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This story originally appeared in the Jackson Free Press. It was added to the Mississippi Free Press website in 2025.
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After Southern Miss welcomed quarterback Nick Mullens back from injury, the Golden Eagles won enough to be eligible for a bowl game. USM will play in a bowl for a second consecutive year after an up-and-down season.

Thursday, Dec. 1

NFL (7:25-11 p.m., NBC): Dak Prescott returns to primetime with the Dallas Cowboys, as they travel to face the Minnesota Vikings and quarterback Sam Bradford.

Friday, Dec. 2

College football (8-11 p.m., FOX): Tune in for a top-10 matchup with a playoff spot on the line as Washington Huskies and Colorado Buffaloes collide in the Pac-12 Championship Game.

Saturday, Dec. 3

College football (3-6:30 p.m., ESPNU): Alcorn State battles Grambling State in the SWAC Championship Game for a spot in the Celebration Bowl.

Sunday, Dec. 4

NFL (noon-3:30 p.m., FOX): The New Orleans Saints will try to continue their playoff push when they host the surprising Detroit Lions.

Monday, Dec. 5

NFL (7:30-11 p.m., ESPN): On a slow sports night, catch Monday Night Football with the New York Jets hosting the Indianapolis Colts.

Tuesday, Dec. 6

College basketball (6-8 p.m., WatchESPN): The USM men hit the road, looking to pull off a monumental upset against No. 25-ranked Florida State.

Wednesday, Dec. 7

College basketball (6-8 p.m., ESPN2): Settle in for a real treat as the top women’s teams clash in an early season battle, when No. 2-ranked Connecticut takes on No. 1-ranked Notre Dame.

While USM reached bowl eligibility with six wins, another team from our state could still go bowling. MSU’s APR score has the Bulldogs in line for a bowl after their blowout win in the Egg Bowl.

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