Folks should feel some hope around Hattiesburg this week—not just about finally getting a winner in the mayoral election—but on the football field.

Thursday, Oct. 3

College football (6:30-9 p.m., ESPN): The Texas Longhorns look to get their season back on track against fellow Big-12 team the Iowa State Cyclones.

Friday, Oct. 4

College football (8-11 p.m., ESPN): Nevada hopes to keep pace with Mountain West Conference Western Division leader Fresno State in a key conference game against San Diego State.

Saturday, Oct. 5

College football (6-9 p.m., ESPN): Mississippi State comes off their bye week looking to upset the LSU at home after the Tigers' emotional loss against Georgia. ... College football (6-9 p.m. ESPN U) Ole Miss looks to score some points against the other SEC team from Alabama, the Auburn Tigers.

Sunday, Oct. 6

NFL (12-3 p.m., Fox): After a short rest week due to Monday Night Football, the New Orleans Saints hit the road to face an impressive Chicago Bears team.

Monday, Oct. 7

NFL (7:30-11 p.m., ESPN): The New York Jets travel south to meet the Atlanta Falcons, who face their second-straight AFC East opponent at home in primetime on Monday Night Football.

Tuesday, Oct. 8

Documentary (7-8 p.m., ESPN): ESPN's 30 for 30 series continues with "Free Spirit," the unusual story of how two brothers were able to stay in pro basketball after the ABA merged with the NBA.

Wednesday, Oct. 9

NHL (7-9 p.m., NBC Sports Network): Dream of winter while watching a preseason regular season NHL game between the Chicago Blackhawks and the St. Louis Blues.

This week the Southern Miss Golden Eagles host Florida International in a game between two 0-4 teams. Somebody is walking out of M.M. Roberts Stadium with a win, and it could be USM.

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