Is your state one of the "Best And Worst States To Drive In?"  After 16 seasons in the NFL, former Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning decides to hang up his cleats.  Sam Pittman, the new head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks football team, discusses his recruiting strategy as National Signing Day approaches Feb. 5.   And we share the story of a Mississippi outdoorsman bit on the head by a copperhead snake.

Preshias Harris is working this week on country music matters in Gatlinburg, Tenn., but she's still covering Music Row as we learn more about Taylor Swift's mother and her fight against a brain tumor.  We honor squirrels this week; and the towns of Brevard, N.C., Kenton, Tenn., and Marionville, Mo., are famous for their white squirrel inhabitants.  Also, ACC go-to guy Jonathan Leifheit discusses the decision by Virginia Tech's Justin Fuente to stay in Blacksburg; and UNC Men's Basketball's current cellar-dwelling status.

Gun rights advocates have a peaceful rally in Richmond, Va., on Monday.  In Columbia, S.C., multiple Democratic candidates for president spoke at the annual "King Day At The Dome."  We have audio clips from Joe Biden, Amy Klobuchar, Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren.  Also, "Barbecue Barrister" Matt Heermans tees-up the real Super Bowl battle: Kansas City pork ribs versus San Francisco's Santa Maria-style beef tri-tip.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will be celebrated Monday with a national holiday.  1930s Southern icon Gov. Huey P. Long was beloved in Louisiana, and his passion for the LSU Tigers included co-writing "Touchdown For LSU" for the school's marching band.  Is an English breakfast better than a Southern breakfast?  We preview Sunday's Titans-Chiefs battle for the AFC Championship.  Plus, Martin Lawrence and Will Smith return to the big screen with "Bad Boys For Life."

CBS Sports Digital's Jonathan Leifheit returns to discuss ACC sports, including Clemson Football's loss in the CFP National Championship –– and Clemson Basketball's historic wins at North Carolina and at Littlejohn Coliseum against No. 3 Duke.  Music Row maven Preshias Harris recounts her weekend trip to John Rich's "Mount Richmore" estate, where the singer-songwriter unveiled pork jerky and adult beverage products.  Also, host Jon Rawl discusses the atmospheric downside of being a Southerner in the month of January.

"Barbecue Barrister" Matt Heermans examines the big dilemma in grilling: Kamado Joe versus Big Green Egg.   Ed Orgeron and Joe Burrow speak after the LSU Tigers captured the school's fourth national championship in football with a 42-25 win over Clemson.  Plus, Tate Reeves is sworn in as the 65th governor of Mississippi; while Virginia legislators continue to construct bills restricting guns.

Michael Busler, Ph.D., a public policy analyst and economics expert, shares his thoughts on the Wall Street and employment success of the Trump administration. Can the economy keep advancing with impeachment and Iran both on the nation's front burner?  Twelve people are dead after weekend storms shake the South.  Jerry Short weighs in on volcanos, mudslides and other natural woes.  Also, Clemson and LSU prepare for Monday night's CFP National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

Mike Leach becomes the 34th head football coach at Mississippi State.  Jon Rawl pays tribute to Elvis Presley via the 1956 smash, "Heartbreak Hotel."  Dangerous weather is headed to several Southern states this weekend.  Plus, the film "1917" opens on the heels of winning a Golden Globes award for drama.

Ed Orgeron speaks to the media in the days before his No. 1 LSU Tigers football team drives 81 miles to New Orleans to battle Clemson for the CFP National Championship.  Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jake Fromm makes a big announcement.  What is the most common "Should I?" question asked via Google for each Southern state?  Plus, manatees, macaroni and cheese, and stone crab and are among the items being celebrated in the region this month.