Bill Arnsparger, who guided the LSU Tigers to an SEC title in football in 1986, has passed away at his home in Alabama. Arnsparger was the head coach of the Fightning Tigers from 1984 to 1986, compiling a record of 28-8-and-2. Arnsparger also had a great run as an assistant coach in the NFL as his teams made the Super Bowl six times. He was the defensive coordinator of the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins.

Three LSU Tigers have been named to the preseason All-SEC first team. They are sophomore running back Leonard Fournette, offensive lineman Vadal Alexander and defensive back Jalen Mills.

In a poll of the league’s head football coaches, Georgia Southern is picked to repeat as Sun Belt champions. UL Lafayette received three first-place votes and finished second in the voting. ULM was selected seventh in the 11-team preseason poll.

Former LSU all-american Aaron Nola will make his Major League debute on Tuesday as the right-hander will get the start for the Philadelphia Phillies. Philadelphia picked Nola in the first round last year and he’s quickly moved up the Phillies minor league system. He was 10-4 with a 2.39 ERA in 18 starts in Double-A and Triple-A this season.

The SWAC’s head football coaches and sports information directors have picked Grambling State to win the West Division. Southern has been projected to finish in second place. Grambling is the favorite to win the West, even though they don’t have one player, who is first team All-SWAC offense or defense.

Former McNeese State basketball star Edmond Lawrence has passed away at the age of 62. The seven-footer was a four-time All-Southland Conference selection from 1973-76. Lawrence is the school’s all-time leading rebounder and shot blocker and he’s ranked second on McNeese’s all-time scoring list. “Big E” as he was nicknamed went on to play for the Harlem Globetrotters.