Podcast: Bertman lights up before field dedication

LSU's Alex Box Stadium at night with new signage denoting Skip Bertman Field.

Legendary LSU baseball coach Skip Bertman talks with Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff about "Skip Bertman Field," his love for LSU, his legacy at the university and where he ranks among the greatest collegiate baseball coaches of all time. Continue reading →

Podcast: Ole Miss at LSU baseball preview

Advocate staff photo by ADAM LAU -- LSU's Alex Bregman gets high-fives in the dugout from teammates after scoring on a sacrifice fly out by Ty Ross to give LSU a 3-2 lead over Florida on Thursday, May 2, 2013.

The LSU baseball team has won the SEC West division and now it wraps up its regular season with a three-game series against Ole Miss at Alex Box. What kind of changes will the team make in this series as it tries to prepare for the SEC tournament. How good is LSU? Listen to this "The Advocate: LSU Baseball" podcast with Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Les East. Continue reading →

Podcast: Even though the West is won, LSU's baseball team can't relax

Advocate staff photo by TRAVIS SPRADLING -- LSU's Alex Bregman sprints to second base on his double in the sixth inning Sunday against Florida at Alex Box Stadium. The Tigers scored eight runs in the sixth and won handily, 18-6.

The LSU baseball team showed a lot of poise and determination when it won two out of three games at Texas A&M last weekend to win the SEC Western Division. So, how do the Tigers treat their last weekend of the regular season? In this "The Advocate: LSU Baseball" podcast, Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Les East talk about the week that was and the week ahead for LSU. Continue reading →

Podcast: Saints rookie camp preview

In this "The Advocate: Saints Football" podcast, Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Sheldon Mickles preview the Saints rookie camp. How can the five draft picks make a good impression? Which picks have a legitimate chance at starting in the fall? Continue reading →

Podcast: LSU at Texas A&M baseball preview

Advocate staff photo by HEATHER McCLELLAND -- Florida's Harrison Bader is safe stealing third, beating the throw to LSU third baseman Christian Ibarra during Friday's game.

In this "The Advocate: LSU Baseball" podcast, Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Les East preview the LSU at Texas A&M series. The Tigers can win the SEC West with a sweep of the three-game series. Do the Aggies have what it takes to surprise LSU? Is it "Omaha or bust" for the LSU baseball team this season. Continue reading →

Podcast: What happens to Jeremy Hill now?

Advocate staff photo by TRAVIS SPRADLING -- Defensive back Matthew Gibson (27) gets a stiff arm from running back Jeremy Hill (33) at LSU's annual Spring Game at Tiger Stadium on April 20. Hill was suspended indefinitely on Monday, two days after his arrest for his role in a fight at an off-campus bar.

What is the future of LSU running back Jeremy Hill, who received further restrictions on his probation on Tuesday following an arrest in a bar fight on April 27? Is LSU football coach Les Miles doing the right thing by keeping Hill on an indefinite suspension? Listen to this "The Advocate: LSU football" podcast with Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Matthew Harris Continue reading →

The Gators were just what the Tigers baseball team ordered

Advocate staff photo by TRAVIS SPRADLING -- LSU's JaCoby Jones, left, slaps the hand of assistant coach Will Davis as Jones rounds third base on his sixth-inning grand slam Saturday, May 4, 2013, against Florida at Alex Box Stadium.

After losing its first SEC series two weeks ago, the LSU baseball team rebounded with an impressive three-game sweep of Florida last weekend, but where do the Tigers go from here? Is LSU back to being as dominant as it was at the beginning of the season? Have the pitching staff and batters finally found their grove? Listen to Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Les East in this "Final Score" podcast. Continue reading →

Podcast: The LSU baseball team has to win its series against Florida

Advocate staff photo by BILL FEIG -- LSU outfielder Sean McMullen connects for a double to lead off the first inning.

These Florida Gators may lack the bite of some of their predecessors, but they are still talented. That's why LSU can't take them lightly during a three-game series that starts at Alex Box. But anything less than a series win for LSU against Florida could spell trouble in the long run. In this "Final Score" podcast, Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Les East look at the Florida-LSU series. Continue reading →

Podcast: Has the LSU baseball team hit a wall?

Advocate staff photo by BILL FEIG -- LSU-South Carolina baseball in Alex Box Stadium. LSU infielder Christian Ibarra (14) connects for a leadoff single in the bottom of the 4th inning. Photo shot on Saturday April 27, 2013, in Baton Rouge, La.. MAGS OUT / INTERNET OUT / ONLINE OUT / NO SALES / TV OUT / FOREIGN OUT / LOUISIANA BUSINESS INC. OUT / GREATER BATON ROUGE BUSINESS REPORT OUT / 225 OUT / 10/12 OUT / IN REGISTER OUT / LBI CUSTOM PUBLICATIONS OUT / MANDATORY CREDIT : THE ADVOCATE/BILL FEIG /

The LSU baseball team lost its first SEC series of the year when South Carolina won two out of three games at Alex Box last weekend. Was the lost weekend an aberration or something that could be a sign of things to come? Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Les East answer those questions in this "Final Score" podcast. Continue reading →

Podcast: South Carolina at LSU baseball preview

Advocate staff photo by CATHERINE THRELKELDLSU's Cody Glenn delivers a pitch against Kentucky last month.

South Carolina plays in the new Alex Box for the first time, and its reward is a good LSU team that is playing a SEC series at home for the first time in three weeks. Will LSU win yet another SEC series or does South Carolina have what it takes to slow down the Tigers? Listen to today's "Final Score" with Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Les East Continue reading →

Podcast: Zurich Classic preview

Associated Press photo by Gerald HerbertJason Dufner tees off on the eighth hole during the second round of the Zurich Classic last year.

The Zurich Classic is known for having fantastic finishes on the last day. What's going to happen this weekend on the TPC Louisiana course? Who are the top golfers to watch? What will be the keys to winning the tournament? Listen to this "Final Score" podcast with Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Scott Rabalais. Continue reading →

Podcast: How many former LSU players will go in the first round of the NFL draft?

LSU defensive lineman Barkevious Mingo runs a drill during the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

By all accounts and various reports, there is a very good chance that former LSU defensive end Barkevious Mingo will selected in the first round of today's NFL draft, but else from the Tigers will join him? Could it be safety Eric Reid, linebacker Kevin Minter or defensive back Tyrann Mathieu. Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Scott Rabalais look at LSU players going in the first round on the "Final Score" podcast. Continue reading →

Podcast: What are the Saints thinking with their first-round pick?

New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis smiles during a media availability about the NFL draft at the team's training facility in Metairie, La., Thursday, April 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

It's less than a week before the first round of the NFL draft, and no one has a clue what the Saints are going to do with the No. 15 selection. Then, there are a lot of factors that could impact what the Saints do, like the New York Jets having first-round picks at No. 9 and No. 13 after their trade of cornerback Darrelle Revis. In this "Final Score" Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Sheldon Mickles go over the Saints' options. Continue reading →

Podcast: Did the Tide expose some things about the LSU baseball team?

Photo by NWA Media's Andy Shupe -- LSU starter Aaron Nola delivers a pitch with Arkansas right fielder Tyler Spoon leading off of first base April 12, 2013, during the fourth inning against Arkansas at Baum Stadium in Fayetteville, Ark.

The LSU baseball team (37-4) made some uncharacteristic fielding errors in its weekend series at Alabama. Are those errors just a blip on the radar screen or something to really be concerned about? Are opposing hitters starting to get a good read on how to hit LSU right-hander Ryan Eades? Listen to the "Final Score" podcast with Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Les East. Continue reading →

Audio from LSU coach Les Miles postgame press conference

Advocate staff photo by BILL FEIG -- LSU coach Les Miles leads the team in singing the alma mater after LSU beat Texas A&M 24-19 on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012, in College Station, Texas.

LSU football coach Les Miles was happy with just about everything in his postgame press conference after the White team defeated the Purple team 37-0 in the Tigers' annual spring game. Miles was especially pleased with the offensive players on LSU's White team, which were the starters. Quarterback Zach Mettenberger completed 12 of 19 passes for 236 yards and two touchdowns. … Continue reading →

Audio of the postgame comments of LSU QB Zach Mettenberger

LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger talks to reporters during NCAA college football media day at LSU in Baton Rouge Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2011.

This is audio of the postgame comments when LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger talked to reporters on the field of Tiger Stadium after the Tigers' spring game. Mettenberger was 12 of 19 for 236 yards and two touchdowns to lead the White team to a 37-0 victory against the Purple team. Mettenberger talked to the media about the LSU quarterbacks being allowed to … Continue reading →

Podcast: This is LSU versus Alabama (and it's baseball)

Advocate staff photo by HEATHER MCCLELLAND --  LSU's Russell Reynolds is the starting pitcher for the game against Grambling  in Alex Box Stadium Wednesday, April 17, 2013.  MAGS OUT / INTERNET OUT/ONLINE OUT/NO SALES/TV OUT/FOREIGN OUT/LOUISIANA BUSINESS INC. OUT/GREATER BATON ROUGE BUSINESS REPORT OUT/225 OUT/10/12 OUT/IN REGISTER OUT/LBI CUSTOM PUBLICATIONS OUT/MANDATORY CREDIT THE ADVOCATE/ Heather McClelland

The LSU baseball team (35-3, 13-2) faces another tough road series, this time at Alabama (23-16, 8-7). Can the Tigers avoid a series upset against the Tide? Will the Alabama pitching staff, which has a 3.00 ERA, slow down LSU's hard-hitting offense. Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Les East talk about the series in this "Final Score." Continue reading →

Podcast: Are the Hornets/Pelicans headed in the right direction?

Associated Press photo by /Reed SaxonHornetscoach Monty Williams directs his team against the Los Angeles Lakers last week.

The Hornets finished the regular season with a 27-55, but was the season as bad as the record suggests? Can the team make a marked improvement next season as the "Pelicans"? What players let the team down? What players should not be back with the team next season? Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate contributor Darrell Williams recap the season in this "Final Score" podcast. Continue reading →

Podcast: Should the Saints keep Chris Ivory?

Advocate staff photo by PATRICK DENNISNew Orleans Saints running back Chris Ivory breaks free for a first down during Monday's game against Philadelphia. Ivory, who had 10 carries for 48 yards and a touchdown against the Eagles, said he hopes for more playing time.

Chris Ivory is the Saints best running back when healthy, but that hasn't been the case often. Now, Ivory is a restricted free agent, and there is talk about the Jets possibly making a run at him. Can the Saints afford to lose Ivory? And what about the Saints' offensive line? Should the team draft a left tackle in the first round or should they use that pick only on a defensive player? Listen to the "Final Score" with Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Sheldon Mickles. Continue reading →

Podcast: Adam Scott wins a questionable Masters

Adam Scott, of Australia, celebrates with his  green jacket after winning the Masters golf tournament Sunday, April 14, 2013, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Adam Scott deserves credit for winning the Masters in a thrilling playoff against Angel Cabrera, but questions remain from the tournament. Should anchored putting be outlawed immediately? Are the conspiracy theories involving Tiger Woods legit? Did the tournament really have to penalize 14-year-old Tianlang Guan for slow play on Friday? Listen to this "Final Score" with Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Scott Rabalais. Continue reading →

Podcast: LSU baseball weekend review

NWA Media photo by Jason Ivester -- LSU pitcher Cody Glenn delivers a pitch against Arkansas during the top of the first inning on Sunday, April 14, 2013, at Baum Stadium in Fayetteville.

The LSU baseball team showed a lot of heart and moxie taking a three-game series at Arkansas last weekend. In this "Final Score" podcast, Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Les East talk about the Tigers' thrilling 5-3 10 inning win at Arkansas on Sunday, which gave them the win in the three-game series, and the other weekend heroes for LSU. Continue reading →

Podcast: LSU at Arkansas baseball preview 

Advocate staff photo by SCOTT THRELKELD -- LSU's Mason Katz hits a two-run single in the first inning against Southern on Tuesday, Apr. 9, 2013, during the Wally Pontiff Classic at Zephyr Field in Metairie.

LSU leads the SEC with a .322 team batting average. Arkansas leads the nation with a 1.56 team earned run average. Will LSU's bats prevail or will Arkansas's arms be the deciding factor in a three-game series in Fayetteville? Listen to this "Final Score" podcast with Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Les East. Continue reading →

Podcast: The Advocate covers The Masters

Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, speaks with tennis player Caroline Wozniacki who caddied for him during the par three competition before the Masters golf tournament Wednesday, April 10, 2013, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

The Masters starts today, and Advocate sportswriter Scott Rabalais is there. In this "Final Score" podcast, Rabalais talks to Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff about how the course is playing and the golfers to watch. He gives his predictions on two players who could win the tournament. Continue reading →

Podcast: Can Tulane save its baseball season?

A struggling Tulane baseball team (17-18, 4-5 in Conference USA) welcomes equally, if not more struggling, East Carolina (15-18, 1-5) to Turchin Stadium for a three-game series on Friday. If Tulane wins or sweeps the series, the Green Wave could have the momentum they need for a late run. If Tulane loses or is swept in the series, then things could REALLY be headed down hill. Listen to this "Final Score" with Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Tulane radio voice Todd Graffagnini. Continue reading →

Podcast: Is LSU's offense going to be better than last year? 

Advocate staff photo by TRAVIS SPRADLING -- LSU quarterbacks coach Steve Kragthorpe, right, watches quarterbacks including LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger (8) warm up before the game.

This has been a spring of transition for LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger, who has a new offensive coordinator in Cam Cameron. Still, the questions remain: Is the offense better? How soon will the offense show its improvements? Is Mettenberger ready to become an elite quarterback in the Southeastern Conference? Listen to the "Final Score" with Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Matthew Harris. Continue reading →

Podcast: LSU coach Nikki Caldwell talks Women's Final Four

Associated Press photo by BILL FEIG -- LSU women's basketball coach Nikki Caldwell has signed four players for the 2013-14 season and another for the 2014-15 season to help bolster a lineup that fell as low as seven available players this season.

LSU women's basketball coach Nikki Caldwell is one of the few people who have won a national championship as a player and a coach. In this "Final Score" podcast, Caldwell remembers what it was like when she played in the 1991 Women's Final Four in New Orleans when Tennessee won the national championship. She also talks LSU women's basketball and gives a scouting report on the teams in this year's Final Four. Continue reading →

Podcast: It's been a week of tough losses at Tulane

Advocate staff photo by SCOTT THRELKELDLSU's Jacoby Jones forces Tulane runner Andrew Garner out at second base in the second inning during Tuesday's game at Turchin Stadium in New Orleans. The Tigers won 14-1 in eight innings.

What do Dennis Green imitations have to do with the weak-hitting Tulane baseball team? How tough were the player losses for the Tulane men's basketball team? Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate contributor Scott Kushner talk about the Green Wave's trevails in the "Final Score." Continue reading →

Podcast: LSU spring football 

Advocate staff photo by PATRICK DENNIS -- LSU LB Lamin Barrow (57) works in drills during Spring Football practice Tuesday at the LSU practice fields on campus.    MAGS OUT / INTERNET OUT / ONLINE OUT / NO SALES / TV OUT / FOREIGN OUT / LOUISIANA BUSINESS INC. OUT / GREATER BATON ROUGE BUSINESS REPORT OUT / 225 OUT / 10/12 OUT / IN REGISTER OUT / LBI CUSTOM PUBLICATIONS OUT / MANDATORY CREDIT : THE A

It's spring break at LSU, but the football team can't afford to relax and rest on their laurels. The spring game is less than three weeks away. Is LSU progressing the way it should be? Listen to this "Final Score" podcast with Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Matthew Harris. Continue reading →

Podcast: Can the Saints shop for bargain free agents and still improve?

Associate Press file photo -- New Orleans Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis speaks at a press conference after returning from his suspension last season. Loomis, addressing reporters Tuesday, tried to say as little as possible about the Saints' plans for the NFL draft this week.

The Saints continue to stockpile free agents, but how much of a difference will it make considering that the team is having to get low-priced players? Were there any players at LSU's recent pro day who could be impact draft picks for the Saints? Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Sheldon Mickles answer those questions in this "Final Score" podcast. Continue reading →

Podcast: LSU baseball

Advocate staff photo by SCOTT THRELKELD --   LSU coach Paull Mainieri, center, jokes with players Andrew Stevenson, left, and Christian Ibarra before the game against Tulane Tuesday, March 26, 2013, at Greer Field at Turchin Stadium in New Orleans. MAGS OUT / INTERNET  OUT/ONLINE OUT/NO SALES/TV OUT/FOREIGN OUT/ LOUISIANA BUSINESS INC./GREATER BATON ROUGE BUSINESS REPORT/225/10/12/IN REGISTER/LBI CUSTOM PUBLICATIONS OUT/ MANDATORY CREDIT: SCOTT THRELKELD / THE ADVOCATE

Paul Mainieri and the LSU baseball team (26-2, 8-1) have had a lot to smile about this season. The Tigers, who have an eight-game winning streak, swept a three-game series at Missouri last weekend. Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Les East talk LSU baseball in this "Final Score" podcast, Continue reading →

Podcast: the NCAA tournament and LSU

LSU forward Johnny O'Bryant III (2) heads to the basket as Georgia forward Donte' Williams (15) defends during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at the Southeastern Conference tournament, Thursday, March 14, 2013, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

Does LSU have to have forward Johnny O'Bryant return in order to make the NCAA tournament next year? And how busted is your NCAA men's tournament bracket? Listen to the "Final Score" with Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Matthew Harris. Continue reading →

Podcast: LSU countdown to the NFL Draft (Shepard, Dworaczyk)

LSU wide receiver Russell Shepard (10) dives for the end zone pylon, as Auburn cornerback Chris Davis (11) and Auburn defensive end Craig Sanders (13) try to drive him out short of the goal line,  in the second half of the LSU-Auburn game at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011.  Originally ruled short of the goal line, the play was reviewed and reversed, and Shepard was awarded the score, and a big momentum gain. LSU won, 45-10.

Even though he was highly recruited, Russell Shepard didn't make a big splash at LSU during his collegiate career. So, does that mean he won't be selected in the upcoming NFL draft? Josh Dworaczyk has the size and versatility that teams are looking for, but are there other things that could stop him from getting selected. Listen to the "Final Score" with Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Scott Rabalais. Continue reading →

Podcast: Debating ways to improve the Saints defense

Associated Press photo by Bill KostrounGiants running back David Wilson returns a kickoff 58 yards as New Orleans' Isa Abdul-Quddus (42) and Johnny Patrick attempt to tackle him during the first half Sunday.

Can the Saints stand pat and hope that a new scheme and a new defensive coordinator are enough to improve a defense, which set a NFL record for yards allowed last year? Or should the team explore all options in its quest to find a great defensive player> Listen to today's "Final Score" with Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswirter Shelon Mickles. Continue reading →

Podcast: LSU baseball

Advocate staff photo by CATHERINE THRELKELD -- LSU short stop Alex Bregman scoops up a grounder at the final series game between LSU and Auburn in Alex Box Stadium on Sunday.  Photo taken on Sunday, March 24, 2013. MAGS OUT / INTERNET OUT / ONLINE OUT / NO SALES / TV OUT / FOREIGN OUT / LOUISIANA BUSINESS INC. OUT / GREATER BATON ROUGE BUSINESS REPORT OUT / 225 OUT / 10/12 OUT / IN REGISTER OUT / LBI CUSTOM PUBLICATIONS OUT / MANDATORY CREDIT : THE ADVOCATE/CATHERINE THRELKELD /

Two teams that are seemingly opposites will have a big collision on Tuesday. The LSU baseball team (22-2, 5-1), ranked as high as No. 4 in the nation, has a four-game winning streak. Tulane struggled to win its season-opening series against Memphis. Tulane hosts LSU on Tuesday. Can the Green Wave handle the Tigers? Continue reading →

Podcast: Tulane baseball

Advocate staff photo by JOHN McCUSKER -- Rick Jones grabbed his 800th win as Tulane's baseball coach when the Green Wave defeated UCF 8-1 in Orlando, Fla., Friday night.

The Tulane baseball team opens its Conference USA schedule with a weekend series against Memphis starting on Friday. Will the Green Wave be able to bounce back from their tough loss to UNO on Tuesday? Can Tulane generate enough offense to take the series against Memphis? Listen to the "Final Score" with Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Tulane baseball coach Rick Jones Continue reading →

Podcast: Southern-Gonzaga men's basketball preview

Southern guard Derick Beltran, second from left, is teased by teammates after earning the tournament most valuable player honors following their NCAA college basketball game against Prairie View A&M in the championship of Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament Saturday, March 16, 2013, in Garland, Texas. Southern won 45-44.  (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

What are the odds that No. 16 Southern can defeat No. 1 Gonzaga and pull off the greatest upset in the history of the NCAA men's basketball tournament? Is Gonzaga overrated or underrated? Listen to this "Final Score" podcast with Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Scott Hotard. Continue reading →