The Saints will face the Colts on Saturday in the third preseason game of the year. A priority for the Black and Gold is to reduce the number of penalities called against the team. The Black and Gold were flagged 22 times for 184 yards against the Titans last Friday. Linebacker Curtis Lofton says they came away with a victory last week, but they have to stay away from the penalities…
cut 18 (11) “…tough defense”
Saints safety Jairus Byrd practiced at full speed today for the first time since training camp started. Coach Sean Payton says Byrd looked sharp and plans to play him on Saturday night.

Former LSU Tiger Tyrann Mahtieu was removed from the physically unable to perform list by the Arizona Cardinals. ESPN’s Adam Schefter says there is some optimism Mathieu will be ready to play in the regular season opener.

The LSU Tigers hold a scrimmage today, the final one before they begin preparations for the season opener against Wisconsin. A decision on who will start at quarterback for the Bayou Bengals is not expected anytime soon. And Badger head coach Gary Anderson says he’ll wait until the day of the game to decide between returning starter Joel Stave and dual-threat QB Tanner McEvoy.

ULM begins game week preparations today for its season opener against Wake Forest. That game is set for August 28th at Malone Stadium.

In Lafayette, Cajuns Coach Mark Hudspeth is concerned about all of the injuries in the secondary. Junior safety TJ Worthy started ten games last season, but has missed over a week because of a concussion.

And in basketball…Louisiana Tech won its exhibition opener in Bahamas last night, beating Pyramid Food Rockets 134-52. Junior college transfer Qiydar (Key-dar) Davis led the Bulldogs with 22 points.