| Good morning once again from Augusta, Georgia: As I wrote this, everyone here was waiting for the severe weather that stomped through Louisiana, and how much it would impact Thursday’s start of The Masters. For certain, there will eventually be golf and they’ll wrap up the year’s first major by Sunday night, as usual. But there’s a little uncertainty for now. There’s also a little uncertainty about how the second coming of Harold Perkins will work out for the LSU defense after it being a failed experiment in 2023. New defensive coordinator Blake Baker says the staff has a plan and shares it here. One player who won’t be part of the plan is edge rusher Jaxon Howard, as he’s entered the transfer portal. The portal is also the destination for men’s basketball player Carlos Stewart. No transferring going on with the LSU softball team, just yet another dramatic victory. Wednesday, the Tigers rallied past SLU for a 7-5 walk-off victory. Back to the Masters. Why? Well, thanks to LSU’s Sam Burns, who may have reason to withdraw from this year’s tournament. Same for his good friend, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. We’ve also got five players to watch (plus five more) and both are in that listing. And while we have your eye, here is a link to my column saying how the story of Rory (McIlroy) is the biggest one going into this Masters. Thanks for reading and subscribing. Follow us for the latest, best and most comprehensive LSU coverage. Scott Rabalais | 
