The Mercedes Benz Superdome hosts its first football game of the season tonight as the Saints take on the Steelers in preseason action. Pittsburgh will present a good challenge for New Orleans’ defense as the Steelers are expected to play their offensive stars, Ben Roethlisberger, running back Le’Veon Bell and wide receiver Antonio Brown. After this game, the Saints will have to reduce their roster from 90 players to 75.

There’s been shuffling along the LSU offensive line during the preseason, but Ethan Pocic has remained the man at center. Tackle Toby Weathersby says Pocic’s presence makes the rest of the line play better…
cut 30 (15) “…myself feel better”
Pocic was named to the coaches All-SEC preseason first team.

Northwestern State Head Coach Jay Thomas announces former UL Lafayette quarterback Brooks Haack will start at QB when the Demons open the season a week from tonight against Baylor. Thomas says junior Joel Bumenthal will also get some snaps against the Bears.

McNeese State is ranked 11th in the Hero Sports preseason top 25 poll. Hero Sports covers FCS football and they have North Dakota State ranked number and Sam Houston State is ranked second. The Cowboys open the season next Saturday at home against Tarleton State.

Nicholls State ends fall camp tomorrow morning with a scrimmage inside John L Guidry Stadium at nine AM. The scrimmage will consist of about 90 plays in various situations such as third-down, first-down and goal line.

Preseason camp is over for ULM. First-year coach Matt Viator believes his team has progressed a lot over the course of the camp. The team will return to the practice field on Sunday night to prepare for the season opener against Southern.

The Saints third preseason game of the year is tonight as New Orleans host the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. This should be a good test for the Black and Gold’s defense as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, running back Le’Veon Bell and wide receiver Antonio Brown are all expected to play for the Steelers. Plus, the Saints o-line would like to put together a better performance than they did last week.

The biggest position battle during LSU’s fall camp has been the offensive line. Sophomore Toby Weathersby, who started just one game last season, could be the starter at right tackle next Saturday. Weathersby says he learned a lot from that start against Ole Miss…
cut 30 (18) “…roll now”

Wisconsin has named fifth-year senior Bart Houston as the Badgers starting quarterback for the season opening contest against LSU at Lambeau Field. Houston hasn’t played much during his career in Madison, but threw for 232 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions against Illinois last season.

Northwestern State Head Coach Jay Thomas has named former Ragin Cajuns QB Brooks Haack as the Demons starting quarterback. Thomas says Haack has been consistent in practice every day and his play has improved as he became more comfortable with the playbook. Northwestern starts the season a week from tonight against Baylor.

The Cleveland Browns have traded linebacker Barkevious Mingo of West Monroe to the New England Patriots for a 2017 fifth-round pick. The Browns selected Mingo with the No. 6 pick in 2013. The former LSU standout has recorded just seven sacks in three seasons and spent much of last season on special teams.

In preseason action last night…former Haughton and Mississippi State star Dak Prescott threw for 116 yards and a touchdown in Dallas 27-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

The Saints offensive line has taken a lot of criticism for how its played in the preseason and it has the Who Dat nation worried. New Orleans only had 57 total yards in the first half last week against Houston, and quarterback Drew Brees said after the game he had consistent pressure in his face. But Brees says he still has faith in his o-line…:
CUT 30 (25) “it’s supposed to go”
Brees believes you’ll see better results in Friday’s preseason contest against Pittsburgh.

LSU running back Leonard Fournette returned to practice Thursday. He’s been out since spraining his ankle during a scrimmage last Tuesday. Les Miles was not available to reporters after practice, but ESPN reported that Fournette practiced in a “limited capacity.”

Six LSU football players made the cut for the Rotary Lombardi Award Preliminary Watch List Thursday. According to LSU Athletics, Kendell Beckwith, Leonard Fournette, Davon Godchaux, Arden Key, Lewis Neal and Ethan Pocic made the final cut. Those players were among 158 candidates.

The Cleveland Browns are trading disappointing linebacker Barkevious Mingo to the New England Patriots for a 2017 fifth-round pick. The Browns selected Mingo with the No. 6 pick in 2013. The former LSU standout has recorded just seven sacks in three seasons and spent much of last season on special teams.

In other NFL news…the Detroit Lions have released former LSU running back Stevan Ridley. And a state judge has sentenced former Saints star Darren Sharper to 20 years in prison for drugging and raping women. The sentence is two years longer than a federal sentence Sharper recently received on the same charges.

The LSU women’s basketball team released it’s non-conference schedule yesterday and the Lady Tigers will begin the season on November 11th by hosting Louisiana Tech.

LSU has 13 players on the 2016 Preseason Coaches All-Southeastern Conference football team. The voting was done by the league’s coaches. First-team selections are Leonard Fournette, Ethan Pocic, Kendell Beckwith and Tre’Davious White. The second-team selections are William Clapp, Malachi Dupre, Davon Godchaux, Arden Key and Jamal Adams. Brandon Harris is on the third, along with Derrius Guice, Travin Dural and Lewis Neal.

Former LSU Tiger Barkevious Mingo has been traded by the Cleveland Browns to the Patriots. Mingo was the sixth overall pick by Cleveland in 2013, but has recorded just seven sacks in his three seasons as a Brown.

In other NFL news…the Detroit Lions have released former LSU running back Stevan Ridley. And a state judge has sentenced former Saints star Darren Sharper to 20 years in prison for drugging and raping women. The sentence is two years longer than a federal sentence Sharper recently received on the same charges.

In major league baseball today….former LSU Tiger Mikie Mahtook ended an 0-for-34 slump with a go-ahead double in the seventh as the Rays held on to beat the Boston Red Sox 2-1. Mahtook also made a nice throw in the eighth to nab Mookie Betts as he tried to stretch a single into a double.

The LSU women’s basketball team released it’s non-conference schedule today and the Lady Tigers will begin the season on November 11th by hosting Louisiana Tech. Nine days later, LSU will host the defending champs, UCONN on November 20th.

Kentucky men’s basketball coach John Calipari will donate proceeds from a charity softball game to flood victims in Louisiana. The coach says his foundation is teaming up with the American Red Cross to help flood victims. Calipari says Pelicans star and former Kentucky standout Anthony Davis made the suggestion to give the proceeds to those hurt by the flooding in Louisiana.

The LSU Tigers have 13 players on the preseason coaches All-Southeastern Conference Football team. Running back Leonard Fournette and center Ethan Pocic are on the offense’s first-team. Linebacker Kendell Beckwith and cornerback Tre’Davious White are on the first team. Making the second and third teams are Will Clapp, Malachi Dupre, Davon Godchaux, Arden Key, Jamal Adams, Brandon Harris, Derrius Guice, Travin Dural and Lewis Neal.

The Saints conclude training camp with a walk-thru today at the team’s training facility in Metairie. New Orleans has been able to survive training camp, with very few injuries. The biggest name to go down is defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins and he’s expected back soon after the regular season starts.

If the Saints and Quarterback Drew Brees are going to agree to a contract extension, it has to come before the start of the regular season. Brees says there’s nothing to new report on that end and has said he doesn’t want to talk about a new contract after the regular season begins.

The Saints offensive line has taken a lot of criticism for how its played in the preseason and it has the Who Dat nation worried. New Orleans only had 57 total yards in the first half last week against Houston, and quarterback Drew Brees said after the game he had consistent pressure in his face. But Brees says he still has faith in his o-line…:
CUT 30 (25) “it’s supposed to go”
Brees believes you’ll see better results in Friday’s preseason contest against Pittsburgh.

Two new high definition end zone score boards in the Mercedes Benz Superdome were unveiled on Wednesday — and they are massive. the new screens stretch 333 feet long and 38 feet high.

McNeese State has named New Orleans native James Tabary (Tab-er-e) as its starting quarterback. The transfer from Arkansas State beat out Grant Ashcraft. Cowboys Coach Lance Guidry likes Tabary’s ability to make all the throws, especially with pressure in his face.

Former LSU pitcher Kevin Gausman of the Baltimore Orioles has started a fundraising effort for victims of the south Louisiana flood. Donations can be made online at GoFundMe.com/LAFlood39. Gausman says the money will go to the Baton Rouge Aera Foundation Flood Relief Fund.

UL-Lafayette basketball coach Bob Marlin announces two players with SEC ties are transferring to the Ragin Cajun program. They are 6-foot-8 forward JaKeenan Gant out of Missouri, and point guard Marcus Stroman who played two seasons at South Carolina.

The LSU baseball schedule is out and the Tigers will begin action on February 17 with three games against Air Force. SEC home series are against Georgia, Texas A-and-M, Ole Miss, South Carolina and Auburn. Cody Ducote is off the roster but will still get his degree at LSU.

LSU Football Coach Les Miles believes running back Leonard Fournette will be back at practice tomorrow. The Heisman candidate has been out since suffering a sprained ankle two Saturday agos. Miles also says he has three offensive tackles rotating at two spots, sophomore Maea Teuhema, KJ Malone and Toby Weathersby. Miles says Malone and Weathersby are the starters right now.

The Saints held their final open practice to the public today as they get ready for the third preseason game of the year on Friday against Pittsburgh. Veteran offensive tackle Zach Strief says the o-line has to be better than last week, when they gained only 57 yards in the first half agaisnt Houston….
cut 30 (12) “…this week”
The Saints are 18 days away from the regular season opener against Oakland.

McNeese State has named New Orleans native James Tabary (Tab-er-e) as its starting quarterback. The transfer from Akansas State beat out Grant Ashcraft. Cowboys Coach Lance Guidry likes Tabary’s ability to make all the throws, especially with pressure in his face.

Former LSU Tiger Anthony Jennings has been named the starting quarterback for the Ragin Cajuns. Jennings arrived on campus in August after transferring from LSU, where he graduated this past summer.

UL Lafayette basketball announces they’ve added two players, who previously were at SEC schools. Six-foot-eight forward JaKeenan Grant and point guard Marcus Stroman will be eligible to play beginning with the 2017-18 season.

The Ragin Cajuns men’s basketball program released its non-conference schedule today. Coach Bob Marlin’s team will travel to Minnesota and Georgia and they’ll host Louisiana Tech and Pepperedine.

LSU’s 2017 baseball schedule was also released. SEC home series are against Georgia, Texas A-and-M, Ole Miss, South Carolina and Auburn.

LSU coach Les Miles says running back Leonard Fournette is no longer in a walking boot and should return to return practice tomorrow. Miles says wide receiver Travin Dural has returned to practice from an undisclosed injury and the head coach says the senior had a couple of nice catches in yesterday’s scrimmage. Miles says quarterback Brandon Harris completed 12 of 15 passes for 133 yards.

Former LSU Tiger Anthony Jennings has been named the starting quarterback for UL Lafayette’s season opener against Boise State. Cajuns Coach Mark Hudspeth says they believe Jennings gives them the best chance to be successful. Jennings beat out Jordan Davis and Jalen Nixon for the job.

The season opening contest between the Tigers and Wisconsin Badgers is 10 days away and the Badgers have yet to name a starting quarterback. It will be either Alex Hornibrook or Bart Houston. Houston is a fifth-year senior, while Hornibrook is a redshirt freshman.

The Saints are holding their final practice that’s open to the public today. Defensive end Cam Jordan likes how the defensive line is progressing…
cut 28 (18) “…excited about that”
The Saints host the Steelers in preseason action at the Dome on Friday night.

LSU released its baseball schedule for the 2017 season. The Tigers will open up the season on February 17th at home against Air Force. They’ll also have non-conference series against Maryland and Witchita State and travel to Houston the first weekend in March to play teams from the Big 12. The SEC opener is March 17th at home against Georgia.

Will we see a different Saints team when they take on the Steelers Friday? New Orleans is 0-2 in the preseason, and when asked about the struggling offensive line, coach Sean Payton says it’s a work in progress…:
CUT 1 (25) “we’ll be ready”
Payton says he has high expectations for rookie receiver Michael Thomas, and believes he’ll contribute early. He added that he doesn’t follow fantasy football, but adding Thomas to your team would be a good idea.

Recently released Saints cornerback Keenan Lewis reportedly met with Pittsburgh Tuesday. Lewis’ first four seasons in the NFL were with the Steelers.

As expected, UL-Lafayette coach Mark Hudspeth said he would name former LSU quarterback Anthony Jennings as the starter for the Ragin Cajuns to begin the season. He said their trio of QBs are performing well in practice, but Jennings is leading the pack.

With the 2016 college football season starting next week, ESPN released its preseason All-SEC team and it includes five LSU Tigers. Running back Leonard Fournette, center Ethan Pocic and guard Will Clapp lead the way for LSU’s offense. Defensive back Tre’Davious White and safety Jamal Adams represent the Tigers’ defense on the All-SEC team.

Fournette is expected to return to practice tomorrow as he is reportedly out of the boot after suffering a slight sprained ankle last Tuesday.

Former LSU basketball star and NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal is added to the list of those helping out flood victims in South Louisiana. Tiger coach Johnny Jones said Tuesday that all proceeds from a tournament he and Shaq are hosting September 16th will be donated to flood relief efforts.

Saints head coach Sean Payton had some high praise for rookie wide receiver Mike Thomas after today’s practice at the team’s training facility Metairie….
cut 30 (19) “…do well”
Thomas has stood out at practices because of his one-handed catches. He’ll likely start the season behind Brandin Cooks and Willie Snead, but he’s definitely ahead of Brandon Coleman, who is coming off a rough performance in last Saturday’s preseason loss to Houston.

Recently released Saints cornerback Keenan Lewis is reportedly met with the Pittsburgh Steelers today. Lewis’ first four seasons in the NFL were in Pittsburgh and it’s the Steelers who New Orleans plays on Friday night in exhibition action.

LSU is eleven days away from kick-off against the Wisconsin Badgers to begin the 2016 season and there’s quite a battle to see who will start at nose guard in defensive coordinator Dave Aranda’s three-four scheme. Greg Gilmore is fighting with 350-pound Travonte Valentine for that spot. Gilmore is impressed with what Valentine can do on the football field…
cut 29 (16) “…unstoppable”
LSU offensive lineman George Brown Junior is on the move as he’s reportedly transferring to another school.

The LSU men’s basketball team released its non-conference schedule today. The Tigers will host Southern Miss, Houston and travel to Wake Forest and Texas Tech. Coach Johnny Jones squad will also play in the Bahammas, where they’ll face Witchita State and possibly Louisville.