Have we seen the last of New Orleans native and future hall of fame quarterback Peyton Manning? The Isidore Newman grad didn’t play well in the Broncos 24-13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Manning threw for 211 yards on 46 pass attempts and he goes one and done in the playoffs for the ninth time in his career. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Manning played with a torn right quad, but the Broncos dispute that report.

Meanwhile, the Colts are headed to the A-F-C Championship game, where they’ll face the Patriots. Former LSU Tiger Brandon LaFell caught the winning touchdown pass as New England rallied to beat Baltimore 35-31 on Saturday night.

Former Dutchtown star Eddie Lacy rushed for 101 yards in the Packers 26-21 win over the Dallas Cowboys. Green Bay will visit Seattle this Sunday at 2 P-M in the N-F-C Championship game.

Tonight in Dallas, it’s the college football playoff national championship game as Oregon faces Ohio State.

The Pelicans finalized a three-team trade today that results in New Orleans receiving forward Quincy Pondexter and a future second round pick. In exchange, the Pels send Austin Rivers to Boston and Russ Smith to memphis. The six-foot-six Pondexter has played in 30 games for Memphis, averaging 4.5 points and two rebounds a game. He also spent his rookie season in New Orleans during the 2010-11 season, averaging almost three points a game.

In college basketball…LSU is 1-and-1 in the SEC after winning in a double overtime against Georgia on Saturday night. This week the Tigers visit Ole Miss on Wednesday and host Texas A-and-M on Saturday.

Louisiana Tech is one of three teams undefeated in the Conference USA standings. The Bulldogs host UAB on Thursday and Middle Tennessee on Saturday.

The Ragin Cajuns are all alone in first place in the Sun Belt at 4-0 and they are at Georgia Southern on Thursday.

Former Dutchtown star Eddie Lacey rushed for 101 yards and quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw for over three-hundred yards as the Green Bay Packers edged the Dallas Cowboys 26-21 in NFC Divisional Playoff action yesterday. Rodgers threw for three touchdowns as the Packers will travel to face the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Sunday. The Seahawks upended the Carolina Panthers 31-17.

Peyton Manning threw for 211 yards and one touchdown as the Denver Broncos were upset last night in the AFC Playoffs by the visiting Indianapolis Colts 24-13. Colts quarterback Andrew Luck threw for 265 yards and two touchdowns as Indianapolis advances to the AFC Championship game will take on the New England Patriots Sunday night. The Patriots edged Baltimore 35-31.

Was yesterday Peyton Manning’s last NFL game? In yesterday’s post game press conference, when asked if he would return next season, Manning responded ambiguously about his future saying “I could not say that”. This was the first time Manning has shown any doubt about returning to the field since the spinal fusion surgery on his neck.

The Pelicans are expected to finalize a four-team trade today. The Pels agreed to trade guard Austin Rivers to the Celtics on Saturday, part of a three-team deal, which included New Orleans acquiring Quincy Pondexter from the Memphis Grizzlies. The Pelicans also exchanged rookie Russ Smith for a future second-round pick. The Los Angeles Clippers are talking with the Celtics to acquire Rivers.

The Pelicans, who are 18-18 on the season, begin a week-long, five game road trip tonight in Boston.

This weekend in college basketball, LSU outlasted Georgia to pick up their first SEC win of the season 87-84 in double overtime. Tim Quarterman comes off the bench to lead all scorers with 27 as the Tigers improve their record to 12-3 on the season. LSU travels to Oxford to take on Ole Miss Wednesday night.

In the Sun Belt, ULM toppled Texas State, 62-59. The Warhawks have won three straight Sun Belt contests. ULM will try to make it four-in-a-row Thursday night as they host Troy.

Louisiana Tech remains undefeated in Conference USA after their 84-72 road win over Texas-San Antonio.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees has been added to the 2015 Pro Bowl roster. Brees will replace Steelers Q-B Ben Roethlisberger. For Brees, this is his ninth pro bowl selection. Brees threw for 4,952 yards and 33 touchdowns this past season.

In LSU news…there was a report former Saints defensive coordinator and Illinois and Florida head coach Ron Zook is a candidate to be LSU’s next defensive coordinator. But the Baton Rouge Advocate reports that’s not going to happen.

Former Warhawks Quarterback Cody Wells is back at ULM as he’s been named the’s school’s inside wide receivers coach. Head Coach Todd Berry has also announced that Mario Price will coach the running backs and also assume the role of recruiting coordinator.

Former Auburn and Mississippi State assistant Melvin Smith has been named co-defensive coordinator and assistant head coach for the Ragin Cajuns.

The Pelicans host the Memphis Grizzlies tonight at the Smoothie King Center. New Orleans will look to snap a two-game losing streak, while the Grizzlies have lost six of their last ten, but their leading scorer Zach Randolph may return tonight after missing the last nine games with a knee injury.

A highly ranked and recruited prep basketball star, Craig Victor, will transfer to LSU from Airzona. He’s six-foot-nine and he’ll be eligible to play in a game after the fall semester of 2015. Victor averaged 14 points and 11 rebounds at St Aug in New Orleans.

The LSU men’s basketball team will host Georgia on Saturday night in its SEC home opener. The Tigers lost in overtime to Missouri on Thursday. Also on Saturday, Louisiana Tech takes a three-game winning streak to Texas San Antonio. U-L-M goes after its thrid straight victory when it visits Texas State.

And in the SWAC….Grambling hosts Southern, the Tigers will look to snap a five-game losing streak. Tip-off is at 6 PM.

UL-Lafayette head football coach Mark Hudspeth has hired former Auburn assistant coach Melvin Smith to be his new assistant head coach. Smith will also serve as the Cajun’s defensive backs coach and co-defensive coordinator. While at Auburn, Smith helped the Tigers to the 2013 SEC Championship and the BCS Championship game.

The Ragin’ Cajuns also received a National Letter of Intent from Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College defensive back Christian Goodlett. Goodlett selected UL-Lafayette over Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, and Texas Tech.

LSU announced that its 2017 football season will kick-off at N-R-G Stadium in Houston in the Advocare Texas Kickoff against B-Y-U. It will be the first ever meeting between the Tigers and Cougars on the gridiron.

Louisiana Tech has announced its 2015 non-conference schedule. The Bulldogs kick-off the season September fifth in the newly expanded Joe Aillet Stadium against Southern. Tech travels to Kansas State on September 19th, host U-L Lafayette October 3rd and visit Mississippi State on October 17th.

In college basketball action last night, LSU dropped its SEC opener to Missouri in overtime, 74-67. Missouri sophomore forward Johnathan Williams III lead all scorers with 21 points. LSU sophomore guard Tim Quarterman came off the bench to lead the Tigers with 19 points. Missouri held Jordan Mickey and Jarell Martin to just nine points each. LSU falls to 11-3 on the season and will host Georgia Saturday night.

UL-Lafayette remains undefeated in the Sun Belt as they downed Georgia State 84-80. Brian Williams lead the way with 20 points as all five Cajun starters scored in double figures. UL-L is 10-5 and a perfect 4-0 in conference play. They next face Georgia Southern on the road Thursday night.

Also in the Sun Belt, ULM improves to 2-1 in league play as they defeated Texas-Arlington 76-73. Senior Center Marvin Williams poured in 22 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in the win. The Warhawks are 8-6 overall on the season and will take on Texas State Saturday night.

And Louisiana Tech stays undefeated in Conference USA play with a 58-45 win over UTEP.

Penn State defensive coordinator Bob Shoop reportedly interviewed with Les Miles, but decided to remain with the Nittany Lions. Glen Guilbeau says Shoop was the best candidate out there named so far….

cut 13 (08) “…Coach Chavis”

A top candidate for the vacant LSU Defensive Coordinator position is no longer under consideration. Penn State defensive coordinator Bob Shoop reportedly interviewed, but decided to remain with the Nittany Lions. LSU beat writer for Gannett newspapers Guilbeau says Shoop was the best candidate Miles has spoken to so far…
CUT 13 (08) Q: ‘coach Chavis’

In college basketball…U-L Lafayette hosts Georgia State in a Big Sun Belt match-up. Both teams are 9-and-5 overall and Georgia State is led by Ryan Harrow, who is averaging 20 points a game. Cajuns Coach Coach Bob Marlin…
cut 19 (22) “…some success”
Tip-off is at 7:15.

Ryan Pace has left as the Saints director of player personnel to become the new general manager of the Chicago Bears. Pace has spent the last 14 seasons in the front office of the Black and Gold. Saints G-M Mickey Loomis said earlier this week that Pace is a talented person, who he expected to lose at some point.

LSU announced today that it will kick-off the 2017 season against B-Y-U in the Advocare Texas Kickoff at N-R-G Stadium in Houston. It will be the first meeting between the Tigers and B-Y-U on the gridiron.

Louisiana Tech has announced its 2015 non-conference schedule. The Bulldogs kick-off the season September fifth in the newly expanded Joe Aillet Stadium against Southern. Tech travels to Kansas State on September 19th, host U-L Lafayette October 3rd and visit Mississippi State on October 17th.

And the 2014 Duck Commander Independence Bowl had its highest TV rating since 2006.

The search for a new LSU defensive coordinator doesn’t appear to be going so well. Coach Les Miles has reportedly interviewed or spoke with several candidates, but so far a front-runner has yet to emerge. LSU beat reporter for Gannett Newspapers, Glen Guilbeau, says Miles may have to promote defensive line coach Brick Haley to replace the departed John Chavis…
cut 11 (07) “…look good”
Penn State defensive coordinator Bob Shoop reportedly interviewed, but has decided to remain with the Nittany Lions. Guilbeau xays Shoop was the best candidate out there named so far.

Louisiana Tech has finalized its non-conference football schedule for next year. The Bulldogs will kick-off the season by hosting Southern on September 5th, Tech will visit Kansas State on September 19th, host U-L Lafayette October 3rd and travel to Mississippi State on October 17th.

And the 2014 Duck Commander Independence Bowl had its highest TV rating since 2006 with a 2.5 rating.

Tough loss for the Pelicans last night as they fell to the Charlotte Hornets 98-94. That spoiled another great outing from Anthony Davis, who had 32 points, 12 rebounds and four blocked shots.

In college basketball tonight…LSU and Louisiana Tech face tough challenges on the road. The Fighting Tigers are at Missouri. LSU Coach Johnny Jones likes how sophomore guard Tim Quarterman is playing…
cut 17 (11) “….fun part”

And Louisiana Tech is at UTEP. Bulldogs Coach Michael White is hoping for a big game out of Raheem Appleby, who is averaging 17 points a game…
cut 20 (20) “…our league”
Tip-off in El Paso is at 8 PM.

Penn State defensive coordinator Bob Shoop will stay put and not join the LSU Tiger coaching staff, according to a twitter posting on his account last night. Shoop interviewed with head coach Les Miles yesterday, although it is unknown if Shoop was offered the defensive coordinator position. LSU defensive line coach Brick Haley, Alabama linebackers coach Kevin Steele, and Oklahoma defensive coordinator Mike Stoops are names still considered in the running.

The LSU men’s basketball team begins conference play tonight as they visit the Missouri Tigers in a game that will tip-off at 6 P-M. The Bayou Bengals enter league play with an 11-and-2 record and eight-game winning streak. But Coach Johnny Jones says a whole new season begins tonight…

cut 16 (15) “everything changes”

LSU is led by sophomores Jarell Martin and Jordan Mickey, who are averaging 18 points and 16 points a game respectively.

The Ragin Cajuns are 3-and-0 in the Sun Belt, the only team in the league with an undefeated conference record. But tonight U-L Lafayette hosts defending Sun Belt regular season champion and this year’s preseason favorite, Georgia State. Cajuns Coach Bob Marlin says turnovers will be a key stat to watch….

cut 18 (17) “certainly help’

Both teams are 9-and-5 overall and Georgia State is led by Ryan Harrow, who is averaging 20 points a game.

Despite 32 points and a dozen rebounds from Anthony Davis, the Pelicans lost to the Charlotte Hornets last night, 98-94. Jrue Holiday added 16 and Eric Gordon contributed 14 points in the defeat. The Pels have lost two straight as they head back to the Smoothie King Center to take on the Memphis Grizzlies Friday night.

In college basketball last night, Tulane fell to Temple, 64-56.

Several media reports are out that say Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan will return for a third season. New Orleans finished next to last in yards allowed in 2014, but NFL analyst Mike Detillier says that’s not all Rob Ryan’s fault…
cut 11 (07) “…defensive coordiantors”
Detillier expects Saints to try to overhaul the defensive players they have on their roster.

The Saints are also not making a change with their training camp site. Some fans thought that holding training camp in Greenbrier, West Virginia, led to their seven and nine record, General Manager Mickey Loomis disputes that opinion…
cut 30 (17) “…part of the solution”

Former LSU Tiger Odell Beckham Junior has been added to the Pro Bowl roster. An injury to Detroit’s Calvin Johnson opened up a spot for Beckham, who had a huge rookie season for the New York Giants. The former Isidore Neman star caught 91 passes for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns in 12 games.

Louisiana Tech made it official today as they added former Florida quarterback Jeff Driskel to the Bulldogs roster. Driskel threw for 34-hundred yards, 23 touchdowns and 20 interceptions during his time in Gainesville.

And Tech Head Coach Skip Holtz has reportedly hired an offensive line coach. His name is Robert McFarland, who is a former head coach at Stehen F Austin. He most recently was the offensive coordinator at Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Mississippi.

In the NBA…the Pelicans are at the Charlotte Hornets. New Orleans is 17-and-17, while the Hornets are 12-and-24, but they have won two in a row. Tip-off is at 6 P-M.

Several media outlets are reporting Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan will return next season. Ryan was placed on the hot seat by media and fans after the Saints finished the 2014 season 31st in the NFL in yards allowed. But even though it was a trying season, the players had expressed support for Ryan.

So the Saints will now look at trying to improve the personnel on the defensive side of the ball. But will they be able to, because of salary cap constraints. In a 30-minute meeting with reporters yesterday, Saints general manager Mickey Loomis downplayed those concerns…
cut 17 (16) “….salary cap”
Loomis says they’ll wait to make decision on the recently arrested Junior Galette until a legal and NFL investigation is completed.

LSU offensive lineman Jerald Hawkins and defensive back Jalen Mills will reportedly return next season. Hawkins is a draft-eligible sophomore, while Mills was seventh on the team in tackles last season.

Former Southeastern Louisiana head coach Mike Lucas will be a defensive assistant for head coach Mark Hudspeth at U-L Lafayette. Lucas was the defensive coordinator for Northwestern State last season. Demons head coach Jay Thomas says he’ll take his time in finding a replacement for Lucas.

Bastrop Head Coach Thomas Bachman has announced he’s stepping down. The Rams were 7-and-4 last season and lost in the first round of the playoffs.

In the NBA…the Pelicans are at the Charlotte Hornets tonight. It’s a good opportunity for New Orleans to come up with a win on the road as the Hornets are 12-and-24 on the season.

In college hooops…Tulane hosts Temple in their first ever American Conference home game. The Green Wave are off to a 2-0 start in league play after beating Memphis on Saturday.