The start of what could be a special football season for the LSU Tigers begins today as the players report for Fall Camp. The Bayou Bengals are coming off a 9-and-3 season. College football expert Phil Steele predicts LSU will be one of four playoff teams at the end of the regular season. Steele says new defensive coordinator Dave Aranda should make LSU’s defense one of the best in the US…:
Cut 17 (17) “last year”
He says LSU is certainly loaded this year, but the key will be getting above average play out of the quarterback position.

Despite major injuries to both of his knees, the Arizona Cardinals have agreed to a five year contract with All-Pro defensive back and former LSU star Tyrann Matheiu. Sources say the agreement totals $62.5 million dollars, with $40 million guaranteed.

LSU and Rice announced Tuesday a two-game series will take place at Houston’s NRG Stadium in 2020, and in Baton Rouge in 2024. The Tigers and Owls are already scheduled to play in 2018 in Tiger Stadium, with LSU paying Rice $1.8 million dollars for that game. Another announcement LSU made yesterday was that the broadcasts can all be heard for free on your desktop and mobile devises this season. You previously had to pay for a subscription to hear the radio broadcasts stream.

The Associated Press’s top 100 best college football programs of all time has LSU at No. 11. It’s based on how many teams have been ranked during the 80 years of the poll. Ohio State tops the list. Tulane made No. 70.

The 2016 Olympic Games officially kick off today as former LSU Soccer standout Allysha Chapman and the Canadian Women’s National Team faces Australia in their first group match. Chapman will make history in Brazil over the next two weeks as LSU Soccer’s first Olympian. The opening ceremony for the Olympics is scheduled to take place Friday night.

Big news involving former LSU star Tyrann Mathieu. The Honey Badger has reportedly agreed to a long-term contract extension with the Arizona Cardinals. According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, Mathieu is set to sign a five-year deal that will pay him around 12-million dollars per year. ESPN’s Adam Schefter says Mathieu’s deal includes 40-million dollars in guaranteed money. The fearless defensive back intercepted five passes last year, before his season was cut short from a torn ACL.

LSU has made a couple of announcements. First of all, you will hear all Fighting Tiger broadcasts for free on your desktop and mobile devices this season. Previously, LSU fans had to pay for a subscription to hear games on their phones or computer.

And LSU has scheduled two football games against Rice. The Tigers will face the Owls in NRG Stadium in Houston on September 19th, 2020 and Rice will play LSU in Tiger Stadium in 2024. The two schools are also scheduled to meet in 2018.

ULM cut the ribbon on its new Football Fieldhouse this morning. It’s the first athletic facility in ULM history to be completely funded by private donations. The nearly 12-thousand square football facility has coaches offices, a video room, locker rooms and a hall of fame area. The players will see those new locker rooms when they report for fall practice tomorrow.

Nicholls State reports for fall camp on Sunday. The Colonels will have 20 practices leading up to their first week of the season. Expectations are low for second-year head coach Tim Rebowe. The Colonels were 3-and-8 last season and their top two running backs, Michael Henry and Tobias Lofton, have departed. Rebowe says they’ll be tough to replace…
cut 19 (10) “…of that”
Nicholls first game is September 10th at Georgia.

The Saints are taking the day off today, after what Coach Sean Payton called a good physical practice Monday in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. Payton was asked how he feels about where the defense is right now, after a brutal performance on that side of the ball the last two seasons…:
CUT 1 (15) “that point”
On the addition of Roman Harper, Payton said one of the greatest strengths of the 33-year-old is that he’s got excellent seasoned football intelligence.

In the MLB, The Texas Rangers acquired former UL Lafayette star catcher Jonathan Lucroy from the Milwaukee Brewers.

For the second straight season, the New Orleans Pelicans will play a pre season game against the Magic in Orlando.

The Southeastern Louisiana football team reports to campus today to begin preseason practice. After winning back-to-back Southland championships, the Lions went 4-and-7 last year. Coach Ron Roberts says the team is chomping at the bit to start a new season…:
Cut 16 (14) “part of it to”
S-L-U’s Southland opener is September 24th at Strawberry Stadium in Hammond against Northwestern State. Demons Head Coach Jay Thomas likes what he has at quarterback, which includes Ragin Cajuns transfer Brooks Haack…:
Cut 17 (21) “this time”

After missing his rookie season because of a hamstring injury, Saints cornerback PJ Williams has looked good in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, the site of Saints training camp. Coach Sean Payton is pleased with what he’s seen from last year’s third round pick…
cut 18 (19) “….little faster”
Williams has a chance to be the starting nickel back for the Saints.

Former Saints running back Reggie Bush has signed a one-year incentive laden deal with the Buffalo Bills. That’s according to multiple media reports. Bush played in just five games last season for the San Francisco 49ers. He tore his ACL and rushed for just 28 yards.

The son of LSU Coach Les Miles, Ben Miles, has committed to Nebraska, despite receiving a scholarship offer from his dad. Ben Miles is a fullback at Catholic High and helped the Bears win their first state championship last season

There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony tomorrow morning for ULM’s new four-point-one million dollar end zone facility. It’s the first athletic facility in ULM history to be funded completely by private donations and it’s the first atheltic facility to be built on campus since 1983. The facility contains a new locker room, new coaches offices and a Hall of Fame area.

Former Ragin Cajuns star Jonathan Lucroy is heading to the Texas Rangers. The All-Star catcher, who rejected a deal to Cleveland on Sunday, was sent to the Rangers by Milwaukee in a five-player deal. The Rangers also get Carlos Beltran in a trade deadline deal with the New York Yankees.

Through the first few days of training camp, Saints rookie receiver Mike Thomas has been a major storyline as he’s shown great ball skills by making some spectacular catches. Coach Sean Payton says they don’t want the former Ohio State star to just be a pass catcher, they also hope he can develop into an outstanding blocker…
cut 17 (17) “…good in that area”
Thomas is six-foot-three, 212 pounds and the Saints selected him with the 47th overall pick.

The son of LSU Coach Les Miles, Ben Miles, has committed to Nebraska, despite receiving a scholarship offer from his dad. Ben Miles is a fullback at Catholic High and helped the Bears win their first state championship last season

An NCAA rule change has allowed college coaches to publicly interact to a point with recruits. Coaches will still not be abllowed to comment directly about recruits, but they can now retweet, favorite or like a recruit’s posts. This morning, Coach Les Miles re-tweeted several posts about offers made to several high school stars.

At the time of this broadcast, former Ragin Cajun Jonathan Lucroy is still a Milwaukee Brewer. The All-Star catcher rejected a trade to the Indians, but other teams are still interested in his services prior to this afternoon’s trade deadline.

Former SLU Lion Wade Miley is now with the Baltimore Orioles. Seattle sent the starting pitcher to the Orioles, who are in first place in the A-L East. Miley is 7-8 with a 4.98 ERA, but has pitched much better in July.

After failing to get a hit in his first 18 at-bats, former LSU star Alex Bregman finally got one yesterday. But Bregman’s Astros still lost to Detroit 11-0.

Through the first few days of training camp, Saints rookie wide receiver Mike Thomas has made several impressive catches. Coach Sean Payton likes Thomas’ passion and that he continues to make a play or two every day. Thomas says he wants to gain his teammates’ confidence that he can make the difficult catch…:
Cut 16 (17) “be that person”
It was the second day for the Black and Gold in pads. They’ll hit the field again this morning, and are off tomorrow.

A familiar face was at Saints training camp on Sunday. Retired NFL great and New Orleans native Peyton Manning was at the Greenbrier for a speaking engagement, and decided to check out Saints practice.

Looks like LSU coach Les Miles won’t be seeing his son on the field in Tiger Stadium, as Catholic High’s Ben Miles announced on Twitter Sunday that he’s decided to play for Nebraska. Miles is one of the top-rated fullbacks in the nation – and he picked the Cornhuskers over offers from LSU, Michigan State and Boston College – among others.

Former LSU standout Alex Bregman finally got his first hit in the Majors. It took himn six games and 19 official at bats with the Astros before getting the shot in Detroit against the Tigers. Detroit first baseman Miguel Cabrera gave Bregman a hug following the hit.

Former SLU pitcher Wade Miley was acquired by the Baltimore Oriloes from Seattle on Sunday. Miley is making $6 million this season and is owed $8.75 million in 2017, according to sources.

A judge in Baton Rouge today will reportedly consider a request by an attorney for UL-Lafayette asking that the case be dismissed claiming that the school fired Jerry Baldwin in 2001 because he was black. Four months ago a jury deadlocked on the issue. But a lawyer for Baldwin believes another jury could reach a conclusion. Baldwin was The Ragin Cajuns first black head football coach and had a record of 6-27 in three seasons.

LSU running back Leonard Fournette has been named the Corbett Award winner for the 2015-2016 season. The Corbett Award is presented every year to the most outstanding amateur male and female athletes in Louisiana. Fournette was also the winner in 2013-2014 .

In the MLB, former LSU standout Kevin Gausman will take the hill for Baltimore against Toronto this evening.

Who Dat Nation is curious to see if the Saints and its superstar quarterback Drew Brees will agree to a contract extension before the regular season starts, but Brees says it’s not on the top of his mind. Brees is entering the final year of a five-year, 100-million dollar contract. The veteran hopes he and the team can reach a new deal and the relationship between him, his agent and the Saints remains good…
Cut 17 (10) “month and half”

Brees says he’s ending contract talks once the regular season starts, if he doesn’t have a new deal in place.

The Tulane football team lost quarterback Devin Powell to Nicholls State for his last season of eligibility, the school confirmed Thursday. He was listed 3rd on Tulane’s depth chart at the end of spring.

In the 88th annual international Gran Isle Tarpon Rodeo, a man from Houma landed a 167 pounder at the Sand Dollar Marina weigh station. Dustin Price says it took a 45 minute battle before the crew was able to get the fish aboard.

The Who Dat Nation is wondering if the Saints and its superstar quarterback Drew Brees will agree to a contract extension before the regular season starts, but Brees says it’s not on the top of his mind. He says it shouldn’t be a distraction for his teammates either…:
Cut 16 (20) “the team”
The 37-year-old also believes he can play past the age of 40. The comments were made following the first day of the team’s training camp in Whie Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.

The College Football Playoff has decided to move its semifinal games from New Year’s Eve — after it says television ratings fell last year. The CFP announced Thursday that they plan to schedule future games to ensure that they are played on weekends or holidays.

LSU running back Leonard Fournette has been named the Corbett Award winner for the 2015-2016 season. The Corbett Award is presented annually to the most outstanding amateur male and female athletes in the State of Louisiana. Fournette also won the award in 2013-2014.

In the MLB, former LSU standout Kevin Gausman will take the hill for Baltimore against Toronto this evening.

The Tulane football team lost quarterback Devin Powell to Nicholls State for his final season of eligibility, the school confirmed Thursday. He was listed 3rd on Tulane’s depth chart at the end of spring.

In the 88th annual international Gran Isle Tarpon Rodeo, a man from Houma landed a 167 pounder at the Sand Dollar Marina weigh station. Dustin Price says it took a 45 minute battle before the crew was able to get the fish aboard. The weigh station will run from 8am-8pm today and 8 to 6 tomorrow.

The Saints held their first practice of the 2016 season as training camp got underway at White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. For Quarterback Drew Brees, he’s entering the final year of his contract. Brees said today that he’s not upset he has not agreed to a contract extension. The 37-year-old also said he can play past the age of 40.

The College Football Playoff has changed its mind about holding semi-finals on New Year’s eve. They announced today that CFP semis will only take place on Saturdays or holidays. TV ratings were way down this past season as the semi-finals were held on Thursday, December 31st.

Former LSU Tiger Anthony Ranaudo was sent back to the minor leagues today, despite pitching very well in a loss to the Chicago Cubs. Ranauado gave up three runs in 6.2 innings and also his first hit in the major leagues was also a home run. It was the only run for the White Sox, who lost 8-1.

LSU Coach Les Miles says kicker Colby Delahoussaye will miss the start of preseason camp, after suffering injuries in a car crash that killed two others in Wisconsin. But Miles says the senior from New Iberia should make a full recovery….
cut 18 (16) “…real trauma”
Miles also added that alcohol was not involved in the crash.

In football recruiting news…Amite Quarterback Elijah Walker has committed to Louisiana Tech, while the Ragin Cajuns have received a verbal pledge from Scotlandville QB Levi Lewis.

In the NBA…the Mavericks have signed former LSU Tiger Keith Hornsby. Hornsby battled a sports hernia injury in his senior season, but still averaged 13 points a game.

The Saints first practice of training camp is in the books. Veteran safety Jairus Byrd was seen working with the starters during the full-team drills. Coach Sean Payton says Byrd is ready to go after appearing in just 17 games the last two seasons…
cut 30 (20) “…extremely well”
A key to improving the Saints defense this season will be creating more turnovers, but so far Byrd has just one interception in his two seasons in New Orleans.

In baseball news…former LSU pitcher Anthony Ranaudo’s first major league hit was a home run, but Ranauado and the White Sox lost to the Cubs 8-1. Alex Bregman remains hitless after three games.

You never know what LSU football coach Les Miles will have to say when he addresses the Baton Rouge Rotary Club and that was the case again this year. The Mad Hatter talked about the day he was beat up by his elementary school bully, Bobby Piper, who kept stealing his lunch money…
cut 17 (21) “…ditch”
Miles and the Tigers begin fall camp next week.

The College Football playoff has listened to complaints about having the semifinals on New Year’s eve. The CFP says in future years the semifinals will either take place on New Year’s Day or Saturdays or if New Year’s eve is a federally observed holiday. So for instance, in the 2018 season, the semis will take place on December 29th.