The Saints can qualify for the playoffs with a win over NFC South rival Atlanta or a Carolina loss this weekend. New Orleans has the easiest road to the post season of any NFL team still trying to qualify, only needing to win one of the next two to play in January. Quarterback Drew Brees says he would love to wrap this up and win in front of the home crowd…:
Cut 16 (17) “a game”
The game kicks off Sunday at 12noon on FOX.

New Orleans will be without safety Kenny Vaccaro who has been placed on injured reserve as a result of a groin injury which needs surgery so he’ll miss the rest of the season.

In the NBA, the Pelicans are on the road to face Orlando tonight at 6pm.

The college football new early signing period continues today. On day 2, LSU landed a second running back in Alabama native Tae Provens who becomes the 19th signee this week. #20 is expected to come today, Dallas native Jarell Cherry – then possibly at #21 five-star Bossier City Parkway wide receiver Terrace Marshall who is top-ranked nationally.

A third player from Notre Dame has been suspended for the Citrus Bowl New Years Day against No. 16 LSU. The latest is a junior tight end who won’t play because of what team leaders say is an internal matter. Two other players are already indefinitely suspended for the Fighting Irish after being arrested for shoplifting.

In college hoops, East Carolina held off Grambling 76-68. Southeastern fell to Notre Dame 86-50. Tulane picked up a victory over South Alabama, 77-73. Louisiana Tech defeated Alabama State 74-62 at the New Orleans Shootout. The Bulldogs will face Forty Wayne in The Big Easy today.

The LSU men’s basketball team looks to go on a short Christmas break on a happy note with a win over North Florida when the teams meet tonight at the PMAC for a 7pm tipoff.

Elsewhere, UL-Lafayette travels to face Clemson. The Ragin Cajuns wrapped up its non-conference home schedule on Tuesday with a come-from-behind 82-74 win over SLU.