LSU’s defense looks to have taken a major hit this week as multiple reports indicate that Senior Christian LaCouture, a starter at defensive end, could be out for the season with a knee injury. But as far as a replacement, this major blow could be softened by the potential return of 340-pound former Tiger Travonte Valentine, who told 247Sports that’d he’d been cleared to begin practicing. LSU has yet to confirm this. LaCouture played in 11 games with 10 starts in his junior year.

Athlon Sports ranked the top 50 running back units for 2016 and not surprisingly, LSU earned the No. 1 spot thanks to Leonard Fournette. They said only two opponents held Fournette under 100 yards, and his 162.8-yards-per-game average was the best in the nation. Oklahoma took the No. 2 spot, followed by Florida State, Stanford and Oregon at 3, 4 and 5 respectively.

Louisiana Tech Athletic Director Tommy McClelland today unveiled planned facility improvements at Joe Aillet (pronounced eye-a) Stadium. He says the total price for the various upgrades, $18.6 million dollars, will be funded 100% through private donations…:
cut 15 (15) “impressive”
The improvements must still be approved by the Board of Regents and UL-System board.

There’s a buzz in the sports world today over the news reported by ESPN that 2007 Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow will hold a workout for Major League Baseball teams this month. He played in high school.

Fox Sports has ranked the top 20 coaches in college football for 2016, and LSU coach Les Miles finished at NO. 13. Nick Saban took the top spot.

According to multiple reports, Senior Christian LaCouture (LACK-uh-chur), a
starter at defensive end, and sophomore Isaiah Washington, a backup to
Arden Key to hybrid outside linebacker, both sustained knee injuries Sunday
— meaning they could be out for the season. As far as replacing LaCouture,
a lot depends on 340-pound former Tiger Travonte Valentine, who told
247Sports Monday that’d he’d been cleared to begin practicing — a fact LSU
has yet to confirm.

The LSU basketball team says the start time and network for its January
28th game with Texas Tech has been revealed in the fourth annual SEC/Big
12 Challenge. ESPNU will televise the game in Lubbock with tip-off set for
1pm.

Saints Coach Sean Payton says of the Hall of Fame game being cancelled that
you’d think they would have used the correct paint for the field, and that
it was a disappointing development for fans and the people who put their
travel schedule around the game. The Saints released receiver Hakeem Nicks
from the squad. Left tackle Terron Armstead is back after being taken off
the physically unable to perform list. New Orleans begins joint practices
today with the New England Patriots ahead of Thursday’s preseason action.

Former New Orleans Saint and Falcons signee Lance Moore is retiring.
Atlanta posted the news on their website. Eight of Moore’s 10 pro seasons
were played in New Orleans where he won a Super Bowl with the Saints, and
had 4,281 yards and 38 touchdowns.

Former LSU defensive tackle Travonte Valentine is back with the Tigers and has been ruled eligible to play right away, as reported by 247Sports.

This 2016 Summer Olympic update out of Rio is brought to you by LUBA Workers’ Comp — delivering genuine dependability.

Baton Rouge’s Meghan O’Leary placed second in the double sculls rowing, along with her teammate Ellen Tomek. They’ll compete in the semifinals this morning.

Also today, former LSU star Allysha Chapman, who plays women’s soccer for Canada, will take on Germany.

Incoming LSU women’s gymnastics signee Ruby Harrold, competing for Great Britain, compete’s in the team final tonight at 7.

In women’s basketball, team USA and former Tigers Sylvia Fowles and Seimone Augustus pounded Spain 103-63.

The US still leads in overall medal count with 19, including 5 gold.

In rough news for LSU, Geaux247 is reporting defensive lineman Christian LaCouture suffered a knee injury in practice.

Former New Orleans Saint and Falcons signee Lance Moore is retiring. Atlanta posted the news on their website. Eight of Moore’s 10 pro seasons were played in New Orleans where he won a Super Bowl with the Saints, and had 4,281 yards and 38 touchdowns.

The Saints have released veteran wide receiver Hakeem Nicks and activated left tackle Terron Armstead from the physically unable to perform list. New Orleans begins joint practices today with the New England Patriots ahead of Thursday’s preseason action.

24-7 sports is reporting 340-pound defensive tackle Travonte Valentine is back with the LSU Tigers and he’ll be able to play this fall. Valentine was kicked off the team 13 months ago, because of violating team rules. He’s considered the number one junior college defensive tackle in this year’s recruiting class.

After a devastating hamstring injury in the loss to Ole Miss last November, senior wide receiver Travin Dural is back healthy. Dural says it took eight months to recover, but he feels good as the team started full squad workouts today….
cut 18 (17) “…feels like”
One other LSU note…one of the top defensive backs in the country has committeed to the Tigers. Jacoby Stevens from Tennessee, also had offers from Alabama, Clemson and Notre Dame.

Louisiana Tech’s first practice of fall camp is this afternoon. Bulldogs coach Skip Holtz says his team faces several challenges, especially with the schedule…
cut 30 (18) “…open date”
Holtz has also announced that senior quarterback Ryan Higgins will not start the season opener against Arkansas after gettting arrested on a DWI charge.

In NFL news…former Saints wide receiver Lance Moore announced his retirement after a 10-year career. The 32-year-old caught 389 passes during his eight years in New Orleans.

The Saints have released veteran wide receiver Hakeem Nicks and activated left tackle Terron Armstead from the physically unable to perform list. New Orleans begins joint practices with the New England Patriots tomorrow.

Just a few days after signing with the Atlanta Falcons, wide receiver Lance Moore has announced his retirement, ending his 10-year NFL career. Moore spent seven seasons in New Orleans and played in 101 games starting in 2007. During his time in the Big Easy, he caught 346 passes for 4,281 yards and 38 touchdowns.

Reporters have not had a chance to speak with LSU Quarterback Brandon Harris yet about fall camp, but his teammates believe Harris and the Tigers passing game is ready to take off this year. Here’s Junior wide out Malachi Dupre…
cut 17 (17) “…for us’
Also Wide out Travin Dural is back healthy after suffering a season-ending hamstring injury in the loss to Ole Miss.

Louisiana Tech quarterback Ryan Higgins will not start in the season opener against Arkansas because he was arrested last Friday on a DWI charge. Coach Skip Holtz says his senior signal caller will also undergo counseling, drinking and driving education and community service.

Holtz is disappointed in Higgins’ decision to drive drunk, but he’s happy former Oklahoma wide receiver Adrian Hardy is on the roster, because of what he brings to the field…
cut 30 (21) “…on the field”
The Bulldogs first practice of fall camp is this afternoon.

Back to the Saints….the team announced they’ve signed long snapper Chris Highland and released veteran wide receiver Hakeem Nicks.

Those that had been waiting all year to catch some pro football — will have to wait another four days. The NFL canceled Sunday night’s Hall of Fame game because of poor field conditions.

This 2016 Summer Olympic update out of Rio is brought to you by LUBA Workers’ Comp — delivering genuine dependability.

Former LSU standouts Sylvia Fowles amd Seimone Augustus and the US women’s basketball team opened play in the Olympics with a record route. The Americans pounded Senegal 121-56. Fowles tied for the team lead with 15 points and 7 rebounds.

Katie Ledecky gave the US the first swimming gold of the Rio games last night in the women’s 400 meter freestyle. In the 4×100 meter freestyle, Michael Phelps picked up his 19th gold medal.

In gymnastics, LSU incoming freshman Ruby Harold – who competes for Great Britain, advanced to the finals.

So far, the US leads the medal count with 12 total.

Louisiana Tech is set to hold their first official team practice this afternoon, ahead of the season which begins September 3rd against Arkansas on the road. Coach Skip Holtz addressed the DUI arrest of starting quarterback Ryan Higgins. He says Higgins’ punishment does not include a suspension, however…:
CUT 1 (13) “situation”

LSU’s first full squad workout in full pads is this morning as the Tigers continue preparations for the season opener against Wisconsin. Many are wondering if the Tigers can greatly improve a pass offense that ranked 105th in the country last season. Junior wide receiver Malachi Dupre says the pieces are there to get it done…:
Cut 16 (11) “show it”

LSU is ranked sixth in the preseason coaches poll. That’s the Tigers highest preseason ranking since 2012. Linebacker Corey Thompson was a freshman that year. The fifth-year senior says he wants to leave LSU with a championship…
cut 20 (16) “….this year”

In Ruston, Louisiana Tech starting quarterback Ryan Higgns was arrested early Friday morning for driving while under the influence. Higgins was allegedly speeding and performed poorly on a sobriety test. His BAC was a reported .119. Bulldogs Head Coach Skip Holtz says they won’t make any decisions on discipline, until they have the opportunity to gather all of the information. Tech begins fall camp on Sunday.

A former fan favorite for Saints fans will reportedly sign with NFC South rival Atlanta. Lance Moore, who will turn 33-years-old later this month, will get a chance to make the Falcons, who lack depth at the wide receiver position. Moore caught 29 passes for 337 yards and 4 touchdowns with the Lions last season.

At Saints training camp, for a second day in a row, wide receiver Brandin Cooks and cornerback Keenan Lewis did not practice with the team. Coach Sean Payton is not commenting on their injuries, but Cooks is expected to return fairly soon. Cornerback Damian Swann, who had three concussions last season, also did not practice on Friday.

The Summer Olympics will dominant the sports world over the next couple of weeks. There are three Louisiana natives representing the United States. Baton Rouge native Seimone Augustus is seeking her third gold medal with the US women’s basketball team. Shreveport weightlifter Kendrick Farris is making his second Olympic games appearance and Baton Rouge’s Meghan O’ Leary is a rower.

The Saints defense last season produced 22 turnovers, but the goal is to increase that number this year. Linebacker Nate Stupar…
cut 17 (15) “….to victory”
Cornerbacks Keenan Lewis and Damian Swann missed practice today for a second consecutive day. Wide receiver Brandin Cooks was also out and running back Mark Ingram was a no-show as well.

LSU sophomore defensive back Donte Jackson is back practicing with his team again, after missing much of spring practice because of academic issues. Jackson is ready for LSU to live up to it’s D-B-U nickname….
cut 19 (16) “…change a lot”

Louisiana Tech senior starting quarterback Ryan Higgins was arrested this morning in Ruston on a DWI charge. A police report says Higgins was speeding, performed poorly on sobriety tests and had a blood-alcohol concentration of .119. Head Coach Skip Holtz says they are aware of the situation, but won’t release any further comments until they gather all of the information and talk with all of the parties involved. The Bulldogs kickoff fall camp on Sunday.

The battle for starting quarterback is underway at UL Lafayette. Cajuns Coach Mark Hudspeth says Anthony Jennings, Jordan Davis and Jalen Nixon each had a good first day, with each taking turns with the number one offense.

There’s also a quarterback battle at McNeese State. Grant Ashcraft, Joe Lissard and James Tabany each took equal reps with the one and twos on the first day of camp.

And Northwestern State has added a pair of transfer defensive backs, Baylor walk-on Justin Barnes and California community college safety Eric Waters.

The first full day of camp is taking place on the practice fields at LSU. Veterans went through drills this morning and freshmen and a few older players have their own practice this afternoon. Coach Les Miles…
cut 19 (15) “…need reps”
The Coaches poll came out today and LSU is ranked sixth. Alabama is ranked number one, followed by Clemson, Oklahoma, Florida State and then Ohio State.

At Saints training camp, receiver Brandin Cooks did not practice today. Coach Sean Payton did not give a reason why Cooks was not in attendance. Cornerback Keenan Lewis, who just came off the physically unable to perform list, also did not practice. But Payton says they are taking it slow with the veteran, who had several injuries last season.

Former Saints offensive guard Jahri Evans will reportedly visit with the Seahawks tomorrow and is considered a good fit for Seattle’s offensive line. Evans who played for 10 years in New Orleans, was released by the Saints last February after refusing to take a pay cut. Evans has also visited with Buffalo.

ULM football coach Matt Viator says he’s pleased with the first day of fall camp. He says miskates were made as they install a new offense and defense, but it wasn’t as sloppy as a lot of first days are.

The NBA and the city of New Orleans are reportedly close to reaching a deal that will result in the Big Easy hosting the All-Star game on February 19th. A formal announcement could come as soon as next week, according to the Baton Rouge Advocate. The league has been looking for a site for the All-Star Game since moving the contest from Charlotte, because of a bill approved that limits antidiscrimination protections for LGBT individuals.

Fall camp is underway at LSU as the Tigers held their first practice of the 2016 season this morning. LSU is considered one of the favorites to win the Southeastern Conference and play in the College Football Playoff. They’ll need to get good play from quarterback Brandon Harris. Coach Les Miles says he likes the poise the junior brings to the field…
cut 18 (15) “…more of that”
Veterans practiced this morning and the freshman will practice this afternoon.

Fall camp is also underway for the Ragin Cajuns. UL Lafayette has a new offensive coordinator in Jorge Munoz and there’s a battle for starting quarterback. Jordan Davis and LSU transfer Anthony Jennings are competing for the job.

LSU is ranked sixth in the USA Today Coaches Poll. Alabama is ranked number one, followed by Clemson, Oklahoma, Florida State and Ohio State. Tennessee is ranked 10th, Ole Miss 12th, Georgia 16th, and Florida 25th.

Fall practice began this morning for the ULM Warhawks. First year head coach Matt Viator says there will be a lot installing on offense, defense and special teams, plus reteaching what they taught in the spring.

Viator’s old school, McNeese State, has also started fall camp. The Cowboys return 13 starters from a team that went 10-0 in the regular season last year.

Southeastern Louisiana is glad to have running back Rasheed Harrell and fullback Juwaan Rogers back on the football field as the Lions start fall camp. Both watched from the sidelines last year as S-L-U went 4-and-7.

And Former LSU baseball star Ryan Schimpf has been named the National Legue Rookie of the Month for July. The Covington native hit a franchise record nine home runs last month for the Padres.