Jackson Free Press logo

This story originally appeared in the Jackson Free Press. It was added to the Mississippi Free Press website in 2025.
Note that any opinions expressed in legacy Jackson Free Press stories do not reflect a position of the Mississippi Free Press or necessarily of its staff and board members.

It’s a big week in Starkville for Mississippi State fans. The No. 20 Bulldogs host Alabama, and basketball fans get a first look at Callaway High star Malik Newman on a college court.

Thursday, Nov. 12

College football (6:30-10 p.m., ESPNU): Plenty of players with Mississippi ties will be on the field when South Alabama hosts University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Friday, Nov. 13

College basketball (8-10 p.m., SECN): The Ben Howland era officially begins at Mississippi State as the Bulldogs host Eastern Washington to kickoff the 2015-2016 season.

Saturday, Nov. 14

College football (2:30-6 p.m., WLOO): Southern Miss travels to Texas to face Rice as the Golden Eagles look to improve their bowl standing. … College football (2:30-6 p.m., CBS): Mississippi State looks to pull off the shocker at home with an upset over Alabama.

Sunday, Nov. 15

NFL (12-3 p.m., Fox): New Orleans will try to keep whatever playoff hopes they have alive as they hit the road to take on Washington.

Monday, Nov. 16

NFL (7:30-11 p.m., ESPN): Former MSU linebacker Benardrick McKinney leads the Houston Texas against the undefeated Cincinnati Bengals.

Tuesday, Nov. 17

College basketball (6:30-9 p.m., ESPN): Two of the most decorated programs in college basketball square off as the Kentucky Wildcats face the Duke Blue Devils.

Wednesday, Nov. 18

College football (7-10:30 p.m., ESPNU): The Kent State Golden Flashes take on the Central Michigan Chippewas in a home game between struggling teams.

For those ready for some live local basketball, Mississippi College hosts Belhaven at 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 13.

Follow Bryan Flynn at jfpsports.com, @jfpsports and at facebook.com/jfpsports.