Jonathan Papelbon was in his element Saturday morning.
The Philadelphia Phillies closer went back to his roots, as he dropped by his alma mater Mississippi State ahead of the No. 3 Bulldogs’ huge clash with No. 2 Auburn.
Papelbon wasn’t there just to check out the tailgate scene and game, though. The All-Star closer was the celebrity guest picker on ESPN’s “College Gameday,” as he sat with the show’s panel and made his predictions for Saturday’s slate of games.
He did so in grand fashion, too, taking the stage wearing a maroon suit and carrying a cigar.
Papelbon also took the unlit cigar with him on stage.
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Not everyone was excited about Papelbon’s appearance, though. His young son didn’t look too thrilled about all of the cowbells in Starkville.
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As you might imagine, Papelbon took Mississippi State to win against Auburn. He also picked the N0. 10 Arizona Wildcats to beat USC to show a little love for his former manager Terry Francona, an Arizona alum.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@SBNation
