If you're a fan of our local football teams, you're in luck. Several major matchups across the high school, college, and pro ranks are happening in the Southeast Louisiana this weekend.
LSU hosts Florida in their SEC opener. WWL Columnist Jeff Palermo says he expects the Tiger defense to have a good night because Gator quarterback D. J. Lagway's injuries have hampered him this year.
"He's not accurate," Palermo said. "He's having trouble reading defenses. Frankly, he looks overweight."
However, Palermo says the LSU offensive line will have its work cut out for it. According to Palermo, the front five will need to play much better this year than they did against the Gators last year.
"Florida's defensive line is not as formidable as it was a year ago, but they are getting back one of their better defensive tackles, Caleb Banks, who had a really big game against LSU last year," Palermo said. "I think (quarterback Garrett Nussmeier) had only been sacked six times (before last year's game). He ended up getting sacked seven times in one game against Florida. LSU had so much trouble trying to prevent Florida from pressuring him up to middle."
Meanwhile, Tulane will host a primetime matchup against Duke tomorrow night. Former Green Wave quarterback Darian Mensah returns to Yulman Stadium to face his former team just months after transferring to Duke.
On Sunday, the New Orleans Saints will host the San Francisco 49ers in the Superdome. 49ers tight end George Kittle is out with a hamstring injury, while quarterback Brock Purdy is doubtful with a shoulder injury. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says that's good news for the Saints and their defense.
"Mac Jones (likely will play) at quarterback," Detillier said. "You don't have the straw that turns the drink for them in the passing game with George Kittle."
Detillier says with Kittle out and Purdy and several other 49ers likely to sit out, the Saints could get back to .500.
"It's a great opportunity for the Saints to win a game at home," Detillier said. "To me, it's an opportunity. Like the old cliché: it's not who you play; it's when you play 'em."
Two big high school matchups are scheduled to be played in the Superdome tonight. Rummel plays U-High at 6 p.m., followed by Edna Karr against American Heritage from Florida at 8 p.m.