| I like to say after more than 30 years as a sportswriter that nothing suprises me anymore. But this surprised me, the news Wednesday afternoon that freshman quarterback Walker Howard had entered the transfer portal. Quarterbacks transfer all the time, more than any other position group. Everyone wants to be "the man" somewhere. But Howard was a legacy, the son of LSU quarterback Jamie Howard, and from just down the road in Lafayette. And it seemed set up for him to have a real shot to be LSU's starter in 2024 once Jayden Daniels' eligibility was up. Now that will not be, and it leaves LSU in a dangerous spot should Garrett Nussmeier decide to transfer, which perhaps in light of Howard's decision he is less likely to do. As for what kind of blow Howard's leaving might be to LSU, I don't think folks should fret too much about the loss of a player, any player, who has yet to prove their true worth to the program. Maybe he will go on to be a great quarterback somewhere else. Maybe he'll transfer a couple more time. Who knows? It was a newsy Wednesday overall, with word coming down from the NCAA that it is finally allowing schools to hire a third assistant in baseball and softball. This decision comes just a few days after the NCAA announced that host teams in the NCAA baseball tournament will get to be the home team for every game instead of having to be the "visitor" in their own ballparks. Such common sense decisions. NCAA, I hardly know ye anymore. Speaking of changes, big changes are in the offing for LSU gymnastics in the wake of a disturbing mob scene outside the arena in Utah where the Tigers had their season opener. I explain in my column here. The No. 5-ranked LSU women's basketball team looks to be on a collission course with No. 1 South Carolina in a few weeks, but first the Tigers put their 16-0 record on the line with a dangerous game at 14-3 Missouri. Tip off is set for 6 p.m. on the SEC Network. Meanwhile, check out LSU's improving odds for winning the national championship in year two under Kim Mulkey. Finally, any odds on the LSU men winning the national championship would have to be getting pretty astronomical after Tuesday's loss at home to Florida. And now the schedule gets really tough. That's all for now. Thanks for subscribing, and we'll see you next time. Scott Rabalais | 
