| Spring is a time for renewal, and so it is for LSU's offense. Gone, of course, is Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels, who not only threw for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns this past season but also rushed for 1,134 yards and 10 more scores. That means a huge difference in where the rushing yards come from for the Tigers in 2024. “It'll be the biggest difference that you see within the offensive structure,” LSU coach Brian Kelly said recently. “The passing game, you'll have to look really hard to go, 'Well, that's kind of different.' But the running game will jump out at you as being different.” Just how different, our Wilson Alexander tells you, as the Tigers open spring practice on Tuesday. As spring practice opens, one wonders if the book has closed on Jalen Cook's second stint as an LSU basketball guard. Cook has been suspended indefinitely from the team, coach Matt McMahon said Monday, casting huge doubt on his future with the program. I give my thoughts about Cook's departure in today's column, topped with some thoughts on the state of this LSU women's basketball team heading into the postseason. The women's team opens the SEC Tournament looking fierce but also flawed, barely with enough depth to handle any more losses. LSU's SEC Tournament opener will be against Auburn or Arkansas, who play Thursday. The Tigers go to Greenville, South Carolina, as the No. 2 tournament seed and the No. 8-ranked team in the AP poll. The LSU softball team is the last undefeated team standing in Division I at 19-0. That's how the Tigers begin SEC play Friday when they travel to face Kentucky. Finally, the APSE (Associated Press Sports Editors) has released its contest winners for 2023, and The Advocate/The Times-Picayune have scooped up six top-10 awards. I brag on our staff to say that we have a great bunch of folks bringing you the sports news every day. And no one brings you more comprehensive coverage of LSU, the Saints, the Pelicans, high schools and UL athletics than we do. Of course, you're already a subscriber so you know that, right? How about telling a friend. We'd be oh so grateful. Until next time, Scott Rabalais | 