Predictions: LSU and Saints

I'm off to vacation for Thanksgiving week, so I'm combining my Saints and LSU predictions this week. LSU has a tough matchup against long-time rival Ole Miss, while the Saints look to move to 10-0 at NFC South Division opponent Tampa Bay.

The Tigers need to finish the season strong against Ole Miss and Arkansas to secure a Capital One Bowl berth. Ole Miss has been playing better lately and they are eying a strong finish and good bowl bid as well. The Tigers defense has been solid, but the offense is just as much a question mark this week with Jordan Jefferson still recovering from his ankle injury. This is a big rivalry game and both teams would love nothing more than to give the other a late season loss.

Predictions:
LSU 23
Ole Miss 21

Many Saints fans have next week's Monday Night Football game against the Patriots circled. The media have penciled in the 10-0 Saints to take on New England, but New Orleans needs to take care of the pesky Bucs first. Tampa Bay has been playing better since going to Josh Freeman at QB. The Saints will also be without some of their starters again this week due to injury, including Reggie Bush, Sedrick Ellis and Tracy Porter.

The past few games have seen the Saints struggle with turnovers and things just aren't clicking like they were earlier this season. Look for them to play better this week and put together a solid, four quarter performance. While Tampa has shown improvement, they should be no match for the Saints.

Prediction:
Saints 38
Bucs 17