The Saints had a chance to win the NFC South on Sunday, but instead the Black and Gold’s playoff hopes came to an end with a bitter 30-14 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. What makes it hurt even more is that, New Orleans finishes the year with five straight losses at the Dome. Coach Sean Payton on the lack of wins at home this year…

cut 19 (14) “pretty obvious”

It’s the first time a Payton coached team has missed the playoffs since 2008.

Anthony Davis scored 38 last night as the New Orleans Pelicans edged the Oklahoma City Thunder 101-99. Tyreke Evans added 12 points in the victory. Thunder forward Kevin Durant did not play last night due to an ankle injury. The Pels, who improved to 14-13, continue their road trip and take on the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis tomorrow night.

For the fourth straight season, the Ragin Cajuns have ended the year by winning the R-and-L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. U-L Lafayette defeated Nevada 16-3 on Saturday in the Mercedes Benz Superdome. Coach Mark Hudspeth has now led the Cajuns to four straight…nine-win seasons…

cut 15 (21) “solid defense”

Senior quarterback Terrance Broadway set the tone early as he completed his first 14 passes, which is an NCAA Division One bowl record.

Louisiana Tech hits the practice field today in preparation for Friday’s Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl against the Fighting Illini of the University of Illinois. That game is scheduled for a noon kickoff this Friday and can be seen on ESPN.