The second-ranked LSU baseball team handled its first major test of the season well last night as the Tigers defeated 19th-ranked Dallas Baptist seven to three at Globe Life Field in Arlington. Derek Curiel scored three times and Daniel Dickinson drove in three runs including a two-run homer in a four-run fifth inning. Connor Ware started and retired the first 12 hitters he faced. Casan Evans got the save as he pitched out of trouble in the eighth and was dominant in the ninth. LSU will play Kansas State in Frisco on Friday afternoon.

Also, the Ragin Cajuns outscored Southeastern Louisiana nine to seven. Tate Hess struck out a career-high seven and earned the win, Conor Higgs hit his second home run of the season. And Northwestern State defeated Alcorn State 10 to 5.

Basketball…the Ragin Cajuns lost to Arkansas State 83 to 64 and UNO is involved in a gambling scandal involving four of its best players, which is why they haven’t played since late January.

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It sounds like Derek Carr will be the Saints quarterback next season, based on comments made by General Manager Mickey Loomis and head coach Kellen Moore at the draft combine in Indianapolis. Moore says the Saints are fortunate to have Carr. It’s still possible that the Saints will try to adjust Carr’s contract to free up more salary cap dollars.

The NFL says it will use a virtual measuring system to determine first downs in 2025. The chain gains will still be used as backups.

In the upcoming regular legislative session, Baton Rouge Representative Dixon McMakin says he will propose a bill that calls for earnings through NIL deals to be exempt from state income taxes.  McMakin says schools outside of Louisiana are recruiting the Bayou State’s best prospects and tax-free NIL compensation can help athletes decide to stay home.

Cut 10 (09) “…we stay competitive.”

The legislation would be considered in the legislative session that begins in April.