Ellington

College football, Millsaps vs. Mississippi College at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m. (1240 AM): The longtime Division III rivals open the season with the Backyard Brawl. Wouldn't this rivalry become even more intense if it was played at the two schools' cozy stadiums instead of rattling around in Memorial Stadium? … Junior college football, Mississippi Delta at Hinds, 7 p.m.: A pair of unbeaten teams meets in Raymond.

Friday, Sept. 10
High school football, Lanier vs. Jim Hill at Hughes Field, 7 p.m.: Old school rivals face off again. … Also, Northwest Rankin at Madison Central, 7:30 p.m. (620 AM and 1180 AM/104.3 FM): Suburban heavyweights clash.

Saturday, Sept. 11
College football, here's something that comes along about as often as a blue moon: All three of Mississippi's I-A schools are playing TV games on the same day. Southern Miss plays at Nebraska at 11 a.m. (ABC, Ch. 16), Auburn invades Mississippi State at 11:30 a.m. (Jefferson Pilot, Ch. 12), and Ole Miss calls on Alabama at 8 p.m. (ESPN2). Prediction: A day of astounding upsets. … Also, Northwestern (La.) State at Jackson State, 6 p.m. (105.9 FM): Another prediction: JSU fans will be upset after the Tigers fall to 0-2.

Sunday, Sept. 12
Pro football, Seattle at New Orleans, noon (Fox, Ch. 35): The Saints kick off the season hoping for better days ahead. Again.

Monday, Sept. 13
Pro football, Green Bay at Carolina, 8 p.m. (ABC, Ch. 16): Did you know that "Monday Night Football" is the leading cause of absenteeism among JFP employees on production night? But don't tell Donna or Todd.

Tuesday, Sept. 14
Pro baseball, Atlanta at New York Mets, 6 p.m. (Turner South): OK, the Mets suck, but it's always fun to watch the Braves pound them.

Wednesday, Sept. 15
Pro baseball, Pittsburgh at Chicago Cubs, 1 p.m. (WGN): On the other hand, here's a game that figures to be scrappy because the Cubs are fighting for a wild-card spot in the NL playoffs.
The Slate is compiled by the Amazing Doctor S. You can choose not to accept his advice, in which case you're wrong. For more of his sports wisdom, visit http://www.jacksonfreepress.com