November 25, 2012: Colin Kaepernick wins his second start as two pick-sixes beat the Saints

On November 25, 2012, the 49ers beat the Saints 31-21 in the Superdome with Colin Kaepernick making only the second start of his career. San Francisco improved to 8-2-1, while New Orleans fell to 5-6 after winning five of six.

Smith took a hit to the head against the Rams on November 11 and was diagnosed with a concussion. Kaepernick won the next start 32-7 over Chicago, and Jim Harbaugh stayed with him even after Smith was cleared.

With 31 seconds left in the first half, linebacker Ahmad Brooks stepped in front of a Drew Brees pass at midfield and ran 50 yards for a touchdown. The 14-14 halftime score followed an earlier Kaepernick interception.

The 49ers scored on the opening drive of the second half, with Kaepernick throwing a 6-yard touchdown to Frank Gore. After a sack, Donte Whitner intercepted Brees and returned it 42 yards, and San Francisco went up 28-14.

Brees threw a 2-yard touchdown to Jed Collins to make it 28-21, but New Orleans got no closer. David Akers kicked a 27-yard field goal, the 49ers sacked Brees five times, and Malcolm Jenkins blocked a late Akers kick.

Kaepernick ran for a touchdown and threw for one. Smith, who started the season as the starter, never started another game for San Francisco.