| Happy Tuesday and happy holidays, everyone. Today's LSU newsletter is short but defintely sweet for Tiger fans, especially in the wake of Saturday's salty 50-30 loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship Game. Kayshon Boutte is coming back. The junior wide receiver announced the stunning news via social media Monday afternoon, saying he wanted to help LSU pursue another national championship. Not sure of course how the rest of the Tigers' roster for 2023 will look, but Boutte's decision definitely helps the cause. Like a lot of folks who cover LSU, I expected Boutte to announce he was turning pro, and possibly opt out of LSU's appearance in the Jan. 2 Citrus Bowl against Purdue. Now, just the opposite is the case. How different things are from spring football. Remember when Brian Kelly said he knew Boutte's name, clearly implying he didn't have a good relationship yet with the injured star receiver? Monday, Boutte closed his post about his return with "#BKTakeover," a clear reference to the still new Kelly regime. My, how things have changed. Boutte was a preseason All-SEC pick, though he didn't earn postseason honors. Those did go to three LSU players selected Monday to The Associated Press All-SEC team. Junior BJ Ojulari made the first team as a defensive end, as did freshman linebacker Harold Perkins. Sophomore defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo made the second team. Our other offering is an amusing story about legendary former Saints quarterback Drew Brees regarding the Citrus Bowl. Brees, as you may know, is probably just as big a legend at Purdue, where he he led the Boilermakers to the 2001 Rose Bowl against Washington. Brees said he has to pull for his alma mater, but that apparently doesn't go for everyone in the Brees household. LSU (9-4) is up to an 8-point favorite over Purdue (8-5). Wonder if any of Drew's kids are giving him points on the Citrus Bowl? Thank you again for subscribing this football season. It's been quite a ride and it isn't done yet, as we cover the Tigers all the way to Orlando and back ... and when they go back to Orlando to start next season against Florida State. Yours in football, Scott Rabalais | 