Vote for LSU, Have a Great Day!

Vote for the Golden Band from Tigerland in ESPN/Lucas Film's Battle of the Bands. The battle features select college bands performing the Indiana Jones theme song.

Check out the video of the LSU Band featuring the Golden Girls & Mike the Tiger dressed as Indiana Jones and stick around for a fun cameo from the Mad Hatter himself, Coach Les Miles.

LSU vs. Mississippi State

VS.

After defeating Auburn last week, LSU returns to Tiger Stadium to take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs this weekend.

Mississippi State has had a rough year so far with loses to Georgia Tech and LA Tech, but they did hold Auburn to 3 points in their 3-2 loss to those Tigers. LSU has owned Mississippi State the past few years and blasted them 45-0 to open the season last year. The Bulldog team went on to have a solid season and made a bowl. This year's team is looking to turn their season around and nothing would be bigger for them than a win over the defending national champs on the road.

LSU may have found its quarterback last week in redshirt freshman Jared Lee. Tiger fans will be looking for the player who lit up Auburn in last week's second half and not the guy who was 0-5 with an interception. So which is the real Lee? Getting the team's second SEC win this weekend would go a long way in solidifying himself as LSU's starter.

Lee's job could be easy if RB Charles Scott continues his Heisman-like pace running the ball. Scott has had three-straight 100-yard games and will look to continue that against the Bulldogs. Mississippi State has a solid defense, but they gave up 38 points to Georgia Tech, who is predominately a running team.

On the other side of the ball, LSU's defense should overpower Miss State offense and it could get ugly early.

Prediction:
Miss State 6
LSU 27

Depleted Saints Return Home to Face 49ers

The Saints are currently facing an injury epidemic that few have seen before in the NFL. One-fifth of the Saints roster is out with injuries. Throw in the recent suspension of OG Jamar Nesbit and the Saints are struggling to find enough players to field a team.

At 1-2 the Saints season is far from over, but with injuries to guys like Marques Colston, Randall Gay, Scott Fujita, Terrance Copper and Aaron Glenn, the season could start to look bleek. Add newly injured players Jammal Brown, David Patton and Jeremy Shockey and it could get ugly quickly.

But as long as QB Drew Brees is healthy, it may not matter who he's throwing the ball to. Right now, the the only healthy receivers are Devery Henderson, Lance Moore and Robert Meachem. The Saints are so thin at TE that Buck Ortega and newly signed Sean Ryan could see significant action this weekend.

The defense was already hurting, but Fujita and Antwan Lake practiced this week, giving the team hope that they'll be some relief soon. With the 49ers coming to the Superdome this weekend, many fans are thinking the Saints will get back on the winning side.

All of these injuries could make it tough to defeat the 49ers and former Saints J.T. O'Sullivan. But I don't think Drew Brees will let his team get down on themselves or use injuries as an excuse. Brees will spread the ball around and involve Reggie Bush as much as possible, and the Saints offense will probably have to score in the 30s to pull off the team's second victory.

Prediction:
49ers 30
Saints 34

Top 50 OMG Lost Moments

Since Lost is still months away, one Lost blogger decided to make the Top 50 OMG Lost moments to hold us over for a bit. Pretty good list.

Same story two weeks in a row for Saints

It was deja vu all over again for the Saints as the lost 34-32 to the Denver Broncos. In a game that featured 871 yards of total offense and 66 points, it really came down to getting 1-yard when its needed.

The Saints failed to convert on short yardage situations for the second week in a row, and it cost them the game. The most obvious one is the 3rd and 1 just before Martin Gramatica's missed game winner. Pierre Thomas was stuffed, just as he was last week against Washington.

But the more disheartening series was the one just before halftime, where the Saints had four downs to punch it in and couldn't get passed the 1-yard line. Pierre Thomas failed again and a fumbled snap by Drew Brees hurt their 3rd-down attempt. My biggest question on that series is where was Reggie Bush? Why was he on the sideline for those four plays?

The question became more evident when the Saints scored from 6-yards out on a swing pass to Bush later in the game. Bush can do great things. He may be a smaller runner, but he can still operarate around the goal line.

My second biggest question for those series is where was Deuce McAllister? Is Sean Payton trying to prove something to fans and the media by not playing Deuce? McAllister looked pretty good in the Saints last preseason game, yet Payton insists that he'll play when he's ready. Well, he looks ready and it looks like the Saints need him. Neither Bush nor Thomas are getting it done between the tackles and it couldn't hurt to give the franchise's all-time leading rusher a shot.

Onto the field goal misses ... yes, they are devastating, especially the th-quarter miss, but the Saints are not cutting Gramatica today or tomorrow. These were the first misses that Martin had since coming to New Orleans. Sure he had a bad day and you could tell that it killed him to let his team down, but remember a guy named Olindo Mare? He was terrible last year, continued to miss field goals, but the Saints stuck by him until he got hurt. Gramatica will be back this week and if the pattern continues, then they will look for a change. Until them, let the guy do his job.

There is a lot to take away from the Denver game. The Saints were down 21-3 early and didn't give up. Drew Brees is still awesome and Reggie Bush is contributing is so many different ways. The team was without a few starters and still hung with one of the hottest teams in the league. They held the league's highest scoring offense to 27 points (take away the defense TD), when they've been averaging close to 40. CB Mike McKenzie returned to the lineup and got an interception. He's by far the Saints best defensive back. Robert Meachem was a big contributer again and tackle Zach Streif was solid replacing injured Jammal Brown.

Onto the not so good news. The Saints still can't establish a running game. Bush averaged 4 yards per carry, but that was thanks to a nice late run of 23 yards. Thomas only had 15 yards on 6 carries, but did get 2 TDs (but he should have had 3). The Saints also suffered a couple more injuries, Brown and CB Randall Gay. They cannot afford to keep losing key guys this early in the season. Lastly, the defense wasn't able to get pressure on Cutler. Other than the safety by Charles Grant and Sedrick Ellis, the Saints front line didn't get much push against Denver's offensive line. That's not why guys like Grant, Ellis, Will Smith and Bobby McCray got those big contracts. They need to help the secondary a little more by pressuing the quarterback.

Next up for the Saints:
Home vs. 49ers

LSU Beats Auburn 26-21

Add another one to the historic LSU/Auburn rivalry. What will this one be called? The Jarrett Lee coming out party? The momentum swing? Charles Scott's day? The heart-check game?

This year's game probably won't go down the same as the "Barn Burner" or "Earthquake Game," but LSU's 26-21 defeat of Auburn set the tone that the 2008 season will be an exciting one for LSU fans.

With starting QB Andrew Hatch suffering a "mild concussion," LSU's hopes were riding on redshirt freshman Lee ... who looked awful in the first half going 0-5 passing with one pick 6 interception. So what does Lee do in the second half? He only completes 11/17 for 182 yards and two TDs.

Lee may have ended the two-QB rotation at LSU with his second half performance. He showed poise, he showed command of the offense and he showed that he could shake off a rough start and win in one of the most hostile stadiums in the country.

It also helps to have a guy like Charles Scott running all over the highly touted Auburn defense to the tune of 21 carries for 132 yards. Scott now has three-straight 100-yard games and has cemented himself atop the RB depth chart.

Throw in some trick plays and surprises -- halfback TD pass to Demetirus Byrd, onside kick -- and you have LSU's formula for success. That includes stout defense, especially against the run, and a solid running game.

For a while it looked like the goat for LSU would be Danny McCray, who always seems to struggle in one-on-one pass coverage, or Rahim Alem, whose 15-yard roughing the passer could have been a back breaker, but this team never quit. They follow the lead of their coach, who never doubts his team and always feels there is a way to victory (whether its trick plays, fake FGs or going for it on 4th down five times).

LSU is now in the driver's seat for the SEC West title, as 6 of the last 8 years the LSU/Auburn winner has played in the SEC Championship. It looks like only Alabama really poses a real threat in the West now.

But that's to worry about later in the year. For now, LSU fans can enjoy another exciting win against the hated Tigers, War Eagles, Plainsmen ... Auburn.

Week 3: Saints at Broncos

It doesn't get any easier for the Saints this week as they travel to Denver to take on the 2-0 Broncos.

Denver is one of the highest scoring teams in the league and had an exciting win last week against San Diego with a late 2-point conversion. The Denver offense will test the still injury affected Saints defense.

This week the Saints defense will be without Scott Fujita, Aaron Glenn and Antwan Lake. The good news is that safety Roman Harper and cornerback Randall Gay are listed as probable. Even better news is that cornerback Mike McKenzie wasn't listed on the injury report.

Look for a shoot-out game with the Saints trying to show some sort of running game. The defense will try to pressure Jay Cutler into making a mistake or two and special teams could be a big factor, since both offenses can move the ball up and down the field.

Prediction:
Saints 33
Broncos 30

LSU at Auburn

VS.

LSU/Auburn. The Earthquake Game. The Barn Burner. Smoking Victory Cigars. There have been many memorable games in this rivalry. The SEC West Championship is almost always on the line. Add to the fact that ESPN Game Day will be there, and the LSU/Auburn matchup is one of the best in college football.

So this year will it live up to the hype? Both teams are struggling somewhat offensively, especially in the passing game. LSU has found its workhorse back in Charles Scott, but QBs Andrew Hatch and Jared Lee have yet to show a consistent passing attack.

Auburn's defense is their key. The offense has switched to a spread attack and there's still a few bugs in the system, as evidenced by their 3-2 win against Miss. State.

This game could come down to turnovers and special teams. Hopefully, it doesn't come down to referee calls, as it has in the past. The key will be who can control the clock, control field position and not turn the ball over.

Prediction:
LSU 20
Auburn 17

Saints sign John Joseph Harrington

Sean Payton has his next project. The Saints have signed former #3 overall pick, Joey Harrington. (Bill Simmons note: John Joseph Harrington)

Many Saints fans are wondering why Harrington is being brought in, especially with needs at DT and CB. But when you think about it a little more, the move makes sense. Coach Payton is an offensive coach and needs a 3rd string project. He's tried Jason Fife and Tyler Palko and now has an opportunity to resurrect Harrington's career.

Harrington has some skills, or he wouldn't have been the #3 pick. His best season came in 2004 when he threw for 3,047 yards, 19 TDs and 12 interceptions. For his career, he's thrown 79 TDs and 85 interceptions for three teams -- Detriot, Miami and Atlanta.

The good news with the signing is that he's going to be 3rd string and if he gets any playing time this year, the Saints are already in trouble. With Mark Brunell as the backup QB, the Saints needed a younger option to groom for the future. At only 29 years old, Harrington could be that option.

Then again, he may be cut next week and never have accomplished anything with the Saints. That's the way the NFL works. You never can tell how a deal will turn out.

Saints lose to Washington 29-24

Ugly. That's about the only word I can use to describe the Saints' play in their 29-24 loss in Washington. Almost nothing went right for the Saints as their looked outmatched for much of the game, yet they held a 9-point lead in the 4th quarter. That's what makes this loss so disappointing.

The Saints were outgained 250 yards to 455 yards and were terrible running the ball, averaging only 2.9 yards per carry. Yet with six minutes left in the game, the Saints still hung onto a 24-15 lead, thanks mostly to Reggie Bush's punt return TD.

Nothing was going right for the Saints offense all day. Drew Brees was harassed and was forced into throwing two interceptions. TE Jeremy Shockey had a fumble on what looked to be a promising first half drive. With no running game, passing lanes weren't opening up and the Saints had trouble moving the ball all day.

The Saints defense wasn't great, but held Washington to 5 first half field goal attempts, with Washington only making 3 of those. The Saints held a 10-9 lead at the half.

With 3 defensive starters out and many backups still nursing injuries, the Saints couldn't hold on in the 4th quarter with the Redskins dominating the last quarter.

It wasn't all bad for New Orleans though. RB Deuce McAllister saw his first action of the year and had two nice carries for 10 yards. Its a wonder why he didn't get more touches. Also, WR Robert Meachem was active for the first time ever and contributed with a 19-yard TD catch.

This game showed that the Saints aren't as good as people thought they were and that the injuries on the defensive side of the ball were too much to overcome. Next week the Saints travel to Denver to take on the 2-0 Broncos.

Saints at Redskins

The Saints will bring a depleted team to Washington this weekend to take on the Redskins. The Saints will be without WR Marques Colston, S Roman Harper, CB Randall Gay and LBs Scott Fujita and Mark Simoneau. Many of the backups will have to play a significant part if the Saints are going to leave with a victory.

Colston's loss is a big blow, but the Saints are deep at WR. The defensive injuries will be harder to overcome. In addition to the above injuries, the Saints defensive line has been ravaged. Good thing for the Saints that this is an offensive focused team. As long as Drew Brees is lining up behind center, the Saints have a chance. Players like Reggie Bush and Jeremy Shockey will have to step up and ensure that the Saints offense doesn't miss out on any scoreing opportunites.

The Redskins are 0-1 and are looking to put up a good effort after looking bad against the NY Giants in their season opener. The Redskins offense startes with RB Clinton Portis. If the Saints can contain Portis and put pressure on young QB Jason Campbell, the Saints will win.

Predication:
New Orleans 27
Washington 25

LSU vs. North Texas

VS.

After their second game with Troy was postponed until November, LSU will finally take the field again tonight versus the North Texas Mean Green of the Sunbelt conference.

LSU should be able to walk all over the Mean Green, who have been blown out in their first two games of the season. Tonight's game is more about LSU "fine-tuning" for their SEC opener next week at Auburn. LSU still has two young QBs who haven't taken a lot of snaps and will look to get them more experience against North Texas.

The LSU running game should also be able to continue where they left off against Appalachain State. Charles Scott had a great game and should get lots of carries in SEC play. The LSU defense should have no problems with North Texas' spread offense either. Auburn also plays a version of the spread, so it will be good for the defense to see that offense again this week.

The only factor that won't work in LSU's favor tonight is that the atmosphere in Tiger Stadium won't be the same as it typically is. With Hurricanes Gutav and Ike threatening the Gulf Coast the past few weeks, many Tiger fans are still witout power and have other things to worry about, so thesold out stafium likely won't be full. Add in that Cox is offering the game for free in Baton Rouge and many fans will stay home.

Prediction:
LSU 56
North Texas 0

Saints beat Tampa Bay, Lose Colston for 4-6 Weeks

All of Black and Gold Nation was feeling on top of the world after the Saints kicked off the season with a 24-20 win over division rival Tampa Bay, but news came yesterday that #1 receiver Marques Colston had thumb surgery and would be out 4-6 weeks. How will this affect the team during this time?

I don't see Colston's injury having too much of an affect on the team. While he only set the record for most catches ever for a player in their first two years in the league. He has been Drew Brees' safety valve and was by-far the Saints most consistent WR the past two years. So why am I not worried?

The Saints have a host of offensive weapons now to make up for teh loss of Colston, but the two main guys who'll pick up the slack are Reggie Bush and Jeremy Shockey. As fans saw this past weekend, the Saints offense goes through these two. Bush is the engine that runs the offense. With his runs and turning short passes into big gains, this is the year he lives up to his potential. Shockey will be there to provide the safety valve that Colston did. He will run up the middle and make tough catches in traffic.

On the positive side with this injury to Colston, it's early in the season. The Saints have a fairly easy beginning of the season and shoudl be able to win a few games before he comes back. Also, fans will finally get to see first round pick Robert Meachem take the field and that's something everyone has been waiting for.

Looking back at the Tampa game, the Saints offense was solid but had a few inconsistent drives. The defense looked a lot better than the past few years, even though Earnest Graham racked up too many yards in the 2nd half. Rookie Tracy Porter played well, and I look forward to watching him develop into a top cover corner in the NFL.

Saints vs. Bucs

For the past few days, I've been out of the loop sports wise. We're still without power from Hurricane Gustav. But I did get to see some college football yesterday and I'm pumped about the NFL season kicking off today (technically they kicked off Thursday, but like I said before, I didn't get to see it).

Today, I will be watching the Saints/Bucs game and can't wait to see Drew Brees, Reggie Bush, Will Smith, etc. running around the Superdome. Jeremy Shockey will also FINALLY make his New Orleans debut. Can't wait to see how he looks. Deuce McAllister is a game-time decision, so Bush and Pierre Thomas will likely see lots of touches.

The main question for this game is how will the defense look? If they can hold Tampa Bay to less than 20 points, I see this as a Saints victory.

Prediction:
Tampa Bay 13
New Orleans 24