Thursday, Nov. 1
Men's college basketball, Wesley at Tougaloo (7 p.m., Jackson): This matchup of metro-area rivals should be more interesting than the typical season opener. … Women's college basketball, Tougaloo at Jackson State (5:30 p.m., Jackson): These city rivals meet for their annual tune-up game.
Friday, Nov. 2
Men's college basketball, Delta State at Ole Miss (7 p.m., Oxford): This is supposed to be an exhibition, but the Statesmen have made things tough for the Rebels in the past. … High school football, Madison Central at Northwest Rankin (7 p.m., Flowood, 103.3 FM/620 AM): This key Region 4-5A game matches two teams battling for playoff spots. Plus, they hate one another.
Saturday, Nov. 3
College football, Jackson State at Alabama A&M (1:30 p.m., Huntsville, Ala., 1300 AM): First place in the SWAC East will be on the line … Southern Miss at Alabama-Birmingham (6 p.m., Birmingham, Ala., CSS/103.3 FM): The Golden Eagles can't afford any mistakes at this point.
Sunday, Nov. 4
Pro football, Jacksonville at New Orleans (noon, Ch. 13/620 AM): Can the Saints keep their winning streak going against the hot Jaguars? … New England at Indianapolis (3:15 p.m., Ch. 12): The NFL's last two unbeaten teams meet in the season's biggest game, at least until they meet again in the AFC championship.
Monday, Nov. 5
Pro football, Baltimore at Pittsburgh (7:30 p.m., ESPN): Will Steve McNair be healthy enough to lead the Ravens against the Steelers?
Tuesday, Nov. 6
Men's college basketball, Concordia at Belhaven (7:30 p.m., Jackson): The Blazers aim to swat the Hornets.
Wednesday, Nov. 7
Pro basketball, Miami at San Antonio (7 p.m., ESPN): The last two NBA champions collide.
The Slate is compiled by Doctor S, who remembers when Ole Miss still had a football program.