| Listen, folks. Let's just call it like it is: We’ve got a ton of stuff going on right now. So let's not beat around the bush, OK? Let’s just cut the small talk and get right to it. SUPER BOWL:Long before Joe Burrow, LSU had a quarterback in the Super Bowl. And if you haven’t read about him lately, read this heartbreaking tale. Wilson Alexander explores the mysterious life of a man who lived a seemingly difficult life, then died young, still searching for acceptance. After winning Offensive Rookie of the Year, Bengals receiver Ja'Marr Chase said he appreciates the support he gets from New Orleans (and LSU). Amie Just is reporting from Los Angeles and doing a hell of a job running down our local ties to the Super Bowl. In case you missed it: LSU’s Andrew Whitworth was named the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year. It’s the highest individual honor the league gives out. Also, in case you missed it, here is Whitworth’s moving acceptance speech. And then there’s Joe Burrow. Amie will have more on Burrow this weekend — but until then, columnist Scott Rabalais has a question: If Burrow completes the triple crown (Heisman, college championship, Super Bowl win), is he LSU's greatest ever? Stick with us throughout the weekend, because we’ve got more coming. In the meantime … BASKETBALL:The LSU women are alive and well in the NCAA tournament projections. Here’s a look at where they stand now. In the meantime, they’re looking for more frontcourt production. (Also: Mike the Tiger is taking fashion cues from Kim Mulkey. We know, we know: This is a cheap thrill. But you know you want to look.) The LSU men, fresh off a long-awaited, hard-earned win, head off to Texas A&M on Saturday. Also: Here’s where the Tigers and other SEC teams stand in the NCAA tourney picture. BASEBALL:On Thursday night, beat writer Leah Vann took a look at Dylan Crews in center field, the pitching staff and more in her baseball notebook as the season opener nears. On Friday night, Leah was back for more. She asked Jay Johnson about the batting lineup, pitching and health of team following Friday night’s scrimmage at Alex Box. GYMNASTICS:The LSU gymnasts came up short at Florida on Friday night, but coach Jay Clark told them afterward he was proud of their fight. Here's why. SOFTBALL:The season is here. Beth Torina’s team won its first two games on opening day at Tiger Park, thanks to a pair of homers and some efficient pitching. TRACK:Yes, track! Less than two weeks after tying the school record, LSU sophomore Alia Armstrong now sits alone at the top of the program's all-time list in the 60-meter hurdles. FINALLY: HERE’S A GREAT DEALIf you can’t tell from this newsletter, our sportswriters are the hardest-working folks in show business. They’ll keep you up to date on the latest news at LSU (and elsewhere). Support their work, and stay on top of everything. If you’re not a subscriber, come join us. Thank you for reading. | 