The national media isn't giving .the Saints much of a chance to win Super Bowl 44. Las Vegas oddsmakers have the Colts favored by 4 1/2 points. and former Colts coach Tony Dungy agrees.

Earlier this week, Dungy told Dan Patrick the winning coach in Super Bowl XLI would be "absolutely shocked" of the Colts lose the game.

William C Rhodenof the New York Times asked Dungy if quarterback Peyton Manning needs a last-minute, game-winning Super Bowl drive to secure his legacy.

Said Dungy, "I don't think the gme's going to come down to that. I think they're going to be so far ahead that people are going to say, 'Ohm ho-hum, he played a good game, but they won by two scores."

Two WWL Radio experts, both former Saints players, Bobby Hebert and Hokie Gajan predict a Saints victory.

"I think the Saints are going to win," said Hebert. "I think it's going to be close. and a very entertaining game. I like the Saints winning 31-30.

"I'm taking the Saints because I think they're a confident bunch," said Gajan. "I just think the Saints are looking at like they aren't getting any respect. It's not the Rodney Dangerfield attitude or anything like that. They think they are just a good football team. I like the Saints winning 34-24.

The Colts held their final practice before the Super Bowl on Friday,

Defensive end Dwight Freeney (torn ankle ligament ) sat out once again, making it a clean sweep for the week as he spent  session in a golf cart.

Cornerback Rerraud Powers once gain did light work and wide receiver Reggie Wayne returned to the first unit, showing no effects of a minor fat pad injury to his right knee on Thursday,

As the Colts went through their final tuneup, Freeney exited his cart and walked gingerly to the locker room. His right ankle was not wrapped and he didn't receive any treatment.

"He's better than yesterday," said Colts coach Jim Caldwell.

Spread on Super Bowl has fallen to Colts -4. I expect it to drop even more. This is the usual trend.  Late money will go on underdog.