Ellington

It's a big week in Starkville for Mississippi State fans. The No. 20 Bulldogs host Alabama, and basketball fans get a first look at Callaway High star Malik Newman on a college court.

Thursday, Nov. 12

College football (6:30-10 p.m., ESPNU): Plenty of players with Mississippi ties will be on the field when South Alabama hosts University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Friday, Nov. 13

College basketball (8-10 p.m., SECN): The Ben Howland era officially begins at Mississippi State as the Bulldogs host Eastern Washington to kickoff the 2015-2016 season.

Saturday, Nov. 14

College football (2:30-6 p.m., WLOO): Southern Miss travels to Texas to face Rice as the Golden Eagles look to improve their bowl standing. ... College football (2:30-6 p.m., CBS): Mississippi State looks to pull off the shocker at home with an upset over Alabama.

Sunday, Nov. 15

NFL (12-3 p.m., Fox): New Orleans will try to keep whatever playoff hopes they have alive as they hit the road to take on Washington.

Monday, Nov. 16

NFL (7:30-11 p.m., ESPN): Former MSU linebacker Benardrick McKinney leads the Houston Texas against the undefeated Cincinnati Bengals.

Tuesday, Nov. 17

College basketball (6:30-9 p.m., ESPN): Two of the most decorated programs in college basketball square off as the Kentucky Wildcats face the Duke Blue Devils.

Wednesday, Nov. 18

College football (7-10:30 p.m., ESPNU): The Kent State Golden Flashes take on the Central Michigan Chippewas in a home game between struggling teams.

For those ready for some live local basketball, Mississippi College hosts Belhaven at 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 13.

Follow Bryan Flynn at jfpsports.com, @jfpsports and at facebook.com/jfpsports.