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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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Bryan Flynn

We ranked Mississippi State in the JFP Top 25 a week before the national media figured out that the Bulldogs are for real. Once again, we are ahead of the trend.

Thursday, Sept. 20

NFL (7:30-11 p.m. NFL Network): Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers host the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants. … College Football (8-11 p.m. ESPN): BYU gets a taste of the “Smurf Turf” as they hit the road to face Boise State.

Friday, Sept. 21

College Football (7-10 p.m. ESPN): After nearly upsetting SEC teams in back-to-back weeks Louisiana-Monroe, the little team that could, hosts the Baylor Bears.

Saturday, Sept. 22

College Football (11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Fox Sports South): Ole Miss hopes to beat Tulane. … College Football (7-10 p.m. ABC): Cap Saturday off with a Top 25 matchup between Florida State and Clemson in a key ACC game.

Sunday, Sept. 23

NFL (noon-3 p.m. CBS): No team has ever made the NFL Playoffs after an 0-3 start to the season. That is what the New Orleans Saints face if they lose to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Monday, Sept. 24

NFL (7:30-11 p.m. ESPN): After a bumpy start, the Green Bay Packers are looking for their second win of the season against rookie quarterback Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks.

Tuesday, Sept. 25

Documentary (6-7 p.m. ESPN U): This installment of the series “SEC Storied” tells the tale of the first African American head coach in SEC history—Sylvester Croom at Mississippi State.

Wednesday, Sept. 26

Volleyball (7-9 p.m. ESPN U): Wednesday Night College Volleyball features an SEC battle between Tennessee and Kentucky.