The University of Mississippi was impressive against the University of Alabama on the road. The Rebels are in position to do something special this season but still have roadblocks like Louisiana State University left.

Thursday, Sept 24

NFL (7:25-11 p.m., CBS/NFLN): Former UM star Eli Manning and the New York Giants are in a must-win situation against former MSU star Preston Smith and the Washington Redskins.

Friday, Sept 25

College football (7-10 p.m., ESPN): A slow sports night features Boise State going across the country to take on Virginia out of the ACC.

Saturday, Sept 26

College football (11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., ESPNN): Southern Miss faces a tough test on the road against Nebraska. ... College football (6-9 p.m., ESPNU): UM must avoid a letdown game against a weak Vanderbilt team. ... College football (6:30-10 p.m., ESPN2): Mississippi State hits the road to face an Auburn team in must-win mode.

Sunday, Sept 27

NFL (12-3 p.m., Fox): The New Orleans Saints are the poster child this week for teams that need a win when they hit the road to take on the Carolina Panthers.

Monday, Sept 28

NFL (7:30-11pm ESPN): A very good Monday Night Football matchup features the Green Bay Packers hosting the Kansas City Chiefs.

Tuesday, Sept 29

MLB (6 p.m.-12 a.m., ESPN): Watch a doubleheader of Major League Baseball games, teams to be announced.

Wednesday, Sept 30

MLB (6 p.m.-12 a.m., ESPN): See another baseball doubleheader with teams to be announced in MLB with the playoffs and wildcard round less than one week away.

How bad is a 0-2 start in the NFL? Since 2009, only two of 45 teams to start 0-2 have reached the playoffs. Since the playoffs expanded in 1990, only 23 of 204 of those teams have rebounded to the postseason.

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