If money and time was no object, here are the games I would go see each week of the season.
Week 1
Southern Miss vs. Texas State
Aug. 31
The Golden Eagles have a chance to break their 12-game losing streak in the first game of the season. If the team doesn't win here, it might not happen until October—or worse, not at all again.
Week 2
Mississippi Valley State vs. Delta State
Sept. 7
Normally, this spot would contain the "Backyard Brawl" between Mississippi College and Millsaps College (still a good choice if you are in town that weekend). The Delta Devils and Statesmen take the spot because MVSU wants to keep building on last season's three game-winning streak, and DSU wants to start off 2013 by getting the bad taste of 2012 out of its mouth.
Week 3
Alcorn State vs. Mississippi Valley State
Sept. 14
Both the Delta Devils and Braves are trying to rebuild their programs and need wins. Beating their in-state rival would be something for either team's fan base to brag about.
Week 4
Jackson State vs. Texas Southern
Sept. 21
If the fact that the Tigers have the potential to win the SWAC isn't enough to get to the stadium, how about the fact that this game is on television? This game on ESPNU is the only guaranteed chance for Mom to see you on TV at a JSU game.
Week 5
Delta State vs. Florida Institute of
Technology
Sept. 28
I'm not going to lie, I don't know if Florida Institute of Technology is any good at football. What I do know is the DSU schedule says this game is "Pig Pickin'," and I would love to see what that is all about at least once in my life.
Week 6
Mississippi State vs. LSU
Oct. 5
MSU has a chance in this game to pull an upset over LSU. The Bulldogs have two weeks to prepare, and the Tigers could be looking ahead to Florida the next week.
Week 7
Ole Miss vs. Texas A&M
Oct. 12
Rebel fans will likely come prepared with plenty of good signs and chants to harass "Johnny Football" during this game. Plus, it is not every day you get to watch the defending Heisman Trophy winner.
Week 8
Jackson State vs. Grambling State
Oct. 19
Two SWAC programs with a rich winning history—count me all in. Did I mention this is also JSU's homecoming game? That should add extra flair to this rivalry.
Week 9
Homecoming week for Belhaven and
Mississippi College
Oct. 26
It should be a crazy week in the metro as two of the three private schools celebrate homecoming on the same weekend. The Blazers kick off at 1:30 p.m. and the Choctaws at 3 p.m., so it should be possible to make both homecoming games on the same day.
Week 10
Delta State vs. Valdosta State
Nov. 2
The Statesmen and Valdosta State are big conference rivals, so any football fan should try to make at least one meeting. DSU is also making this its homecoming game, and I wonder if it is more fun than the Pig Pickin' game.
Week 11
Millsaps vs. Centre
Nov. 9
This is the final home game of the year for Majors. It is also the game in which the college will honor this year's seniors who have spent the last four years at Millsaps.
Week 12
Jackson State vs. Alcorn
Nov. 16
After a year's hiatus, the Capital City Classic will be back where it should be. These two SWAC rivals meet in the final regular season game for both schools.
Week 13
Ole Miss vs. Missouri
Nov. 23
The Tigers of Missouri make their first trip to Mississippi as members of the SEC. This game is a little history to be a part of as the 2013-14 season is coming to a close.
Week 14
Mississippi State vs. Ole Miss
Nov. 28
It will be the only game going on in the state. You could make the argument it is the biggest game in the state each year, but I'm sure other fan bases would like their say. This game could also be for a bowl slot for one of these teams.
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