Will Lutz.

Louisiana Tech quarterback Ryan Higgins could not guide the Bulldogs to a win over Texas Tech, but Coach Skip Holtz liked that his senior signal caller did not turn the ball over. La Tech is back on the road this Saturday for the start of Conference USA Play as they visit Middle Tennessee. Blue Raiders running back I’Tavius Mathers scored four touchdowns in a win over Bowling Green last week.

Cajuns Coach Mark Hudspeth says the placekicking job is under evaluation for UL Lafayette after sophomore kicker Stevie Artigue missed two PATS and a 40-yard field goal. Hudspeth says other guys will get some opportunities this week, but he’s hoping Artigue can improve.

In the latest high school football polls…John Curtis has moved into the top spot in Five-A after beating Parkview Baptist last week. Amite is the new number one team in Class 3-A. The Warriors have victories over Franklinton and Kentwood this season.

06:45 Sportscast, September 20th, 2016

LSU’s new starting quarterback Danny Etling played well in his first SEC start and now he’ll get a chance to make his first start against an SEC team on the road when the Bayou Bengals visit Auburn on Saturday. Coach Les Miles says Etling will play well, if he focuses on the task at hand..:
Cut 16 (20) “your job”
The game kicks off at 5pm on Saturday on ESPN.

Miles added Monday during Lunch with Les that star running back Leonard Fournette is not experiencing any swelling in his left ankle following the Mississippi State game. He said they are full speed ahead.

LSU’s next home football game will be televised on SEC Network, the university announced Monday. The Tigers face Missouri at home on October 1 at 6:30 p.m.

In the Louisiana Sports Writers Association Honors, UL-Lafayette running back Elijah McGuire got the Offensive Player of the Week award. HE rushed for 223 yards and a touchdown in the Cajuns’ 28-23 win over South Alabama.

LSU Defensive End Arden Key was dubbed the LSWA Defensive Player of the Week. He had two sacks among five tackles in the Tigers’ win over Mississippi State. Key and LSU punter Josh Growden have been named SEC players of the week. Growden was named Co-Special Teams Player of the Week after averaging 49.2 yards per punt against the Bulldogs.

The LSWA Special Teams Player of the Week is Southern Wide Receiver Willie Quinn. He had five touchdowns in the Jaguars’ 64-6 victory over Alabama State.

Nicholls freshman defensive lineman Sully Laice (Lesh) has received STATS FCS National Freshman of the Week honorable mention. The Former Lutcher standout had three sacks in a win over UIW on Saturday.

New Orleans Saints cornerback PJ Williams is back in New Orleans after suffering a concussion during Sunday’s game against the Giants. Head coach Sean Payton all of the news is positive.

 

16:45 LRN Sportscast September 19th

LSU sophomore Arden Key was named SEC defensive lineman of the week for his performance in the victory over Mississippi State. Key had five tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss and a pair of sacks. As a team, the Tigers had six sacks. Key on why they had success rushing the passer…
cut 18 (12) “…we know”
And LSU freshman Punter Josh Growden was named SEC Co-Special Teams Player of the Week. Growden averaged 49 yards on his five punts.

UL Lafayette running back Elijah McGuire was named Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week after rushing for 223 yards and one touchdown in the Cajuns 28-23 win over South Alabama.

And Nicholls freshman defensive lineman Sully Laice (Lesh) has received STATS FCS National Freshman of the Week honorable mention. The Former Lutcher standout had three sacks in a win over UIW on Saturday.

For the 22nd time in the Saints 50-year history, New Orleans is off to an 0-2 start after losing 16-13 to the New York Giants. But Coach Sean Payton is optimistic the boys in Black and Gold can turn it around.…
cut 20 (20) “…getting it done”
Cornerback PJ Williams is expected back in New Orleans after spending the night at a New York area hospital to have his spine checked. Williams was carted off the field after reportedly losing consciousness. Payton says Williams is expected to be fine, but it’s unclear whether he’ll be available for next Monday’s game against the hated Atlanta Falcons. The Dirty Birds are 1-and-1 after beating Oakland 35-28 yesterday.

11:40 LRN Sportscast Sept 19

For the 22nd time in the Saints 50-year history, New Orleans is off to an 0-2 start after losing 16-13 to the New York Giants. The Black and Gold return home to play Atlanta on Monday and Coach Sean Payton says his team will keep fighting…
cut 20 (20) “…getting it done”
There is some good news regarding cornerback PJ Williams, who was carted off the field after reportedly losing consciousness. A source says Williams be fine after suffering a concussion.

The other good news is that no one in the NFC South has a winning record, Tampa Bay was thumped by Arizona 40-7 to drop to 1-and-1. Carolina and Atlanta are also 1-and-1 after winning yesterday.

LSU’s Leonard Fournette’s return to the field from an injury on Saturday night was a mixed bag. He scored two touchdowns and rushed for 147 yards, but he also fumbled twice. Coach Les Miles says his star running back will get better with hanging on to the ball…
cut 17 (16) “….forefront”
Fournette and the Tigers travel to Auburn this Saturday. The War Eagles have won just two of their last 11 league games.

UL Lafayette running back Elijah McGuire was named Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week after rushing for 223 yards and one touchdown in the Cajuns 28-23 win over South Alabama. UL Lafayette heads to New Orleans this Saturday to face a Tulane team that’s struggling on offense after losing 21-14 to Navy.

16:45 LRN Sportscasts September 16th

LSU Football Coach Les Miles said that Danny Etling will start at quarterback on Saturday against Mississippi State in a video posted on the school’s website. Etling had immediate success when he came off the bench last Saturday against Jacksonville State. But the voice of the Tigers, Chris Blair, says the transfer from Purdue faces a much bigger challenge in his first start in Tiger Stadium…
cut 18 (20) “….thus far”
Etling has not started a game since 2014 when he was at Purdue.

It’s expected to be a high scoring affair when Louisiana Tech visits Texas Tech. The over-under is 80 points and the Red Raiders are a 10-point favorite.

The Ragin Cajuns complete their season-opening three-game homestand on Saturday night as they host South Alabama. This is the fifth time these two schools have met and the home team has won each time.

Also in the Sun Belt, ULM is a huge underdog in its Sun Belt opener against Georgia Southern.

In the Southland…McNeese hosts Stephen F Austin. while Northwestern looks for its first win of the season at Central Arkansas and Nicholls takes on U-I-W in it’s home opener.

In the SWAC…Grambling hosts Jackson State, while Southern takes on Alabama State in Mumford Stadium.

Saints linebacker Dannell Ellerbe, cornerback Delvin Breaux and tight end Josh Hill have been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Giants. Hill’s ankle sprain leaves the Saints with very little experience behind starter Coby Fleener.

Former Pelicans Head Coach Monty Williams, who lost his wife in a car accident last February, has found another job in the NBA. He’s been hired as the vice president of basketball operations for the San Antonio Spurs.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

In a video posted on the school’s athletic website, LSU Coach Les Miles says Danny Etling will start at quarterback against Mississippi State. Etling will face a Bulldogs defense that allowed 285 yards through the air in a season-opening loss to South Alabama. The voice of the Tigers, Chris Blair says 3 of the 4 starting defensive backs for the Bulldogs are first-time starters…
cut 17 (10) “….the secondary”
LSU is 22-and-2 against State since divisional play started in 1992.

In high school football last night….Karr defeated Brother Martin 55-46 in a match-up two highly ranked teams. Also last night, Ascension Catholic knocked off Central Catholic 28-21. In action tonight…North DeSoto is at Many.

Louisiana Tech senior Quarterback Ryan Higgins will make his second start of the year on Saturday against Texas Tech after throwing for 409 yards in a win over South Carolina State last week. Higgins was also intercepted twice and Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz wants his Q-B to make smarter decisions…
cut 20 (17) “…down the field”
Through two games, the Red Raiders are averaging nearly 587 passing yards.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2017 nominees are out, and former New Orleans Saint Darren Sharper, who is in jail on rape charges, is on the list.

The Saints visit the New York Giants on Sunday. New Orleans defense looking for a better performance than last week, when they failed to force a turnover or produce a sack.