The Saints head to Charlotte later today for tomorrow night’s NFC South match-up with the Carolina Panthers. New Orleans’ defense should have a little more confidence, after holding a good Green Bay team to two touchdowns and only one in the second half. Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan says playing better later in games has been a point of emphasis

cut 18 (14) “of it”

Last Sunday, the Saints defense had to deal with Aaron Rogers, tomorrow night it’s Cam Newton.

The Pelicans frontcourt of Omer Asik and Anthony Davis combined for 40 points, 34 rebounds, and 14 blocks as New Orleans opened the NBA regular season with a 101-84 win over the Orlando Magic last night at the Smoothie King Center. Davis led all scorers with 26 points. Former UL-Lafayette standout Elfrid Payton started for the Magic and had 4 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds in his NBA debut.

For the third time this season, the University of Louisiana at Monroe will play a team out of the S-E-C this weekend. The Warhawks are at Texas A-and-M for an 11 A-M kickoff Saturday morning. Coach Todd Berry says whether it’s a team out of the SEC or Sun Belt, he wants his team to prepare the same way…

cut 16 (17) “teammates”

The Aggies have lost three in a row and they are considering a change at quarterback.

LSU Atheltic Director Joe Alleva released a statement yesterday encouraging Tiger fans to remain in the seating areas the next time LSU has a big win in Death Valley. Alleva says LSU represents the achievement of victory with dignity and they do no want to sacrifice safety or sportsmanship. The school has been fined five-thousand dollars for violating the SEC’s policy against fans rushing onto the field or court.