Jackson Free Press

This is a big week in sports: The NFL Playoffs begin, and a college football national champion will be crowned.

Two of college football’s most storied programs will battle it out for all the marbles.

Thursday, Jan. 3

College football (7:30-11 p.m. ESPN): The Fiesta Bowl features a contrast in styles as the blue collar, tough and physical Kansas State Wildcats take on the speed, flash and offensive machine that is the Oregon Ducks.

Friday, Jan. 4

College football (7-10 p.m. Fox): Other than the national championship game, the Cotton Bowl could be the best bowl-game matchup. Heisman Trophy winner Johnny “Football” Manziel leads the Texas A&M Aggies against former Big 12 foe and rival the Oklahoma Sooners.

Saturday, Jan. 5

College football (noon-3 p.m. ESPN): Ole Miss Rebels coach Hugh Freeze looks to end his first year in Oxford with a winning season and a bowl victory against the Pitt Panthers.

Sunday, Jan 6

College football (8-11 p.m. ESPN): There’s nothing better to end Wildcard weekend in the NFL than with some MACtion on Sunday night, as the Kent State Golden Flashes face the Sun Belt champion Arkansas State Red Wolves.

Monday, Jan 7

College football (7:30-11 p.m. ESPN): Notre Dame is looking to win its first title since 1988, but Alabama is aiming at its third title in four years and the SEC seventh straight when these two teams meet in the BCS National Championship Game.

Tuesday, Jan 8

College basketball (6-8 p.m. ESPN): The Missouri Tigers begin their first season of men’s basketball in the SEC by hosting the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Wednesday, Jan 9

NBA (7-9:30 p.m. ESPN): The struggling Los Angeles Lakers hope to start righting their season against the always-tough San Antonio Spurs on the road.

The NFL Playoffs begin Saturday with Wildcard Weekend. NBC hosts a double header Saturday with games at 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. The Sunday playoff begins on CBS at 1 p.m. and picks up on Fox at 3:30 p.m.