Today was LSU’s first full squad practice of the fall and the battle for the starting quarterback is far from over. Coach Les Miles said that sophomore Brandon Harris continues to get the first snaps, but that determining if it will be he or Anthony Jennings that will start on September 5th against McNeese has not been decided…:
CUT 1 (09) “to evolve”
Miles said Harris “took the first snaps” of Monday’s practice but that junior Anthony Jennings “stayed in for a good portion of them.

The New Orleans Saints started the second week of training camp with a full pads practice this morning at the Greenbrier in West Virginia and worked for a little over two hours. Coach Sean Payton said it was a crisp practice and plenty of impressive plays. The Saints final practice of the week is tomorrow then they’ll fly out Wednesday to Baltimore for Thursday’s game against the Ravens.

ULM Athletic Director Brian Wickstrom isn’t leaving Monroe — at least not anytime soon. Wickstrom had been a candidate for the AD job at the University of Akron but says he withdrew his name from consideration on Monday afternoon…:
CUT 2 (16) “community”
Wickstrom came to ULM in July 2013 after spending three years as the AD at the University of California-Riverside.

Today the Patriots released former LSU quarterback Matt Flynn and signed former Cardnials QB Ryan Lindley. Flynn opened training camp on the active/non-football injury list and never passed his physical according to coach Bill Belichick. ESPN reports a hamstring injury kept Flynn sidelined.

As extreme heat continues to impact the state, today marks the first official day of football practice for Louisiana High School Athletic Association schools. Director of the Louisiana High School Coaches Association Terrence Williams says it’s extremely important for student athletes to be hydrated before, during and after practice or any type of physical activity. He says their coaches use common sense and know that it’s important to keep talking to the kids during practice…

cut 15 (18) “hydrated”

The LHSAA has issued an extreme heat warning to remind parents, coaches, and student athletes of the dangers of heat related illnesses.

Louisiana Tech opened fall camp Sunday and will hold its first practice this evening. 99 players reported to camp in Ruston as the Bulldogs hope to build on last year’s nine win season.

The NFL pre-season got underway last night as Minnesota pulled out a 14-3 win over Pittsburgh in the annual Hall of Fame game. The Saints will open pre-season play Thursday night when they travel to take on Baltimore and the team seems to be relatively healthy as gameday approaches. Defensive end Akiem Hicks and safety Jarius Byrd were the only players who missed practice this morning due to injury.

The Arena Football League has announced that the New Orleans VooDoo have ceased operations. The league took over operations of the VooDoo last month as part of its plan to solidify its financial condition. The team ended its season Saturday with a 36-33 loss to Jacksonville. The VooDoo ranked near the bottom of the league in attendance, averaging just over 4,000 fans per game in nine home contests in 2015.

Former LSU All-American Lynnika Pitts continues to emerge as one of the leading triple jumpers in the US. At the 2015 North American, Central American, and Caribbean Championships, Pitts took the bronze medal with a career best wind aided jump of 46 feet.

Today marks the first official day of football practice for Louisiana High School Athletic Association schools and temperatures continue to rise. Director of the Louisiana High School Coaches Association Terrence Williams says when possible, practice times are adjusted to avoid peak heat hours…

cut 13 (14) “times of the day”

The LHSAA has issued an extreme heat warning to remind parents, coaches and student athletes of the dangers of heat related illnesses.

In Major League Baseball, Danny Valencia drove in the winning run in a wild ninth inning to lift the A’s over the Astros 5-4. Houston remains atop the AL West. Seattle doubled up the Rangers 4-2 and the Miami Marlins end their 6-game losing streak with a 4-1 win over the Braves.

The NFL pre-season got underway last night with the annual Hall of Fame game. The Minnesota Vikings pulled out a 14-3 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Black & Gold open pre-season play this Thursday night when they travel to take on Baltimore, but several Saint players are not getting practice time because of injury. Defensive end Akiem Hicks, wide receiver Brandin Cooks, safety Kenny Phillips all missed practice Sunday due to injury. Safety Jarius Byrd is still missing practice while doing rehab on his injured knee.

The Arena Football League has announced that the New Orleans VooDoo have ceased operations. The league took over operations of the VooDoo last month as part of its plan to solidify its financial condition. The team ended its season Saturday with a 36-33 loss to Jacksonville. The VooDoo ranked near the bottom of the league in attendance, averaging just over 4,000 fans per game in nine home contests in 2015.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees described the first Black and Gold scrimmage Friday at the Greenbrier in one word: Sloppy. Reporters say Coach Sean Paton was visibly frustrated with the amount of mistakes on the defensive side of the football. But Payton says as with any first scrimmage, there are going to be things they will go back and see positives when they view the tape…:
CUT 1 (13) “get better”
The Saints are off Saturday and return to the field Sunday afternoon to begin gearing up for Thursday night’s pre-season opener against the Baltimore Ravens.

A source said Friday that the New Orleans Pelicans are looking at options for remote training camp locations including the Greenbrier Hotel in West Virginia where the Saints practice. Los Angeles was another spot named.

For the second consecutive day at LSU fall practice, quarterback Brandon Harris took the first team reps with J.D. Moore and Leonard Fournette. Anthony Jennings worked with the second string backfield. The Tigers broke down into its first team skelton offense Friday again with Harris at QB. It also included Sophomore Wide Receiver Malachi Dupre who says Harris is getting more consistent with his arm…:
CUT 18 (14) “no matter what”
After the first practice Miles told reporters that it’s far more important how the quarterback competition finishes than how it starts.

ESPN analyst Lee Courso turned 80 years old on Friday and Miles took a break from practice to create a video to wish him happy birthday. In the clip Miles says Courso truly demonstrates the fun and passion of college football and the Mad Hatter offers a Tiger head because he likes it when Courso picks LSU.

The first day of LSU fall football practice is in the books. Brandon Harris, Anthony Jennings, and Brad Kragthorpe were the only quarterbacks working out in the morning group. Harris got the first rep with Leonard Fournette and J.D. Moore during play-action drills. Sophomore Wide Receiver Malachi Dupre says Harris still has a strong arm and he’s becoming more consistent with it…

cut 18 (14) “no matter what”

The Tigers open the season on September 5th against McNeese State.

The Saints held their Black & Gold scrimmage this morning in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia and three key players were missing. Running back CJ Spiller, offensive guard Tim Lelito, and defensive end Akiem Hicks did not participate becuase of injury. The extent of the players’ injuries is not known. The Saints open pre-season play next Thursday against Baltimore.

ESPN has ranked LSU running back Leonard Fournette at number seven in their list of college football’s top 100 players. The sophomore set a school freshman rushing record last season with 1,043 yards. The survey asked 43 college football writers, editors, and analysts to rate players on their expected contributions to their team in the upcoming season. Three other Tigers made the list: offensive lineman Vadal Alexander at number 42, defensive back Jalen Mills at number 60, and safety Jamal Adams at number 69.

The FCS Pre-season Coaches Poll shows a couple of state schools voted into the top 25. Southeastern Louisiana comes in at number 19 while McNeese State secured the number 23 spot. The highest ranked Southland Conference school is Sam Houston State at number four. Four-time defending FCS champion North Dakota State is ranked number one.

League sources report that the New Orleans Pelicans will open the 2015-16 season against defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors in Oakland on October 27th.

The first day of LSU fall football practice is in the books and five freshman got to work out with the veterans. All rookies the coaches allowed in were defenders: defensive backs Kevin Toliver II, Donte Jackson and Xavier Lewis and defensive ends Arden Key and Isiah Washington. Senior linebacker Lamar Louis on new defensive coordinator Kevin Steele…:

cut 17 (10) “all said and done”

Brandon Harris, Anthony Jennings and Brad Kragthorpe were the only quarterbacks working out in the morning group. Harris got the first rep with Leonard Fournette and J.D. Moore during play-action drills.

The FCS Pre-season Coaches Poll was released yesterday and a couple of state schools were voted into the top 25. Southeastern Louisiana comes in at number 19 while McNeese State secured the number 23 spot. The highest ranked Southland Conference school is Sam Houston State at number four.

The University of Louisiana-Lafayette football team will express their pride in their community on the football field this fall. Coach Mark Hudspeth says his team will wear Lafayette Strong decals on their helmets as a token of solidarity. Hudspeth says the inspiration for this comes from how the community came together after last month’s deadly Grand 16 Movie Theater shooting…

cut 13 (10) “the same way”

The Lafayette Strong decals will be same design as signs appearing throughout the area, the Acadiana flag inside an outline of the state of Louisiana.

NBA sources say the New Orleans Pelicans will open the 2015-16 against a formidable foe, defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors. The Pels will face league MVP Stephen Curry and the Warriors in Oakland on October 27th, opening night for the NBA season. Golden State will turn around and travel to New Orleans to face the Pelicans in their home opener on either October 30 or 31.

As LSU began split squad practices Thursday, five freshmen worked out with the otherwise veteran contingent who hit the field for the morning session. Senior linebacker Lamar Louis says playing for new defensive coordinator Kevin Steele brings that NFL feeling to the game…:
CUT 1 (09) “that you know”
Coach Les Miles anticipates a good number of freshmen getting on the field this year…:
CUT 18 (16) “be used”
Brandon Harris, Anthony Jennings and Brad Kragthorpe were the only quarterbacks working out in the morning group. Harris got the first rep with Leonard Fournette and J.D. Moore during play-action drills.

CBS Sports interviewed 42 SEC players, three from each team, and they were questioned on various subjects. The responses indicated Alabama is their favorite to win in the SEC, with LSU 7th. Nick Saban is their choice as best coach, with Les Miles ranking 4th. Tiger Stadium is their favorite stadium to visit.

The University of Louisiana-Lafayette football team will express their pride in their community on the football field this fall, in the wake of the deadly Lafayette Theatre shooting. Coach Mark Hudspeth says they will be wearing the Lafayette Strong decals on their helmets…
CUT 13 (10) Q: ‘ the same way”
The Lafayette Strong decals show the Acadiana flag inside an outline of the state of Louisiana.

The Miami Herald reports that the Pelicans are expected to take on the Miami Heat in one of the NBA’s showcase matchups on Christmas Day. The paper says a leaked version of the upcoming league schedule tentatively has the Pels traveling to South Beach for a noon tipoff.

The LSU Tigers begin fall practice today and head coach Les Miles says quarterback is the one position most unsettled. Anthony Jennings and Brandon Harris will spend the next month competing to be the starting quarterback. Jennings missed most of the summer, because he was suspended for an arrest, where the criminal charges were dropped. Defensive back Dewayne Thomas was also arrested with Jennings, but Miles made it sound like that both players will NOT be suspended for the season opener…

cut 17 (13) ” been derived”

The Tigers kick-off the season on September fifth against McNeese State.

It’s been announced that the LSU men’s basketball team will face Marquette in the opening game of the Legends Classic on November 23rd in Brooklyn, New York. Tipoff is scheduled for 6PM and the game will be televised on ESPN2. North Carolina State and Arizona State will also compete in the tournament.

In the wake of the Lafayette theater shooting, the University of Louisiana-Lafayette football team will express their pride in their community on the football field this fall. Coach Mark Hudspeth says his team will wear Lafayette Strong decals on their helmets as a token of solidarity …

cut 12 (10) “is unbelievable”

The Lafayette Strong decals will be same design as signs appearing throughout the area, the Acadiana flag inside an outline of the state of Louisiana.

The Miami Herald reports that the Pelicans are expected to take on the Miami Heat in one of the NBA’s showcase matchups on Christmas Day. The paper says a leaked version of the upcoming league schedule tentatively has the Pels traveling to South Beach for a noon tipoff. The NBA is expected to release its 2015-16 regular season schedule next week.

The LSU Tigers begin fall practice today and head coach Les Miles says quarterback is the one position most unsettled. Anthony Jennings and Brandon Harris will spend the next month competing to be the starting QB when the Tigers kick-off the season on September fifth against McNeese State. Miles says there’s enough talent around the quarterback position for that person to succeed…

cut 16 (17) “whoever he is”

Jennings missed most of the summer, because he was suspended for an arrest, where the criminal charges were dropped.

Cornerback Tre’Davious White has been selected to wear the coveted number 18 for LSU this season. The junior from Shreveport received the honor last night. For the past decade, jersey number 18 has been worn by a team member that best exemplifies what it means to be an LSU football player, both on and off the field.

The Miami Herald reports that the Pelicans are expected to take on the Miami Heat in one of the NBA’s showcase matchups on Christmas Day. The paper says a leaked version of the upcoming league schedule tentatively has the Pels traveling to South Beach for a noon tipoff. The NBA is expected to release its 2015-16 regular season schedule next week.

ULM has released their 2015-16 men’s basketball schedule. The Warhawks 11 game non-conference schedule sees the team hitting the road to take on Minnesota, Northwestern State, Houston, Penn State and West Virginia. ULM will kick their season off November 13 when they host McMurry University at Fant-Ewing Coliseum. The Warhawks returns four starters from last year’s team that went 24-14.

Saints training camp continues in West Virginia with safety Jairus Byrd still on the physically unable to perform list. It’s presumed that Byrd is still rehabbing a knee injury that ended his season after just four games last year. Coach Sean Payton says Byrd is progressing well and he’ll be back on the field, sooner rather than later.

LSU’s quarterback battle between Anthony Jennings and Brandon Harris resumes tomorrow as the Tigers begin fall camp. Jennings missed a good portion of summer workouts because he was suspended following his arrest for an alleged break-in. Coach Les Miles was asked today if Harris was able to get a leg-up on Jennings in the quarterback derby…
cut 30 (12) “….early and late”
Miles also said today that defensive lineman Maquedis Bain, who was arrested along with Jennings, was never reinstated to the team, which is why he is no longer on the team.

LSU comes in at number 23 in the Sports Illustrated preseason college football Top 25 poll. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran believes LSU can win at least ten games this season…
cut 18 (11) “…from that”

After taking yesterday off, The Saints resumed training camp today in West Virginia with safety Jairus Byrd still on the physically unable to perform list. It’s persumed that Byrd is still rehabbing a knee injury that ended his season after four games last year. Coach Sean Payton says Byrd is progressing well and sooner rather than later, he’ll be back on the field.

Former Saints running back Pierre Thomas had a workout with the Houston Texans, but his agent says he will not be signing with the Texans at this time. Houston has a need at running back, because of a groin injury suffered by Arian Foster.

ULM athletics director Brian Wickstrom has reportedly spoke with the University of Akron about their vacant A-D position.

ULM men’s basketball released its 2015-16 schedule today. The Warhawks open the season on November 13th when it hosts McMurry University. The Warhawks will travel for non-conference games against Minnesota, Northwestern State, Houston, Penn State and West Virginia.