It looked like the Saints would cruise to an easy win over Carolina yesterday. The Black and Gold jumped out to a 14-0 lead, but New Orleans committed 12 penalties before Will Lutz hit a game-winning field goal as time expired for a 34-31 victory. Coach Sean Payton says it wasn’t there best game and they need to cut down on the penalties…
cut 20 (18) “…bigger games”
Payton was also unhappy with the outcome of two challenged pass interference calls, both of them went against the Saints. The video replay judge called pass interference on rookie Saints defensive back C-J Gardner-Johnson, but the play did not hurt the Saints as Carolina ended up missing a field goal to take the lead.

LSU is 11-and-0 heading into Saturday’s SEC West battle with Texas A-and-M. Tigers running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire says LSU is seeking redemption from last year’s seven overtime loss to the Aggies…
cut 18 (20) “…worse than that”
Kick-off in Tiger Stadium is at 6 PM.

The Ragin Cajuns are Sun Belt Western Division champs after dismantling Troy 53-3. U-L Lafayette hosts U-L-M on Saturday night. The Warhawks need to win to become bowl eligible.

Louisiana Tech will need to beat U-T-S-A on Saturday and get some help from other teams in order to win the Conference USA Western Division after losing its second straight to U-A-B 20-14.

Southeastern Louisiana and Nicholls are both in the F-C-S playoffs. The Lions will host Villanova, while the Colonels will host North Dakota.