0

2015 Games to Watch

Tyler Sullivan Photo courtesy Delta State Athletics

Tyler Sullivan Photo courtesy Delta State Athletics

If you could do nothing but travel the state each weekend to watch football, which games would you go see? I have spent weeks looking at schedules to tell you which games would be the best each week. Most weeks are just one game, but if it is good enough, there will be a bonus game or two. Only games played in Mississippi count. Also, every one of the four-year schools in the state have to grace this list at least once. It wouldn't be fun to spend all our time in SEC country.

Week One: Mississippi State University at the University of Southern Mississippi

The only time this game was close last year was right before kickoff. The Bulldogs won in a blowout, but the Golden Eagles should be better this season and could put up a fight until the halftime.

Bonus: Belhaven University at Millsaps College

The Blazers enter their first season at the Division III level, where the Majors have been at, as the in-town rivals square off.

Week Two: Louisiana State University at Mississippi State

This was the game last year that let the college football world know the Bulldogs were set for a special season. You can bet the Tigers would like to take MSU down in this on-the-road game.

Week three: Mississippi Valley State University at Alcorn State University

This is the first home game for the defending SWAC champs, but the Delta Devils would like to pull off the upset like they did to Jackson State University last season.

Bonus: Belhaven at Mississippi College

Another close rivalry game for the Blazers as the Choctaws look to avenge last season's loss.

Bonus: University of Chicago at Millsaps College

It is not every week that a former Big Ten school comes to Mississippi as UChicago does when it faces the Majors.

Week four: Vanderbilt University at the University of Mississippi

This game comes after a road trip to Alabama, so the Commodores could be the first SEC win for the Rebels, or a potential letdown game after a win.

Week five: Grambling State University at Jackson State University

This game could be great. Two years ago, Grambling State didn't come to Jackson because of a boycott, and GSU upset Jackson State in Jackson last year. This game could also show if JSU is ready to battle for the East title.

Week six: New Mexico State University at UM

The Grove is always a great place to be during homecoming for the Rebels, who should roll the Aggies to the delight of the home fans.

Week seven: University of West Georgia at Delta State University

This is a revenge game if there ever was one. Last season, the Statesmen lost twice, and both those losses were to West Georgia (one in the DII playoffs).

Week eight: Grambling State at Alcorn State

The team picked to win the SWAC West, GSU, meets the team picked to win the SWAC East, ASU, in what could be a SWAC title game preview.

Bonus: University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff at Jackson State

This is the homecoming game for the Tigers, which makes it a must-see.

Week nine: Jackson State at Mississippi Valley State

This game is on Halloween, which is fitting since the Delta Devils gave the Tigers nightmares in their upset win last season. Does JSU get the trick or the treat?

Week 10: Sul Ross University at Belhaven

The Blazers finish their first season in Division III at home. Will it be the end to a success or thankfully over?

Week 11: Delta State at Mississippi College

This is the season finale for both schools. The Statesmen renewed the rivalry with a big win at home. Can the Choctaws return the favor?

Bonus: University of Alabama at Mississippi State

The first loss the Bulldogs suffered last season was to the Crimson Tide. MSU gets a shot at some revenge at home.

Week 12: LSU at UM

The Tigers won when Rebels quarterback Bo Wallace threw a late-game interception. Wallace is gone this year, so there's no hope at another pick-off ending, is there?

Bonus: Old Dominion University at Southern Miss

If the Golden Eagles haven't won a game, this is their last chance when they take the field against the Monarchs.

Week 13: UM at Mississippi State

Its the Egg Bowl. Do we need to say more?

Bonus: Alcorn State at Jackson State

This game could be for all the SWAC East marbles, and it is one of the biggest SWAC rivalry games. Again, do we need to say more?

Tell us what game you are most looking forward and why on Twitter at @JFPSports or comment at jfp.ms/sports.

Comments

Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.

Sign in to comment