| vLSU coach Brian Kelly didn't waste much time finding a new defensive coordinator. Two days after firing former DC Matt House and three other assistants, Kelly named former LSU linebackers coach and now former Missouri DC Blake Baker to the position. The deal: a record $2.5 million per year for three years, as coordinator salaries continue to spiral upwards. Still plenty of hires for Kelly to make, of course: offensive coordinator, defensive line, safties and cornerbacks, assuming he splits up the coaching duties the same way. A coach in, but a player out. In one of your more puzzling player moves, Logan Diggs, LSU's top-rushing running back in 2023, has entered the transfer portal. A big crowd of more than 12,000 fans filled the PMAC Friday night to watch LSU dig out a season-opening win over Ohio State, 196.975-196.775. It was a good night for the Tiges except for some serious wobbles on balance beam (two fell, one score counted), but LSU got the win and has some success to build on moving forward. Check out our photo gallery from a festive night in the PMAC. Men's basketball enters SEC play Saturday with a game at Texas A&M. Check out our snapshot of where all 14 SEC teams are going in. Meanwhile, the LSU women are coming off an SEC opening 92-72 win over Missouri, with a lot to like in that game coming from sophomore guard Flau'Jae Johnson. Thanks as always for reading and subscribing. Have a great sports weekend, Scott Rabalais | 