Jackson Free Press

Here's a number that currently means nothing: 149.

That's the University of Mississippi Rebels' combined score from their first two games. But that won't matter if the Rebels take a loss in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Saturday, Sept. 19.

Besides jaw-dropping offensive numbers in the first two weeks, we really don't know that much about the Rebels. The game against the University of Tennessee at Martin looked like adults playing against children, only the adults didn't take it easy against the kids. Fresno State looked shell-shocked after a 28-point first-quarter assault, and they didn't have any chance against the UM offensive and defensive blitzkrieg.

The University of Alabama is a different animal. The Crimson Tide already has a quality win over the University of Wisconsin and are used to being in big games. Yes, the Rebels beat Alabama last year, but that was in Oxford, and the Tide will want revenge. Unless the Rebels are true playoff contenders, you can expect Alabama to hit back when UM starts swinging. The winner of this game could have the inside track to winning the West.

Meanwhile, Mississippi State University scored a 34-16 win against the University of Southern Mississippi in its first week, but coach Dan Mullen waited too late to unleash Dak Prescott against Louisiana State University in game two. The Bulldogs quarterback put on a show once he was allowed to run the up-tempo, no-huddle offense that suits him and the MSU offense the best. The first-half conservative approach was the telling factor in MSU's 21-19 loss.

After a loss to MSU, the University of Southern Mississippi proved that Hattiesburg might have hope again. The Golden Eagles dominated Austin Peay and showed they should contend for a bowl game if injuries don't derail them.

Jackson State University fell to 0-2 on the season, losing to both Middle Tennessee State University and Tennessee State University, due in part to giving up two 64-yard touchdown passes. The good news for the Tigers is the last time they started 0-2, which was in 2012, they played in the SWAC Championship game.

Alcorn State University didn't have a chance against the Georgia Institute of Technology, who won 69-6, but the Braves bounced back nicely to win 31-14 at Alabama State University after a slow start. The Braves are still on track to defend their SWAC title.

The University of New Mexico and Southern University blew out Mississippi Valley State University in its first games. The scoreboard wasn't pretty either time, but the fact that the Delta Devils fought until the end in both games is something to build on.

After a solid home win against Fort Valley State University, Delta State University had to battle back from a deficit on the road for a win against Texas A&M-Commerce. The Statesmen leave the Mississippi just twice more this season as they continue to climb the polls.

Mississippi College beat Texas College 61-6 in the first week, and MC battled No. 13 University of North Alabama for three quarters before falling 17-34 in its second game. The future looks bright for the Choctaws as they continue to adjust to life at Division II.

Millsaps College beat Belhaven University 52-23 in week one, but both teams lost to Division III top-five teams in the following week. There's no shame in that, and both teams should have brighter days ahead.

Strange Sports Terms

Frozen rope: This term is used in baseball, when a batter hits a hard line drive directly to the outfield. The ball's trajectory resembles a frozen rope.

Nutmeg: This term describes when a soccer player kicks the ball between an opponent's legs and then sprints around the player and regains possession.

Fartlek: This term translates roughly to "speed play" in Swedish. A runner sprints at maximum intensity. Periods of easy jogging follow.

Full nelson: In this move, a wrestler encircles one or both of the opponent's arms underneath the armpit and secures them at the neck.