I was trying to get all of these first week games posted before Media Days, but my vacation put a dent in my plans. With only two games to go, for week one, I think I'll just get in under the wire...so watch for the final week one game on Sunday.

But today, let's take a look at a very tough one: Mississippi State @ Southern Miss. I'm sure the Rock will be filled to capacity in Hattiesburg, and in year's past this would be a much anticipated match. I'm sure it evokes strong feelings by the Golden Eagles faithful.

There seems to be little question that both Mississippi State and USM are not the teams they were last year. Although MSU still has Dax Prescott who will undoubtedly do very well, they only return 7 total starters, not counting the punter, and will not be flirting with #1 this year. In fact, most press I've seen about the Bulldogs is that they will finish no better than fifth in the West. But that is 5th in the SEC west, so while they might be off their game, I wouldn't expect them to be that far off their game. They are going to be a tough opener for the home town boys.

Monken, on the other hand, has USM headed in the right direction, and I see them as a potential bowl eligible team at the end of the season at 6-6. But they have a difficult schedule, and will need to win all 6 of the games I see where they have a chance, but happily 4 of those are at home. As I've said many times on this board, C-USA needs Southern Miss to be strong, and they seem to be climbing back, but this opener isn't going to help the cause.

If USM can hold it close in the first half, and score, they will have made progress. But I do see a Bulldog win, by a fairly wide margin. I don't want that to be the case, but I'll say Mississippi State 37 - Southern Miss - 10.