NO. 2 ALABAMA VS. NO. 8 MICHIGAN

7 p.m., Ch. 5

The skinny: The game, to be played in Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, pits Michigan dual-threat QB Denard Robinson vs. an Alabama defense with some big changes. The Crimson Tide lost several talented defenders in the NFL draft. Robinson ran for 91 yards per game with rushing TDs in 10 games, and his 15.3 yards per completed pass was the best in FBS last season. For defending national champion Alabama, QB A.J. McCarron has to adjust to being without top RB Trent Richardson and a pair of experienced receivers. Crimson Tide RB Eddie Lacy makes his starting debut.

The stat: The Crimson Tide is 18-6 against AP Top 25 teams the past four seasons and 10-4 against those ranked in the top 10.

The line: Alabama by 13 1/2.

NOTRE DAME VS. NAVY

8 a.m., Ch. 4

The skinny: The game is being played in Dublin, and 35,000 American fans are there. The venue is Aviva Stadium, a 50,000-seater, and Saturday's sellout is the first in its two-year existence. Regarding football, Notre Dame returns 14 starters from a team that went 8-5, but the Irish will be without QB Tommy Rees and RB Cierre Wood because of suspensions. Navy returns 13 starters from a team that went 5-7.

The stat: The last college football game in Dublin was played in 1996, and these same teams were involved.

The line: Notre Dame by 16

Southern Mississippi at No. 17 Nebraska

2:30 p.m., Ch. 5

The skinny: Nebraska figures to get a good test against the defending Conference USA champion. Rex Burkhead returns after rushing for 1,357 yards last season, the most by a Nebraska running back since 1997. The Golden Eagles will see how they stack up with first-time starters at QB and other key spots.

The stat: Nebraska has won 26 openers in a row, the nation's longest streak, and won each by at least 10 points.

The line: Nebraska by 20

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