8-31-13

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Sams Wins

7 Units Washington -3.5

5 Units Temple / Notre Dame Under 53.5

5 Units Georgia -1

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Jason Sharpe

CFB Top Play
Washington -3.5

Washington State +16
NC State -13.5

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Prediction Machine

CFB SIDES

162 - 12:30 PM - @ NCSU LATECH • -13.5 - 23.9 - 61.4%

212 - 10:00 PM - @ UCLA NEVADA • -19.5 - 28.9 - 60.0%

173 - 7:00 PM - UAB @ TROY • 5 - 5.8 - 59.6%

183 - 7:00 PM - UL-MON @ OKLA • 22.5 - -11.8 - 59.3%

176 - 12:00 PM - @ CIN PURDUE • -10 - 17.6 - 59.0%

208 - 9:00 PM - TCU LSU • 4 - 2.3 - 58.9%

203 - 8:00 PM - UTSA @ NM • 3.5 - 7.3 - 58.5%

213 - 10:30 PM - NW @ CAL • -5.5 - 13.4 - 57.8%

169 - 3:30 PM - BYU @ UVA • -1 - 8.3 - 57.4%

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Prediction Machine

CFB TOTALS

182 - 3:30 PMMISS ST vs. OK ST - 60 - 69.4 Over - 60.6%

178 - 7:00 PMKTY vs. WEST KY - 57 - 65.8 Over - 60.6%

208 - 9:00 PMLSU vs. TCU - 50 - 43.6 Under - 60.0%

190 - 1:00 PMRICE @ TEX A&M - 64.5 - 73.7 Over - 59.8%

192 - 12:21 PMTOLEDO @ FLA - 57 - 49.7 Under - 59.6%

158 - 3:30 PMCENT MI @ MICH - 52 - 59.2 Over - 59%

174 - 7:00 PMUAB @ TROY - 63 - 73.2 Over - 58.8%

170 - 3:30 PMBYU @ UVA - 50 - 41.6 Under - 58.6%

172 - 5:30 PMALA vs. VA TECH - 45.5 - 50.9 Over - 58.2%

188 - 8:00 PMNMST @ TEX - 57.5 - 66.5 Over - 58.0%

166 - 3:30 PMNIU @ IOWA - 53 - 47.3 Under - 58.0%

196 - 7:00 PMWASH ST @ AUBURN - 59 - 53.5 Under - 57.4%

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Donahue Sports

2* No Illinois + 3

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River City Sports

4 Units Northwestern -5.5
3 Units N Texas -15.5
3 Units Wisonsin -44.5
3 Units Washington -3.5
2 Units Kentucky -4.5

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College football weather report: Could be a sloppy Saturday

Find out how weather will impact your college football bets for Saturday's matchups:

Southern Illinois Salukis at Illinois Fighting Illini (-17)

Temperatures will be in the mid-80s but there is a 21 percent chance of thunderstorms in the forecast. Wind will blow across the field at 6 mph.

Elon Phoenix vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (-45.5)

Rain looms in Atlanta with a 44 percent chance of thunderstorms in the forecast.

Villanova Wildcats at Boston College Eagles (-16.5)

Temperatures will be in the low-80s but there is a 36 percent chance of thunderstorms in the forecast. Wind will blow at 11 mph SW.

Buffalo Bulls at Ohio State Buckeyes (-34.5, 55.5)

Temperatures will be in the mid-80s with a 40 percent chance of thunderstorms.

William & Mary Tribe at West Virginia Mountaineers (-34.5)

Mountaineer Field looks to get drenched as there is a 58 percent chance of thunderstorms in the forecast.

Purdue Boilermakers at Cincinnati Bearcats (-10.5, 49.5)

A 40 percent chance of rain for this matchup at Nippert Stadium in Cincy.

Toledo Rockets at Florida Gators (-23.5, 56)

Temperatures will be in the low-90s, but there is a 50 percent chance of rain in the forecast for Gainesville.

FIU Golden Panthers at Maryland Terrapins (-21, 49.5)

The weather could start out dry in this game, but there is a 30 percent chance of thunderstorms which could hit in the second half.

Colgate Raiders at Air Force Falcons (-26.5)

Temperatures will be in the low-80s with a 27 percent chance of thunderstorms.

Central Michigan Chippewas at Michigan Wolverines (31.5, 52)

The Big House could get hit with rain as there is a 25 percent chance of thunderstorms in the forecast.

Penn State Nittany Lions at Syracuse Orange (+8.5, 51.5)

This one is played at MetLife Stadium and there is a 36 percent of rain in the forecast.

BYU Cougars at Virginia Cavaliers (pick, 51)

Temperatures will be in the mid-80s and there is a 36 percent chance of rain in the forecast.

Austin Peay Governors at Tennessee Volunteers (-50)

Neyland Stadium could get sloppy as there is a 40 percent chance of thunderstorms in the forecast for Knoxville.

Howard Bison at Eastern Michigan Eagles (-18)

A 25 percent chance of thunderstorms is in the forecast at Rynearson Stadium.

UAB Blazers at Troy Trojans (-3.5, 63)

There is a 36 percent chance of thunderstorms in the forecast for Troy.

McNeese State Cowboys at South Florida Bulls (-20.5)

Temperatures will be in the low-80s with a 40 percent chance of thunderstorms in the forecast.

Kentucky Wildcats at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (+3.5, 56)

Temperatures will be in the low-90s with a 42 percent chance of thunderstorms in the forecast.

Miami RedHawks at Marshall Thundering Herd (-19, 66.5)

There is a 47 percent chance of thunderstorms in the forecast for Huntington.

Washington State Cougars at Auburn Tigers (-15.5, 62)

Conditions at Jordan-Hare Stadium could get sloppy as there is a 35 percent chance of rain in the forecast.

Georgia Bulldogs vs. Clemson Tigers (+1.5, 71)

Temperatures will be in the mid-70s with a 46 percent chance of thunderstorms.

UNI Panthers at Iowa State Cyclones (-9.5)

Conditions should be okay as this game starts, but the threat of a 30 percent chance of thunderstorms is in the mix as this game progresses.


** Weather forecasts and odds as of 9:00 p.m. ET Friday.

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Saturday's NCAAF Top 25 betting cheat sheet

UMass Minutemen at Wisconsin Badgers (-44.5, 53.5)

If Gary Andersen can repeat at Wisconsin what he accomplished in his last head coaching job, Saturday's season opening non-conference game against visiting Massachusetts will be only the beginning of great things in Madison. Andersen, 49, comes to Wisconsin from Utah State, where he orchestrated a remarkable turnaround that saw the school win 26 games in his four seasons after winning just six in the previous three years. He replaces Bret Bielema, who won 68 games in his seven years before departing to Arkansas.

UMass head coach Charley Molnar expects marked improvement in his team, which was outscored 482-152 in its first season in the FBS. Sophomore Mike Wegzyn, who threw more interceptions than touchdowns last season, will lead an offense that will be without tight end Rob Blanchflower (undisclosed) and running back Jordan Broadnax (knee) for this game due to injury. Ricardo Miller, a senior transfer from Michigan, will start at tight end and Stacey Bedell will start at running back.

Key betting stat: Badgers are 0-6 ATS in their last six non-conference games.

Buffalo Bulls at Ohio State Buckeyes (-34.5, 55.5)

Ohio State brings the nation’s longest winning streak into its season opener Saturday against visiting Buffalo. The No. 2 Buckeyes have won 12 consecutive games since their four-game losing streak to finish off the 2011 season. Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller begins his junior season as a strong candidate to win the Heisman Trophy. Another player to watch is freshman speedster Dontre Wilson, who is expected to return the opening kickoff and fill other key roles for the Buckeyes.

Buffalo is led by one of the top linebackers in the nation in senior Khalil Mack, who is projected as a first-round pick at next year's NFL draft. Mack, at 6-3, 248 pounds, has 56 tackles for a loss in his career at Buffalo, leaving him 19 shy of the NCAA record. The Bulls return six other starters on defense and nine on offense, led by quarterback Joe Licata, who started the final four games last season and led Buffalo to a 3-1 record.

Key betting stat: Buckeyes are 5-1 ATS in their last six vs. MAC.

Toledo Rockets at Florida Gators (-23.5, 56)

After a disappointing debut season, head coach Will Muschamp had the Florida Gators back in the top 10 in his second season, and that's where they begin Muschamp's third year in Gainesville. The 10th-ranked Gators begin a challenging non-conference slate by hosting Toledo on Saturday in the Swamp, where they are 129-18 since 1990 - the best home winning percentage in the nation over that span. The Gators look to erase the bitter taste of a loss to Louisville in last season's Sugar Bowl, while the Rockets are after a signature win to start the year.

The Gators are rebuilding a defense that carried them to a top-10 ranking in 2012, as they were fifth in the nation in both scoring defense (14.5 points per game) and total defense (287.5 yards per game). Toledo is coming off its third straight winning season after capturing nine games and going to a bowl game under first-year head coach Matt Campbell. The Rockets are 7-12 all-time against top-25 opponents, including a 1-1 mark last year with a win over then-No. 18 Cincinnati and a loss to then-No. 16 Utah State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.

Key betting stat: Gators are 2-6 ATS in their last eight vs. MAC.

Rice Owls at Texas A&M Aggies (-27, 66.5)

Johnny Football will not become Johnny Sidelined after all - at least not for long. Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel's murky eligibility status was resolved Wednesday, when the NCAA and No. 6 Texas A&M agreed to suspend the star quarterback for the first half of Saturday's season opener against visiting Rice. Manziel escaped severe punishment when the NCAA could not prove he accepted cash for signing autographs, the latest saga in his controversy-filled offseason.

With the eligibility issue behind him, Manziel now gets to build on a wondrous 2012 season that saw him become the first freshman to win the Heisman. Rice, a member of the retooled Conference USA, returns 18 starters and hopes to carry the momentum from last season, when it won its final five games and destroyed Air Force in the Armed Forces Bowl. The defense, among the nation's worst over the first half last year, made marked strides during the winning streak.

Key betting stat: Owls are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 non-conference games.

Central Michigan Chippewas at Michigan Wolverines (-31.5, 52)

Junior quarterback Devin Gardner has taken the reins of the Michigan offense and will lead the 17th-ranked Wolverines against visiting Central Michigan on Saturday. After the converted wide receiver replaced an injured Denard Robinson midway through last season, he threw for 1,480 yards and 13 touchdowns and was intercepted six times in five games. Now he’s back to try to lead the Wolverines to their first Big Ten title since 2004, when they shared the crown with Iowa.

Central Michigan will lean on senior running back Zurlon Tipton in attempting to defeat its in-state rival for the first time. Tipton rushed for 1,492 yards and 19 touchdowns last season. Junior quarterback Cody Kater, who will make his first start for the Chippewas, has career passing totals of 2-for-4 for 12 yards.

Key betting stat: Wolverines are 11-5-1 ATS in their last 17 non-conference games.

Temple Owls at Notre Dame Fighting Irish (-29.5, 53)

Expectations are higher than they have been in decades for No. 11 Notre Dame coming off an appearance in the BCS Championship Game. The Fighting Irish have faced significant roster changes since that loss to Alabama, but they will show off their new look when they host Temple in their season opener on Saturday. Notre Dame will take the field without 2012 Heisman Trophy finalist Manti Te'o, along with starting quarterback Everett Golson.

Golson was suspended by the university for the first semester due to academic problems, but the Irish have an experienced backup ready to take his place in Tommy Rees. The Owls are under the guidance of new coach Matt Rhule, who spent last season in the NFL as an assistant with the New York Giants. Temple is one of 10 members of the new American Athletic Conference, which formed in the wake of the Big East's breakup.

Key betting stat: Under is 20-7 in Fighting Irish's last 27 home games.

Mississippi State Bulldogs at Oklahoma State Cowboys (-12, 62)

Oklahoma State has emerged as a major player on the college football scene behind a high-powered offense that annually ranks among the nation's best. The 14th-ranked Cowboys will receive a tough early test when they open the season against Mississippi State on Saturday at Houston's Reliant Stadium. Oklahoma State is favored to win the Big 12 Conference and has the pieces in place to be another offensive juggernaut, but the defense must show improvement to compete with the nation's elite.

Mississippi State is also a program on the rise, appearing in a bowl game in each of the last three seasons, but it has the misfortune to play in a conference (Southeastern) that has produced the last seven BCS national champions. The Bulldogs bolted to a 7-0 start a year ago before a string of games against conference heavyweights stalled their momentum en route to an 8-5 finish. Mississippi State has four four straight season openers and the Cowboys have been victorious in their last five.

Key betting stat: Bulldogs are 0-6 ATS in their last six games in August.

Nicholls State Colonels at Oregon Ducks (-59)

High-flying Oregon no longer has Chip Kelly in charge and familiar ringmaster Mark Helfrich makes his head-coaching debut when the No. 3 Ducks host overmatched Nicholls State on Saturday. Helfrich was promoted from offensive coordinator after helping Oregon go 46-7 in his four seasons in that role, including a 12-1 mark last season before Kelly left to become head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. Nicholls State’s lone win a season ago was against NAIA school Evangel.

Sophomore quarterback Marcus Mariota is a leading Heisman Trophy candidate after throwing a school-record 32 touchdowns passes and setting another Oregon mark with a 68.5 completion percentage in 2012. The Ducks averaged 44.7 points and 501.1 yards in Helfrich’s four seasons of overseeing the offense, and the new offensive coordinator is former Nebraska quarterback Scott Frost. Nicholls State’s last visit to the state of Oregon didn’t go well – the FCS Colonels lost 77-3 to Oregon State to end their 2012 campaign.

Key betting stat: Over is 25-8-1 in Ducks' last 34 home games.

Alabama Crimson Tide at Virginia Tech Hokies (+20.5, 45.5)

No. 1 Alabama is bidding to win an unprecedented three straight National Championships and four in five years. That quest begins with a tough opener on Saturday, when the Crimson Tide play Virginia Tech in Atlanta. Alabama rolled over Notre Dame in last January’s BCS National Championship Game but waved goodbye to most of its starting offensive line and some key performers on a standout defense.

Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban has regularly sent defensive players into the first round of the NFL draft but has no problem rebuilding year after year. Alabama again brought in one of the top recruiting classes in the country and returns starting quarterback A.J. McCarron. The Hokies enter the season unranked after a disappointing 2012 campaign.

Key betting stat: Hokies are 2-7-1 ATS in their last 10 non-conference games.

Eastern Washington Eagles at Oregon State Beavers (-27)

Oregon State won’t be able to surprise foes this season and the No. 25 Beavers aim to sidestep the upset attempt of visiting Eastern Washington in Saturday’s season opener. Oregon State tripled its 2011 win total of three with a stunning rise last year, and the Beavers are seeking their eighth bowl bid in the last 11 seasons. The Eagles are ranked fourth in the FCS preseason poll and have put scares into Washington and Washington State over the past two seasons.

The Beavers conducted a spirited quarterback competition, and junior Sean Mannion edged senior Cody Vaz for the job. Mannion started eight games last season when he passed for 2,446 yards and 15 touchdowns in a campaign interrupted by October knee surgery, while Vaz started five times and threw for 1,480 yards and 11 scores. Eastern Washington lost 24-20 at Washington State last season and 30-27 at Washington in 2011.

Key betting stat: Over is 7-2 in Beavers last 9 non-conference games.

UL Monroe Warhawks at Oklahoma Sooners (-21, 61)

Blake Knight has a difficult act to follow, but he's off to a strong start as he leads the 16th-ranked Oklahoma Sooners into Saturday's season-opening tilt with Louisiana-Monroe. Knight beat out junior Blake Bell to take the Sooners' starting quarterback job vacated when Landry Jones bolted for the NFL. He leads the Sooners in search of their fourth consecutive season-opening victory against a Warhawks team that is no stranger to Week 1 upsets.

Oklahoma comes into the season looking to erase the memories of last year's embarrassing 41-13 Cotton Bowl defeat to the Texas A&M Aggies. "We've got a challenging year ahead of us, and it really starts from the beginning," head coach Bob Stoops said. Louisiana-Monroe finished 8-5 last season - and kicked things off in style, defeating then-No. 8 Arkansas 34-31 in overtime in an opening-week stunner.

Key betting stat: Over is 6-0-1 in Warhawks' last seven non-conference games.

Wyoming Cowboys at Nebraska Cornhuskers (-30, 67)

Despite closing last season on a sour note, No. 18 Nebraska has its sights on extending the nation’s longest winning streak in season openers to 28 games Saturday against the visiting Wyoming Cowboys. Nebraska finished atop the Big Ten Legends division thanks to a six-game winning streak. However, the Huskers’ Rose Bowl hopes were dashed following a 70-31 rout by Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship before they suffered a 45-31 loss to Georgia in the Capital One Bowl.

Nebraska believes it has one of the best secondaries in the conference, but it – along with an unproven front seven – figures to get tested by a non-conference schedule full of spread offenses, starting with the Cowboys. Wyoming quarterback Brett Smith averaged 308 yards in total offense and threw 27 touchdown passes against six interceptions in 2012, besting the Huskers’ Taylor Martinez in every category. The Cowboys overcame a miserable start to win three of their final four games last season, but are 0-6 all-time against Nebraska.

Key betting stat: Cornhuskers are 6-1-1 ATS in their last eight home games.

Georgia Bulldogs at Clemson Tigers (+1.5, 71)

College football dives headfirst into the 2013 season Saturday night when No. 5 Georgia and No. 8 Clemson square off in a showdown featuring BCS dreams and elite quarterbacks. Aaron Murray came five yards shy of leading the Bulldogs to the BCS Championship Game as a junior last season before time ran out against eventual national champion Alabama. Tajh Boyd enjoyed a record-setting junior campaign for Clemson and joins Murray as a preseason candidate to take home the Heisman Trophy.

Murray, whose 95 touchdown passes are more than any active FBS player, was named the preseason SEC player of the year despite the presence of Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel, the reigning Heisman winner. Boyd, meanwhile, threw for 3,896 yards and 36 touchdowns in 2012 en route to winning ACC player of the year honors. In addition to the top-tier quarterbacks, the Bulldogs and Tigers possess electrifying complementary players such as Georgia running back Todd Gurley and Clemson wideout Sammy Watkins.

Key betting stat: Bulldogs are 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 vs. ACC.

New Mexico State Aggies at Texas Longhorns (-42, 57.5)

No. 15 Texas hopes the offseason momentum it's been riding since a comeback win against Oregon State in December's Alamo Bowl will continue into the new season, which starts Saturday against visiting New Mexico State. Coach Mack Brown is eager to see how junior quarterback David Ash and the Longhorns execute the no-huddle offense Texas debuted in the bowl game. The Aggies are also shifting to an up-tempo attack under first-year head coach Doug Martin after New Mexico State lost its last 11 games of 2012 by an average of 25.4 points.

Martin, who returns to New Mexico State after serving as the Aggies' offensive coordinator in 2011 before taking the same position at Boston College last year, has a new quarterback and a thin running back corps in his new offense. Texas, meanwhile, has 19 starters returning, including 10 on offense. "(Ash) finished on such a positive the fourth quarter of the bowl game, that momentum and confidence has carried through the spring and the summer," Brown said during his weekly press conference Monday. "He's more comfortable and excited about the offense."

Key betting stat: Aggies are 0-5 ATS in their last five vs. Big 12.

LSU Tigers vs. TCU Horned Frogs (+4, 50)

Despite losing a school-record nine players to the NFL draft, No. 13 Louisiana State has national title aspirations as it opens the season with an intriguing non-conference clash against No. 20 Texas Christian on Saturday in Arlington, Texas. The game marks the fifth Cowboys Classic. LSU and TCU have each appeared once and come away victorious.

The Tigers, who lost a ton of defensive talent but return their key offensive pieces, get to measure themselves in preparation for a brutal schedule that features Georgia and Florida from the SEC East. Horned Frogs coach Gary Patterson has yet to announce a starting quarterback for the game. It will be either Trevone Boykin or Casey Pachall, who started the first four games last season before leaving the team as a result of a drunk driving arrest.

Key betting stat: Horned Frogs are 0-6 ATS in their last six neutral-site games.

Nevada Wolf Pack at UCLA Bruins (-21, 67.5)

Jim Mora turned UCLA's fate around in his first season at Westwood. The former NFL coach led the Bruins to victories in nine of their first 11 games to claim the Pac-12 South crown. Mora has even grander visions in 2013 as his No. 21 Bruins begin an unlikely quest at a national title when they host Nevada in the season opener for both teams on Saturday night.

Quarterback Brett Hundley, who set single-season records for total offense, yards passing and completions in his freshman season, guided the Bruins to a strong start before the team wilted down the stretch - losing its final three games. Nevada will be no easy task. The Mountain West foe has earned bowl berths in eight straight seasons.

Key betting stat: Bruins are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 vs. MWC.

Boise State Broncos at Washington Huskies (-4, 52)

A $261 million stadium renovation is complete and Washington returns to its lakeside home venue for the first time in 21-plus months when it hosts No. 19 Boise State in Saturday’s season-opening contest. The 93-year-old facility got an extensive facelift to modernize it and the Huskies are hoping to have a glitzy high-powered team to match. Boise State defeated Washington in last season’s Las Vegas Bowl and is vying for its eighth straight 10-win season.

Broncos coach Chris Petersen has an 84-8 record in seven seasons, including four campaigns of 12 or more victories. Boise State is opening away from home against a BCS opponent for the fourth straight season, beating Virginia Tech (2010) and Georgia (2011) before losing to Michigan State (2012). Washington junior tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins (69 receptions, 850 yards) will miss the game due to a suspension for an offseason DUI offense but the Huskies still have a formidable pass-catching target in junior receiver Kasen Williams (77 receptions).

Key betting stat: Over is 8-2 in Broncos' last 10 road games.

Northwestern Wildcats at California Golden Bears (+5.5, 60)

The Sonny Dykes era kicks off at California on Saturday night as the Golden Bears host No. 22 Northwestern, a squad that hopes to build on a 10-3 finish in 2012 that included a 34-20 victory over Mississippi State in the Gator Bowl. It's only the second all-time meeting between the two schools. The first one came in the 1949 Rose Bowl, with Northwestern posting a 20-14 victory.

Dykes takes over for Jeff Tedford, who was fired after finishing 3-9 in his 11th season. Dykes will incorporate the same type of pass-happy spread offensive attack that he used with great success at Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs led the nation in both total offense (577.9 yards) and scoring offense (51.5) last year en route to a 9-3 finish.

Key betting stat: Wildcats are 5-0 ATS in their last five non-conference games.

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Where the action is: Saturday's NCAAF line moves

The first Saturday of the college football season is upon us and NCAAF bettors – sharp and square – are having their say when it comes to the numerous adjustments on the Week 1 board. We talk to sportsbooks about the biggest moves from the first weekend of NCAAF action

Alabama Crimson Tide at Virginia Tech Hokies – Open: +18, Move: +21

The two-time defending national champs are getting the respect from bettors, who have walked this spread all the way to the key number of -21. And that may not be its last stop if action on the Crimson Tide continues to roll in.

“So far we haven’t been able to book much action on the dog and I could see us closing 21.5 as our customers will continue to play the favorite in this game,” Peter Childs of Sportsbook.com tells Covers. “With just over 80 percent of the early action on the favorite, we’re going to keep moving this game and force some Virginia Tech money.”

Georgia Bulldogs at Clemson Tigers – Open: +1, Move: +2.5

Linesmakers originally sent out this game at Clemson -1 but sportsbooks switched the Tigers to +1 home dogs before posting it. Action on UGA has tacked on another point and a half for this primetime matchup and even though sharp money is beginning to show on Clemson, books are standing strong at the current spread.

“We saw several sharp bets on Clemson +2, but we didn't move our number because the public keeps backing the road favorite,” Michael Stewart, an oddsmaker with CarbonSports.ag, tells Covers. “With nearly 75 percent of the action on Georgia, we went to UGA -2.5 this morning.”

BYU Cougars at Virginia Cavaliers – Open: +3.5, Move: Pick

The Cougars opened as 3.5-point road chalk but wiseguys have sided with Virginia and have moved this spread all the way to a pick’em at some books.

“Virginia has been a steady play since the line opened,” Aron Black of Bet365.com tells Covers. “Sharp money says the home dogs are underrated. This one will probably go off as a pick.”

Miami (Ohio) Redhawks at Marshall Thundering Herd – Open: -17, Move: -19.5

This may not be the sexiest game on the Week 1 schedule but it has certainly caught the eyes of someone out there, who has made major moves to push this spread as many as 2.5 points at some books.

“We had sharp action on Marshall -17 and made a move to -18 but continued to take action and we now have Marshall listed at -19.5,” Greg Sindall of SportsInteraction tells Covers.

LSU Tigers vs. TCU Horned Frogs – Open: +3.5, Move: +6

Some books have taken one-sided money on LSU, moving this spread as many as 2.5 points. The Tigers are favorites in this neutral-site showdown at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. You would think TCU would have a home edge staying in Texas but no one travels like LSU faithful.

“This is another lopsided game where we’re seeing a ton of one-sided action,” says Childs. “Just like the Alabama side, we’re booking all one-way action here. With over 80 percent on LSU, I could see us going to LSU -6.5 in the coming days.”

Mississippi State Bulldogs at Oklahoma State Cowboys – Open: -12, Move: -14

Sharp action got the ball rolling on this line move. Since then, public money has piled on the Cowboys and could have this one climbing right up until kickoff. Some books have already crossed the key number of -13 while others are holding their breath, fearing big buyback on the Bulldogs from sharps if they spread moves to two touchdowns.

“Because we respect the wise action we took on the favorite, combined with the fact that the public is also backing the favorite, we've been very aggressive with this game and just this morning we went to Oklahoma State -14,” says Stewart. “It's safe to say, the sharps and the public are lining up on the same side in this game which makes for a lopsided game and again, forces us to be ultra aggressive in going from 12.5 to 14, going through a key number of 13 and going all the way up to another key number of 14.”

FIU Golden Panthers at Maryland Terrapins – Open: -19.5, Move: -23

Florida International has been beat up bad this offseason, prompting sharp money to side with Maryland and move the spread nearly four points since opening.

“Main moves are recent due to FIU RB Anthon Samuel ruled out for season due to concussion, and also questionable status for numerous players on Florida International,” says Black.

Eastern Illinois Panthers at San Diego State Aztecs – Open: -19.5, Move: -14

Money is siding with the FCS programs in this Week 1 matchup. Eastern Illinois is the team to beat in the Ohio Valley Conference and presents a challenge with its high-octane spread offense. Wiseguys have already had their say, marching this spread as many as 5.5 points at some books.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

UFC 164 betting: Pettis knows blueprint to beat Henderson
By MMAODDSBREAKER

UFC 164: Benson Henderson (-115) vs. Anthony Pettis (+105)

The main event of UFC 164 is a five-round lightweight bout between UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson and No. 1 contender Anthony Pettis.

Henderson (19-2) is the UFC lightweight champion and he’s defeated Frankie Edgar, Nate Diaz and Gilbert Melendez in his last three title defenses to affirm his position as a pound-for-pound great. However, the wins over Edgar and Melendez were very controversial and many call Henderson a ”paper champion.”

Still, the 29-year-old knows how to get his hand raised, and he does it by being solid in every area of the game.

A strong wrestler, Henderson also throws vicious kicks and he is also very tough, having never been finished in the WEC/UFC.

Henderson has won seven-straight fights in the UFC since the loss to Pettis at WEC 53, and if he can defeat Pettis, he will prove all the doubters wrong and reaffirm his place as the No. 1 lightweight fighter in the world.

Pettis (16-2) took the fight against Henderson on short notice after TJ Grant pulled out with a concussion. But Pettis definitely earned his shot at the title with his recent kick KOs over Donald Cerrone and Joe Lauzon.

The 26-year-old Milwaukee resident is the best and most dangerous striker in the UFC lightweight division as he possesses ridiculous creativity, power, and athleticism and uses it to knock his opponents out in highlight-reel fashion with never-before-seen head kicks. He’s also very good on the ground with his submissions.

Pettis won the pair’s first fight at WEC 53 and he knows the blueprint to defeat Henderson as he’s done it once already and he can definitely do it again.

One of the most exciting fighters in the UFC, Pettis is an absolute beast and if his knee injury that forced him to pull out of the Jose Aldo fight doesn’t give him trouble, he can definitely beat Henderson again.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

English Breakfast: Premier League betting cheat sheet

This round of fixtures in the Barclays Premier League marks the last before one of those pesky international breaks. Saturday features six matchups, including a Manchester City side that will look to bounce back after an humiliating defeat to Cardiff one week ago.

We talk to Aron Black at Bet365 to find where action is on some of the hotter fixtures.

Manchester City v Hull City (-600, +750, +1800)

Why bet Man City: The Citizens are a tough side to beat at home and are unbeaten in 36 of the last 38 Premier League matches played at the Etihad. Manuel Pellegrini will look for a big bounce-back game from his side after a bad loss at newly-promoted Cardiff. The back four will be bolstered by the return of CB Matija Nastasic, who should get the start with Vincent Kompany ruled out.

Key players out/doubtful: Vincent Kompany, Stevan Jovetic, Micah Richards

Why bet Hull City: Even though the Tigers are flying high after a tidy 1-0 victory over Norwich one week ago, they will be in tough in Manchester. They will be without the services of Yannick Sagbo, who picked up a red card in the victory over Norwich.

Key players out/doubtful: Yannick Sagbo, Stephen Quinn, Abdoulaye Faye

2012-13 fixture result: N/A

Key betting note: Manchester City have not lost back-to-back Premier League matches since October of 2010.


Cardiff v Everton (+250, +240, +125)

Why bet Cardiff: It can't get much better for the Bluebirds who defeated Man City 3-2 last week in front of the home faithful. The environment will be electric once again in Wales as they face Everton and will look to make it back-to-back home wins in top-flight football for the first time since 1962.

Key players out/doubtful: Andreas Cornelius

Why bet Everton: It's been a whimper out of the gate for Everton and new boss Roberto Martinez who have managed a pair of draws after their first two matches. The Toffees are coming off a less-than-stellar performance in a 0-0 draw versus West Brom one week ago. Surely the blue half of Liverpool needs some closure on the Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines narrative so it can move forward.

Key players out/doubtful: Antolin Alcaraz, Darron Gibson

2012-13 fixture result: N/A

Key betting note: Everton have not won in their previous nine away games in the Premier League.

Where the action is: "Cardiff have added some much needed quality, and had a great result last weekend, which is apparent in the price for this weekend, but if Fellaini and Baines are in the lineup for Saturday, which remains to be seen, I would expect a rush of money on Everton to take the three points."


Newcastle v Fulham (+115, +240, +275)

Why bet Newcastle: It hasn't been the best of starts for Newcastle who have managed one point from two matches and have a plethora of players doubtful for the weekend. The Magpies clearly need more from their attacking players as they've mustered just one shot on target through two games and are still awaiting their first goal.

Key players out/doubtful: Ryan Taylor, Michael Williamson, Steven Taylor, Jonás Gutiérrez, Loïc Remy, Massadio Haidara

Why bet Fulham: The Cottagers were victorious away from home on opening weekend when they defeated Sudnerland. They are coming off a tough loss versus Arsenal last week but striker Darren Bent got off the mark with his first goal of the season. Fulham can look threatening going forward and could strike on the counter with the likes of Berbatov, Ruiz, Taarabt and Bent in the side.

Key players out/doubtful: Fernando Amorebieta, Kieran Richardson, Maarten Stekelenburg

2012-13 fixture result: Newcastle United 1, Fulham 0

Key betting note: The home team has won the last five Premier League meetings between Newcastle and Fulham.


Norwich v Southampton (+190, +230, +163)

Why bet Norwich: Following a decent performance in a draw with Everton on the opening weekend, the Canaries were disappointing in a defeat to Hull last week. New signings Leroy Fer and Ricky van Wolfswinkel have both looked quite good for the side early in the campaign. Norwich play well at home and are unbeaten in nine of their last 10 home games in the League.

Key players out/doubtful: Gary Hooper, Elliott Bennett

Why bet Southampton: The Saints have looked very good thus far with one win and one draw and sit sixth in the table. The players seem to be responding to manager Mauricio Pochettino's approach to the game
and the club has made some savvy purchases to fit the Argentine's style of play. The Saints will be flying high and look to continue their excellent start.

Key players out/doubtful: N/A

2012-13 fixture result: Noriwch 0, Southampton 0

Key betting note: Four of the last six meetings between these two clubs have ended as a draw.

Where the action is: "This one is hard to figure out, given the Saints weren’t great away from home last year, and Norwich are a very respectable home side. Both teams have made much needed additions, but the prices say that the Saints are looking good under manager Pochettino, however, its hard to justify the price of +163 away."


West Ham v Stoke (-105, +250, +333)

Why bet West Ham: Tidy defending has fueled a good start to the campaign for the Hammers. They have not conceded a goal yet and look good to get on score sheet at home as they've scored at least two in six of their last seven home matches. Stoke, on the other hand, are abysmal away from home.

Key players out/doubtful: Alou Diarra, Andy Carroll, Joey O'Brien

Why bet Stoke: Stoke is healthy and have a win to their credit early in the season as they defeated Crystal Palace one week ago. Despite Mark Hughes coming in as the new coach, the Stoke City approach to football has not changed. They still play the long ball and average 25 aerial duels won per game, which is good enough for third in Europe.

Key players out/doubtful: N/A

2012-13 fixture result: West Ham 1, Stoke 1

Key betting note: West Ham has two wins and two draws in its last four Premier League matches versus Stoke.


Crystal Palace v Sunderland (+160, +230, +200)

Why bet Crystal Palace: A tough start to the season for the Eagles as they have two defeats to show for their efforts. Momentary lapses have led to their defeats as they conceded a penalty to Tottenham in the opening week and conceded two goals in a five minute span one week ago versus Stoke. They will be hungry for three points and home to Sunderland is a good place to start.

Key players out/doubtful: Patrick McCarthy, Jonathan Parr, Glenn Murray, Jerome Thomas, Yannick Bolasie, Lewis Price

Why bet Sunderland: Sunderland jumped out to the early lead last week following Emanuele Giaccherini's goal versus Southampton, but ended 1-1. Giaccherini looks to be on the better buys of the season and has been excellent for the Black Cats early on. Jozy Altidore must start contributing if Sunderland are to start winning games, however.

Key players out/doubtful: Wes Brown, Phillip Bardsley, Stéphane Sessegnon, Lee Cattermole

2012-13 fixture result: N/A

Key betting note: There have been under 2.5 goals scored in Sunderland's previous five Premier League matches.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Saturday's MLB National League betting cheat sheet

Check out our quick-hitting betting notes on Saturday's National League games:

Philadelphia Phillies at Chicago Cubs (+126, 7.5)

Hot pitching stat: Phillies left-hander Cliff Lee has thrown four straight quality starts, but is just 1-1 with two no-decisions over that stretch.

Cold batting stat: Cubs veterans Donnie Murphy and Dioner Navarro are a combined 2-for-31 with eight strikeouts against Lee.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-70s under partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow in from center field at 11 mph.

Key betting note: Philadelphia is 2-14 in its last 16 outings during the second game of a series.


New York Mets at Washington Nationals (-146, 7.5)

Hot pitching stat: Nationals right-hander Dan Haren is 4-1 with a 2.74 ERA in seven starts since the All-Star break.

Hot batting stat: Members of the Washington roster are hitting a combined .357 with two home runs against Mets starter Zack Wheeler.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-70s with a 30 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms. Wind will blow out to center field at 5 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 6-1-1 in Haren's last eight starts against teams with losing records.


St. Louis Cardinals at Pittsburgh Pirates (-130, 7.5)

Cold pitching stat: Cardinals right-hander Lance Lynn is 1-3 with a 4.64 ERA in five August starts.

Cold batting stat: Pittsburgh OF Andrew McCutchen is just 4-for-23 with eight strikeouts lifetime against Lynn.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-70s with a 60 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms. Wind will blow out to left field at 4 mph.

Key betting note: The over is 6-1 in Lynn's last seven starts against the Pirates.


Miami Marlins at Atlanta Braves (-225, 7)

Hot pitching stat: Braves right-hander Mike Minor allowed just one run on six hits over seven innings in his last outing, a 5-2 win over St. Louis.

Cold batting stat: Marlins OF Giancarlo Stanton has just two hits in 14 career at-bats versus Minor, but both are solo homers.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-80s with a 45 percent chance of thunderstorms. Wind will be calm.

Key betting note: Atlanta is 8-1 in Minor's last nine Saturday starts.


Cincinnati Reds at Colorado Rockies (OFF, OFF)

Hot pitching stat: Rockies right-hander Juan Nicasio tossed six innings of four-hit ball and did not give up a run in last start. The Rockies prevailed 6-1 over the San Francisco Giants on August 26.

Cold batting stat: Reds OF Ryan Ludwick is 4-for-18 with seven strikeouts in his career against De La Rosa.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-80s with a 20 percent chance of thunderstorms. Wind will blow in from left-center field at 5 mph.

Key betting note: The over is 7-1-1 in Nicasio's last nine outings following a quality start in his previous appearance.


San Francisco Giants at Arizona Diamondbacks (-134, 8.5)

Hot pitching stat: Giants right-hander Ryan Vogelsong is coming off his best start of the season, limiting Pittsburgh to two hits over eight shutout innings in a 4-0 triumph.

Hot batting stat: Diamondbacks 2B Aaron Hill is 6-for-12 with a homer against Vogelsong.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-90s with a 25 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms. Wind will blow from left to right field at 10 mph.

Key betting note: San Francisco is 21-5 in Vogelsong's previous 26 appearances following a quality start in his last outing.


San Diego Padres at Los Angeles Dodgers (-155, 7.5)

Hot pitching stat: Padres right-hander Andrew Cashner limited Chicago to two hits in seven scoreless innings but settled for a no-decision in his last outing.

Cold batting stat: San Diego SS Ronny Cedeno is 5-for-26 lifetime against Dodgers starter Chris Capuano.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-70s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow out to center field at 5 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 8-0 in the Dodgers' last eight Saturday games.


Interleague

Los Angeles Angels at Milwaukee Brewers (-139, 8.5)

Hot pitching stat: Brewers right-hander Marco Estrada is 2-0 with a 1.88 ERA in four second-half starts.

Hot batting stat: Entering Friday, Angels OF Mike Trout has a .510 on-base percentage in 76 August at-bats.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-70s under sunny skies. Wind will blow in from left field at 5 mph.

Key betting note: The over is 15-3 in Estrada's last 18 starts against teams with losing records.



** Odds, probable starters, stats and weather forecast as of 7:55 a.m. ET.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Saturday's MLB American League betting cheat sheet

Check out our quick-hitting betting notes on Saturday's American League games:

Baltimore Orioles at New York Yankees (-127, 9)

Hot pitching stat: Orioles right-hander Scott Feldman has allowed just four earned runs over his last 17 innings, going 2-0 in that span.

Hot batting stat: Yankees OF Curtis Granderson is 5-for-11 with three home runs and seven RBIs in his career against Feldman.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-80s with a 35 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms. Wind will blow from right to left field at 11 mph.

Key betting note: New York is 10-2 in starter Ivan Nova's last 12 appearances on five days' rest.


Kansas City Royals at Toronto Blue Jays (-123, 8.5)

Hot pitching stat: Blue Jays knuckleballer R.A. Dickey's 3.67 ERA since the All-Star break is more than a run lower than his first-half mark (4.69).

Cold batting stat: Royals INF Emilio Bonifacio - who was traded from Toronto earlier this month - is 2-for-15 lifetime versus Dickey.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-70s with a 20 percent chance of showers. Wind will blow in from left field at 8 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 5-0 in Kansas City starter Jeremy Guthrie's last five road starts.


Cleveland Indians at Detroit Tigers (-170, 8.5)

Hot pitching stat: Tigers right-hander Anibal Sanchez is 7-2 with a 2.27 ERA and two home runs allowed over 75 1/3 home innings.

Hot batting stat: Detroit DH Victor Martinez is 9-for-18 with three doubles and a homer against Cleveland starter Scott Kazmir.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-70s under partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow out to right field at 4 mph.

Key betting note: The Indians are 3-8 in Kazmir's last 11 road starts.


Chicago White Sox at Boston Red Sox (-201, 8.5)

Hot pitching stat: Red Sox right-hander Jake Peavy is 2-1 with a 3.31 ERA in five starts since joining Boston in a trade with the White Sox.

Cold batting stat: Boston's Mike Napoli has just four hits in 24 career at-bats against Chicago starter John Danks.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-70s with a 35 percent chance of a shower or thunderstorm. Wind will blow out to center field at 10 mph.

Key betting note: Chicago is 2-8 in Danks' last 10 starts against the American League East.


Seattle Mariners at Houston Astros (-102, 9)

Cold pitching stat: Mariners left-hander Joe Saunders was shelled for seven runs over seven innings in his last start, an 8-3 loss to Texas.

Hot/Cold batting stat: Astros OF Brandon Barnes is 4-for-6 with a homer against Saunders.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-80s under partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow out to center field at 8 mph.

Key betting note: The over is 5-0 in Houston's last five Saturday games.


Minnesota Twins at Texas Rangers (-227, 9)

Cold pitching stat: Twins right-hander Mike Pelfrey has a 16:15 walk-to-strikeout ratio over his last five starts, going 1-1 over that stretch.

Cold batting stat: Entering Friday, Texas OF Alex Rios has just one home run in 69 at-bats since joining the Rangers in a trade with the White Sox.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-90s under partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow in from right field at 7 mph.

Key betting note: Texas has won Garza's last four home starts.


Tampa Bay Rays at Oakland A's (-127, 7)

Hot pitching stat: Rays right-hander Alex Cobb has surrendered two or fewer runs in eight of his last nine starts.

Hot/Cold batting stat: Athletics INF Alberto Callaspo is hitless in 10 at-bats versus Cobb.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-60s under partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow out to right field at 6 mph.

Key betting note: Tampa Bay has won Cobb's last seven starts against the American League West.



** Odds, probable starters, stats and weather forecast as of 8:58 a.m. ET.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

No. 8 Clemson hosts No. 5 Georgia Saturday night
By: Brian Graham

Kickoff: Saturday, 8:00 p.m. ET
Line: Georgia -1.5, Total: 72

A pair of top-10 teams look to start the 2013 season on a high note when No. 5 Georgia visits No. 8 Clemson on Saturday night.

These teams last met in 2003 when Georgia, a road favorite, won 30-0. The Bulldogs are set on offense with stud QB Aaron Murray under center and RBs Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall, who combined for 2,044 rush yards and 25 TD in 2012. Their defense lost seven starters, but still has depth and talent. Heisman hopeful QB Tajh Boyd is back under center for Clemson, and WR Sammy Watkins is among the nation’s most explosive players. The Tigers’ questionable secondary will face a stiff test right away. Since Mark Richt took the head coaching job at Georgia, his team is a perfect 9-0 ATS versus ACC teams in non-home games, and 14-5 ATS (74%) as favorite of seven points or less in non-home games. In the past two seasons, the Bulldogs are 14-8 ATS (64%) when favored and 9-6 ATS (60%) away from home. Clemson is usually a great wager early in the season, going 10-3 ATS (77%) in the first half of the past two years. The Tigers are also a strong 8-5 ATS (62%) in the underdog role over the past four seasons, but are only 7-12 ATS (37%) in non-ACC games during this same timeframe.

After coming a few yards shy of an SEC crown last year, 12-2 Georgia is loaded for another title shot. The excellent offense (37.8 PPG, 19th in FBS; 468 YPG, 22nd in FBS) is orchestrated by QB Aaron Murray (3,893 pass yds, 36 TD, 10 INT), who was second in FBS passing efficiency in 2012. WR Malcolm Mitchell (572 rec. yds, 4 TD) should have a breakout junior year based on his on-field chemistry with Murray. RBs Todd Gurley (1,385 rush yds, 6.2 YPC, 17 TD) and Keith Marshall (759 rush yds, 6.5 YPC, 8 TD) form an impressive duo to give the Bulldogs an excellent mix of pass and run. The defense lost seven starters including a ton of talent, namely LBs Jarvis Jones and Alec Ogletree, and safeties Bacarri Rambo and Shawn Williams, but the cupboard is not bare. OLB Jordan Jenkins (5 sacks, 4 QBH) and ILB Amario Herrera (70 tackles) are both hard hitters that are keys to the 3-4 scheme. CB Damian Swann (4 INT, 2 FR, 53 tackles) is a true playmaker, but he's questionable for Saturday's showdown because of a hip injury. Georgia ranked eighth in the nation in passing defense last year (176 YPG), and generated 2.1 turnovers per game (25th in FBS) but also surrendered 182 rushing YPG (79th in nation).

The return of ACC Player of the Year QB Tajh Boyd (3,896 pass yds, 36 TD, 13 INT) makes Clemson a legitimate National Championship contender if this team can win on Saturday. DeAndre Hopkins, the conference’s top wideout, is gone, but junior WR Sammy Watkins (708 rec. yds, 3 TD) returns to the nation’s sixth-best scoring offense (41.0 PPG) and ninth-best total offense (513 total YPG). He is poised for a huge bounce-back campaign after his injury-plagued 2012 season, which began with a suspension after a drug arrest. Although the Tigers are more comfortable throwing the football (322 passing YPG, 13th in FBS), they don't shy away from handing the ball off either, tallying 191 rushing YPG last year (36th in nation). Senior RB Roderick McDowell (450 rush yds, 5 TD) replaces Andre Ellington as the team’s top back, but RBs D.J. Howard and Zac Brooks will also run behind a bullish offensive line. The Tigers defense has plenty of talent, especially up front with DE Vic Beasley (8 sacks) and LB Spencer Shuey (69 tackles) patrolling the middle. The one trouble spot is the secondary that allowed 240 passing YPG last year (73rd in FBS).

[Can'tPickAWinner]

No. 12 LSU and No. 20 TCU square off Saturday
By: Brian Graham

Cowboys Stadium - Arlington, TX
Kickoff: Saturday, 9:00 p.m. ET
Line: LSU -4, Total: 50

Two highly-ranked schools square off on Saturday night at Cowboys Stadium with a clash between No. 12 LSU and No. 20 TCU.

New offensive coordinator Cam Cameron will try to ignite the Tigers' underachieving offense that ranked 87th in the nation in total offense last season. The Tigers’ defense remains loaded with NFL-caliber talent though, finishing eighth in FBS total defense last year (308 YPG). TCU was a dominating 4-0 last year before losing QB Casey Pachall after a DWI arrest. After spending a long time in rehab, Pachall is back for the 2013 season where his team has a legitimate shot of winning the Big 12 in just its second season in the new conference. RB Waymon James is also back after a knee injury last September. The Horned Frogs return nine starters from last year’s 16th-ranked defense. Though this is officially a neutral-field game, it will played in Arlington, TX, some 20 miles from TCU’s campus. These teams haven’t met since 1968. While the Tigers went 4-8 ATS (33%) as a favorite and 1-4 ATS (20%) on the road last year, the Horned Frogs are just 2-7 ATS (22%) in non-conference games in the past two seasons. However, TCU benefits from this long-standing trend: Since 1992, underdogs of 3.5 to 10 points in the first two weeks of the year, after playing in a bowl and losing their final two games of the previous season are 34-7 ATS (83%).

Although LSU scored less than 30 points per game last season, eight offensive starters return, including QB Zach Mettenberger (2,609 pass yds, 12 TD, 7 INT). With long-time NFL offensive coordinator Cam Cameron calling the plays, Mettenberger figures to drop back more often than usual. WRs Odell Beckham Jr. (713 rec. yds, 2 TD) and Jarvis Landry (573 rec. yds, 5 TD) both need to be more consistent for Mettenberger to grow. Top RB Jeremy Hill (755 rush yds, 12 TD) was arrested for sucker punching a man outside a bar, but he was somehow reinstated to the team just in time for fall practice. Back-up RB Kenny Hilliard (464 rush yds, 6 TD) will also get a good chunk of carries behind the Tigers' strong offensive line. The fierce LSU defense (17.5 PPG allowed, 12th in FBS) lost seven starters, including everybody on the defensive line, but this unit is still loaded. LB Lamin Barrow (104 tackles, 5 QBH), CB Jalen Mills (57 tackles, 2 INT) and SS Craig Loston (55 tackles, 3 INT) are all productive returnees. LSU's defense is always opportunistic, chalking up 2.5 turnovers per game last season (T-7th in FBS).

TCU's offense may need time to gel, but there is no denying the talent of QB Casey Pachall (36 TD, 8 INT in career), who has really stepped up as a leader of this team. His supporting cast includes WR Brandon Carter (590 rec. yds, 6 TD), who has been bothered by an injured hand, but is still considered probable for the season opener. RB Waymon James (6.9 YPC in career) is also an underrated back whose knee is now completely healed after undergoing surgery last fall. The Big 12’s top defense remains stacked with nine returners, including future pros DE Devonte Fields (10 sacks) and CB Jason Verrett (6 INT). The Frogs ranked 16th in total defense last year (324 YPG), specializing in stopping the run (105 YPG, 10th in FBS). And like LSU, they were also great at forcing turnovers with 2.5 per game (T-10th in nation).