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LAROSE, La. (AP) — Cajun pride is surging in the south Louisiana communities where LSU coach Ed Orgeron grew up along the bayou Lafourche. Top-ranked LSU is looking to close out arguably the greatest season in program history with a victory over No. 3 Clemson on Monday night in the College Football Playoff championship in New Orleans. Orgeron won a state high championship at South Lafourche High School. His mother Cornelia “Coco” Orgeron still lives on the property where he was raised. Childhood friends say Orgeron has remained true to his heritage and is virtually the same person they knew growing up.
KENNER, La. (AP) — LSU and Clemson have arrived in New Orleans and the College Football Playoff championship countdown has truly begun. It's been almost two weeks since No. 1 LSU and No. 3 Clemson won their semifinals games to set up the matchup for the national title game. Clemson arrived Friday after a short weather delay in two jumbo jets at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. There were two orange Clemson flags held up alongside the airline's exit door. The coaches and players walked onto an orange carpet and were greeted by a New Orleans style brass band.
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — The losses are adding up for North Carolina, along with the sleepless nights for Hall of Fame coach Roy Williams. The Tar Heels are just 8-7 on the basketball season entering a visit from Clemson, which is 0-59 all-time in Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels have struggled to replace their top five scorers from last year's team. They're also dealing with injuries that include top player Cole Anthony being sidelined after knee surgery. Williams remains tied with late mentor Dean Smith for fourth on the Division I men's coaching career wins list with 879 victories.
UNDATED (AP) — This could be the year Clemson finally wins a basketball game at North Carolina. The Tigers run of futility in Chapel Hill began in 1926 and has continued uninterrupted for 59 consecutive games. Yes, the Tigers are 0-59 all-time at North Carolina. Clemson will look to end the frustrating streak when it plays the Tar Heels on Saturday. The game highlights this weekend's ACC's schedule. North Carolina is just 3-7 in its last 10 games including three losses at home. The Tar Heels have also been without key players in Cole Anthony and Anthony Harris due to injuries.
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