| Greetings from Orlando, Florida. First of all, credit is due to the much-criticized Southwest Airlines for getting me here on time Friday. And my bags made it, too. In fact, my bag was the first one on the carousel. If you've never had your bag come off first, you've missed out on one of life's rare treats. Of course, not everyone — nor their baggage — is here in Orlando for Monday's Citrus Bowl (noon CST on ABC). Both LSU and Purdue have had their share of opt outs. Navigating them, plugging all the necessary holes to field a winning team, is the new roadmap of the postseason. Our Wilson Alexander explains how the Tigers and Boilermakers have managed preparing for the Citrus Bowl without some of their biggest stars. Meanwhile, one of the biggest stars of this game, former Saints QB and Purdue volunteer coach Drew Brees, got his name mentioned Friday with an issue considering his role with the team and his now former role representing a New Jersey sportsbook. Nothing illegal, but definitely not the kind of publicity the image-conscious Brees wants, I'm sure. Read about the details here. Jim Kleinpeter files this follow up story on LSU's impressive 69-45 road win at Arkansas on Thursday night to open SEC play. Kim Mulkey's Tigers are now 13-0 and looking to get to 14-0 Sunday with a win at home against struggling Vanderbilt. Finally, we hear from one of my fellow sports columnists, Jeff Duncan, with his podcast talking about LSU, Tulane's Cotton Bowl trip to face Southern California, and of course, the Saints. Saturday is a big day here at the Citrus Bowl media wise. We'll here from coordinators from both teams (including Brees) and LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels for the first time since he was injured in the SEC Championship Game. We then have both head coaches, both Brians — LSU's Kelly and Purdue's Brohm — on Sunday. So plenty more content to come from here in the land of Mickey. This is my last newsletter of 2022, my next one coming after the Citrus Bowl on Monday night/Tuesday morning. I want to thank you all for subscribing and following our LSU content this year. It's really been great helping bring our stories to you in this new format. We look forward to bringing you a lot more balanced, insightful and hopefully entertaining content (that's where I come in) in the new year. Here's wishing you and yours a most wonderful and prosperous 2023. Scott Rabalais | 