Jonathan Papelbon serves as guest picker on ESPN’s College Gameday

Sep 26, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Jonathan Papelbon (58) reacts after recording a save in the ninth inning of a game against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies defeated the Braves 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

On Saturday Philadelphia Phillies’ closer Jonathan Papelbon visited his alma mater to serve as a guest picker for ESPN’s College Gameday.

Papelbon showed up to the set wearing a maroon suit with a bow tie and sunglasses while keeping an unlit cigar in his mouth.  Naturally Papelbon chose his alma mater Mississippi State University to beat Auburn University.  Papelbon was drafted by the Boston Red Sox from Missippi State in the 2003 amateur draft.

While on the set with Lee Corso and company, the Phillies’ right-hander lifted a live bulldog to show his support for the Bulldogs who in fact beat the Auburn Tigers 38-23.

“For me it’s all about Dan Mullen,” said Papelbon.  “Dan Mullen has come here.  He has rejuvenated Mississippi State.  Dan Mullen is my friend and he has taken us to the promise land.”

Mississippit State head Coach Dan Mullen may see his team rise to number one in the nation following Papelbon’s appearance on Gameday.

Phillies’ outfielder Ben Revere took to Twitter after seeing his teammate on television.

Revere, who was born in Atlanta, is also a Bulldogs fan, but for the University of Georgia. InPapelbon’sfinal season with the Bulldogs, he went 6-2 with a 2.28 ERA and had a team-high seven saves.