Jackson Free Press

felt anxious as Mississippi prepared to be front and center in the college-football world. Fans of any team in this state can tell you how many times they have had their hearts ripped out as expectations rose. That wasn't the case this time. Both Mississippi State and University of Mississippi beat Top-10 teams on the same day for the first time in history. Now, high expectations have become hushed whispers of a potentially epic Egg Bowl in late November.

Each week brings a bigger test as the rest of the country prepares to end Mississippi's streak. This week, the biggest test is Mississippi State hosting Auburn. If the Bulldogs can get past the Tigers, all that stands in their way are November dates with Alabama and the Rebels. MSU should get past improved Kentucky and Arkansas teams and have no problem against The University of Tennessee at Martin and Vanderbilt.

Last season, Auburn only lost to LSU in Tiger Stadium—the same place MSU won earlier this year—and in the National Championship Game to Florida State. There's nothing about Auburn that the Bulldogs should fear in this game.

Of course the Tigers are a good football team, but the last time they were on the road, they barely escaped "The Little Apple" of Manhattan, Kan., against Kansas State.

If Mississippi State can control the line of scrimmage and contain Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall, they can beat the Tigers.

This game could also have a huge effect on the Heisman race. With a win, MSU quarterback Dak Prescott could take a wide lead for the award. He's already in the top five, but a win here with good numbers would clinch his ticket to New York City.

Prescott could pile up big numbers as he waits for late November to put on a show in the team's final two games, locking up the win. That is, if the rest of the field doesn't lay an egg and hand the award to him before he gets to the Tide and Rebels.

I doubt anyone will get out of the SEC West with no losses, but the Rebels and Bulldogs could slide by with only one or two. Who would have thought LSU would lose two SEC West games at this point?

I'm just going to ride this unexpected, wild wave of Mississippi football for as long as it lasts. It could end at any moment, so Mississippi fans, enjoy being the kings of college football this week. We'll see if our luck continues in Saturday's games.