Dirty bird on dirty play: The New Orleans Saints defense has faced accusations of dirty play from its opponents for two consecutive weeks. But The Times-Picayune reports Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner says that’s not an element of Saints play he’s familiar with. “Nah, typical football game,” Turner tells the newspaper. “There’s going to be some physical-ness, some pushing, some shoving. It might get a little chippy out there with the rivalry and all the emotions that are going into this ballgame. But you’ve got to just stay focused and do your job, and try to do what’s best for your team.” Turner also says the Falcons did not dwell on their failed fourth-down attempt in overtime against the Saints in Atlanta on Nov. 13, which gave New Orleans the ball in Falcons territory and led to John Kasay’s game-winning 26-yard field goal.
Milk and cookies optional: According to the Birmingham News, “A lot of people are scared of Nick Saban,” and his “hard image can make it difficult for many to believe someone that is perceived to breathe smoke and fire could harbor any fear.” Whether or not the sentiment holds true in Baton Rouge is up for debate. Regardless, while Alabama might think of Saban as a saint, the coach tells the newspaper he harbored a childhood fear of the real St. Nick. “I was scared to death every time Santa Claus came,” Saban said this week when asked about childhood fears in general. “And I for the life of me can’t figure out why.”
High five: LaSondra Barrett had 15 points and six rebounds to lead the LSU women’s basketball team to its fifth consecutive victory, 62-47 over Grambling State this afternoon in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Courtney Jones had 11 points and Taylor Turnbow 10 for the Lady Tigers (8-3), who never trailed after Barrett’s jumper for a 10-8 lead with 15:33 before halftime. Markisha Patterson had 12 points, and Cierra Ceazer had 10 points and nine rebounds for Grambling (4-6).
