The Saints will have an opportunity to address some areas of concern during their bye week this week. New Orleans has scored just six points in the first quarter all season. They have gone scoreless in the first quarter in 17 of their 24 games under coach Kellen Moore and have not scored on their first drive the last 11 games. Moore says they need to start better.

Cut 18 (18)  “…the opening drive.”

New Orleans was named a finalist to host both a men’s and women’s Final Four from 2032 to 2036. The Crescent City is one of seven finalists for each event and joins Indianapolis and Las Vegas as the only cities to be named finalists for both the men’s and women’s tournaments. With the next five locations already set, the hosts of the 2032 to 2036 Final Fours will be announced in July.

Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor will miss the remainder of the season as he undergoes surgery on a foot injury. The sophomore played through the injury for two games before sitting out against LSU and attempting to return this week against Oklahoma. He aggravated the injury against the Sooners and left the game early. He said in a statement released by the school that his commitment to the team will not change and Starkville is home.

Louisiana Tech star tight end Eli Finley was named the John Mackey Award Player of the Week for the nation’s most outstanding tight end in Week eight. Finley grabbed a career-high 10 catches for a season-high 128 yards and a touchdown in the Bulldogs’ 26-0 win over Old Dominion. Finley and the Bulldogs will be on the road this weekend for a pivotal Sun Belt West matchup with South Alabama.

UL Lafayette’s Brent Gordon Jr. was named one of 15 semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award for the top defensive back in college football. Gordon has recorded 46 tackles with 5.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, 12 pass breakups and two forced fumbles this season.