Saints, Falcons On Thursday Night Football, NFL, College News

Saints, Falcons Face Off On Thursday Night

(Atlanta, GA) -- It's first place against last place in the NFC South this week as the New Orleans Saints visit the Atlanta Falcons on "Thursday Night Football" at the Georgia Dome.  The Saints are riding high at 8-and-2 following this past Sunday's 23-20 win over San Francisco. Quarterback Drew Brees has thrown for nearly 34-hundred yards already this season, with 26 touchdown passes and just eight interceptions.  New Orleans is 2-0 in the division, having beaten the Falcons 23-17 in the season opener. Saints head coach Sean Payton says games with Atlanta are always close.

A year after losing in the NFC Championship Game, the Falcons are floundering at 2-8.  Atlanta lost 41-28 at Tampa Bay last Sunday. It was the Falcons' fourth straight loss. Only the Giants and Bucs have scored less points in the NFC this year.

Bears Release Injury Report

(Lake Forest, IL) -- The Chicago Bears released their first injury report of the week as they prepare for Sunday's matchup with the Rams in St. Louis.  Cornerback Isaiah Frey, defensive tackle Stephen Paea and safety Craig Steltz did not practice Wednesday. Linebacker Lance Briggs and quarterback Jay Cutler are out.

Rams' Bradford Has Surgery

(Earth City, MO) -- Rams quarterback Sam Bradford is recovering from surgery this week. Bradford had a left knee operation on Monday, according to various reports. Bradford is out for the season after tearing an ACL on October 20th. The Rams' third backup, Brady Quinn, is dealing with a back problem and didn't practice Wednesday.

Mizzou, Illinois In Football Action

Missouri has a big game on Saturday on the road at Mississippi. The 9-1 Tigers look to stay in the hunt for a BCS bowl. Illinois takes on Purdue in a battle of two teams without a win in the Big Ten.

Northwestern's Jones Suspended

(Evanston, IL) -- The Northwestern Wildcats have suspended redshirt freshman Malin Jones for violating team rules. Head coach Pat Fitzgerald says the penalty is indefinite. Jones went into camp as a running back but changed to a do-it-all superback. He will continue to work out, and he may rejoin practices if the Wildcats earn a bowl bid.

Thursday, November 21 Schedule (All Times Central)

NFL

7:25 p.m. - New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons

Wednesday, November 20 Scoreboard

NCAA Football (BCS Rankings)

#16 Northern Illinois Huskies 35, Toledo Rockets 17

Thursday, November 21 Schedule (All Times Central)

NCAA Football (BCS Rankings)

6:30 p.m. - #18 UCF Knights host Rutgers Scarlet Knights