Five Things You Need to Know for this Weekend (Sept. 1-2)
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5 Things You Need to Know in Sports
Want to start your Labor Day weekend off right? Looking for some action and the most interesting events of the day? There is a full schedule in college football Saturday and a full baseball schedule. Here is a brief look at the top four important matchups of the day along with a glance at future odds.
1)Southern Miss at Nebraska, Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Neb., 3:30pmET (ABC)
Underrated Southern Miss is one of the best mid-major teams in the country. Last year, they upset Virginia, 30-24 on the road getting 3. They shouldn’t be getting nearly three touchdowns but they are against a quality Nebraska team returning QB Taylor Martinez and RB Rex Burkhead. Both are stars but Southern Miss will stack the box under new coach Ellis Johnson, a former defensive coordinator at South Carolina. Nebraska is 0-6 ATS at home vs. non-conf. opponents.Nebraska is a 19.5-point favorite and the total is 53.
2)Notre Dame vs. Navy, Dublin, Ireland 9amET (CBS)
This game is being played in Dublin, Ireland and there's a very early start at 9amET. Navy replaces QB Kriss Proctor, who was erratic in the option with Trey Miller. Miller has a better arm and should improve an offense that retains Gee Gee Greene (501yds rush) and SB John Howell (340yds). They take on a Notre Dame team that will be without QB Tommy Rees (2,871yds, 20TDs) and RB Cierre Wood (1102yds) who are suspended. That’s a big loss for coach Brian Kelly and company who also have to replace star WR Malcolm Floyd on offense. Navy is 27-14 ATS vs. Independent teams. Notre Dame is a 15.5-point favorite and the total is 53.
3)Clemson vs. Auburn, Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Ga., 7pmET (ESPN)
This game is being played at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Both teams have some experience questions on the offensive line. Auburn returns RB Onterio McCalebb (641yds), who should have a big season. Kiehl Frazier takes over at quarterback after beating out Clint Mosely so they must feel he can run Scot Loeffler’s new scheme. Despite losing Cam Newton, Auburn went 8-5 last year and returns most of their defense. Clemson is playing without star WR/KR Sammy Watkins, which will hurt their passing game and return game but they do have QB Tahj Boyd. Clemson is 3-7 ATS L10 vs. non-conf opponents. Clemson is a 3-point favorite and the total is 55.5
4)Michigan vs. Alabama, from Arlington, Texas, Cowboys Stadium, 8pm (ABC)
This is a big-time matchup played this early in the season with two top ten teams going after it from Arlington, Texas. This is about defense against offense. Michigan QB Denard Robinson is a Heisman candidate but will have his hands full against a very good Alabama defense that just re-loads. Nico Johnson leads a very talented linebacking corps, while safety Robert Lester, who stayed in school, has grabbed 10 picks in two seasons. Michigan starting RB Fitzgerald Toussaint and reserve defensive end Frank Clark are suspended for the game. QB A.J. McCarron returns after tossing for 2,634 yards and 16 TDs. Michigan will be outclassed in this one. Alabama is 7-2 ATS vs. non-conference opponents. Alabama is a 14-point favorite and the total is 47,
5)Odds to Win Each NFL Division
The NFL season starts on Wednesday, September 5 as Dallas taking on the New York Giants. It's time to take a look at the odds to win each division from Bovada.
Odds to Win the 2013 AFC East Division
New England Patriots -400
New York Jets +600
Buffalo Bills +600
Miami Dolphins +1500
Odds to Win the 2013 AFC North Division
Baltimore Ravens +150
Pittsburgh Steelers +110
Cincinnati Bengals +400
Cleveland Browns +2000
Odds to Win the 2013 AFC South Division
Houston Texans -500
Tennessee Titans +500
Indianapolis Colts +1000
Jacksonville Jaguars +2500
Odds to Win the 2013 NFC East Division
Philadelphia Eagles +140
New York Giants +200
Dallas Cowboys +260
Washington Redskins +800
Odds to Win the 2013 NFC North Division
Green Bay Packers -225
Chicago Bears +350
Detroit Lions +450
Minnesota Vikings +2000
Odds to Win the 2013 NFC South Division
New Orleans Saints +130
Atlanta Falcons +130
Carolina Panthers +400
Tampa Bay Buccaneers +1500
Odds to Win the 2013 AFC West Division
Denver Broncos +130
San Diego Chargers +240
Kansas City Chiefs +300
Oakland Raiders +500
Odds to Win the 2013 NFC West Division
San Francisco 49ers -250
Arizona Cardinals +850
Seattle Seahawks +325
St.Louis Rams +900