Jackson Free Press

Every year that I've done the Jackson Free Press Football Preview, I've shared the games I was excited to see. As always, this list features plenty of face-offs from Mississippi's best teams. Here are a few of the most pulse-pounding matches to watch this season.

Week 1

Southern Miss at Mississippi State

I wouldn't miss a chance to see MSU tangle with USM. The Golden Eagles might be down from past years, and the Bulldogs have high expectations, but it should be a great game for a quarter at least.

Week 2

Mississippi College at Belhaven

Alcorn State at Southern Miss

The "Backyard Brawl" is no more, but Mississippi College does play Belhaven in a clash of schools at the lower levels of college football. MC is moving up to Division II, and Belhaven is starting Hal Mumme's "Air Raid" offense. This game should be good.

Southern Miss most likely will lose to Mississippi State, but this is the first time in three years the Golden Eagles could start the season 1-1. That is, if Alcorn State doesn't pull the upset.

Week 3

North Alabama at Mississippi College

This will be MC's first game in Division II and first game in its new conference, the Gulf South. MC will experience some growing pains as it transitions to a higher level of college football. Still, a chance to see the team return to DII is a game I wouldn't miss.

Week 4

Alcorn State at Mississippi Valley State

Grambling State at Jackson State

You can never go wrong watching SWAC schools mix it up on the gridiron. The game and the halftime shows are all the entertainment you need on a Saturday.

Last season, this game was canceled as a Grambling player revolt ruined Jackson State's homecoming. The Tigers take Grambling State at home again, though not for homecoming.

Week 5

Southern at Alcorn State

Rice at Southern Miss

Alcorn State will test itself against the team picked to win the West division in the SWAC

Meanwhile, Southern Miss will get to see how well it stacks up against one of the best teams in Conference USA as the host of last year's conference champion Rice. It will be another measuring stick in a season of measuring sticks for the Golden Eagles.

Week 6

Alabama at Mississippi

Texas A&M at Mississippi State

Alabama State at Alcorn State

If this is going to be a special season for UM, it must beat teams like Alabama at home. This will be a measuring stick for the Rebels to see how far they have come in the SEC.

This game for MSU is just like the game above. The Bulldogs get a chance to prove they are ready to play with the SEC big boys year in and year out. Beating the Aggies at home lets the rest of the conference know they are not just on the rise but gunning for a top spot.

Alabama State was picked to win the East division of the SWAC over Alcorn State. The Braves get a chance to prove the prognosticators wrong with a win. This game could determine who wins the East division.

Week 7

Mississippi Valley State at Jackson State

Sure, I could have picked last year's national championship game runner-up, but no game other game has this much drama. Rick Comegy leads his new team Mississippi Valley State back to his old field. You know Comegy will want to win this a little more than the rest. You also know new coach Harold Jackson wants to keep the fans happy. This will be one of the top games of the year.

Week 8

Tennessee at Mississippi

It isn't often that the Volunteers end up in the Magnolia State. Yes, Tennessee is rebuilding and the Rebels should win this one going away, but catch games like this when you get the chance. I wonder if you will hear a loud and clear rendition of "Rocky Top" from the visiting fans.

Week 9

Southern University at Jackson State

Just about every game is big in the SWAC and full of rivalries, but this game is against the team picked to win the West division. Late in the season, this game could have some bearing on the SWAC championship. It's always awesome to watch two of the top teams in the conference slug it out.

Week 10

Auburn at Mississippi

Arkansas at Mississippi State

Here is your chance to see the national championship game runner-up. It's also another chance for the Rebels to prove they are ready to join the elite in the SEC.

By my calculations, this is the first game in which the Bulldogs could become bowl eligible. They have to pull an upset to get to five wins at this point, but MSU is looking to make the leap in the SEC, so getting bowl eligible in your fifth SEC game is a great way to start.

Week 11

Marshall at Southern Miss

This game is interesting because my preseason predictions have Marshall as a dark horse to get into the first playoff. Do I think that the Thundering Herd will be in the four-team playoff? Nope, but if they are undefeated at this point, this will be a game to see.

Week 12

Mississippi College at Delta State

Rhodes at Millsaps

Mississippi College finishes its first season in DII against a very tough Delta State team in its homecoming game. This former rivalry could heat up quickly.

Millsaps lost one game last season and that was to Rhodes on the road. It might have cost the Majors a at-large bid into the Division III playoffs. Millsaps could be going into this game undefeated once again. The Majors get a shot at revenge.

Week 13

Jackson State at Alcorn State

This game is always big no matter the record for either team. Either team or both teams could be in position for the East title. Alcorn State would love to win two in a row over the Tigers, and Jackson State will definitely want to win this game after the Braves ruined its undefeated SWAC season last year. No matter the stakes, this is a game to watch.

Mississippi State at Mississippi

If this season goes nearly perfect for either team, that team could be playing for a spot in the SEC title game. Last season, MSU used this game to get bowl eligible. The Rebels did the same the year before, but both teams should already have six wins. Again, no matter the stakes the Egg Bowl is a must game to see.