WWE WrestleMania 30: Start Time, Match Card, Live Stream and More for PPV

WWE WrestleMania 30: Start Time, Match Card, Live Stream and More for -----PPV-------.

Although it would have been difficult for anyone to fathom how big WrestleMania would become when it debuted 29 years ago, the 30th edition of the biggest event in professional wrestling will take place on Sunday.


The top of the card is stacked with intriguing matchups that should generate a ton of interest leading up to the show, and WWE fans will have every opportunity to watch WrestleMania XXX through a number of different platforms.

In addition to pay-per-view, the---- WWE---- Network offers a brand new alternative, as members of the----- -WWE---- Universe can witness WrestleMania literally in the palms of their hands through several types of streaming devices.

Here is some further information regarding when and how to watch WrestleMania 30, as well as a closer look at the entire match card that promises to captivate WWE fans across the globe.



Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans

When: Sunday, April 6 at 7 p.m. ET

Watch: PPV


WrestleMania Live Stream: ---WWE--- Network =subscription required=

Few stars in WWE history have made a bigger impact than John Cena, and while he won't be in the main event of WrestleMania XXX, there is no question that he'll play a huge role on Sunday. Cena will take on one of WWE's fastest-rising stars in the form of Bray Wyatt. Cena has an incredible track record of success on professional wrestling's biggest stage, and that makes him a threat to prevail on Sunday. At the same time, there isn't much for Cena to gain. Conversely, Wyatt has everything to gain since a win over Cena at WrestleMania would almost certainly launch him to the top of the card in short order. Wyatt and his family have largely gotten the better of Cena during the build toward 'Mania. Wyatt even managed to subdue Cena long enough to dish out the ultimate sign of disrespect by placing a sheep mask on Cena's face:

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WWE WrestleMania 30 Live Stream: Start Time and Preview for Major PPV

While WrestleMania 30 will unquestionably be steeped in tradition, the event is also the start of a new era in professional wrestling as the first pay-per-view to be streamed live on WWE Network.

(WWE)Network has already started to change the game, but airing the biggest wrestling event of the year on (WWE) Network will complete the transformation.

With Daniel Bryan having an opportunity to potentially compete for the( WWE) World Heavyweight Championship, The Undertaker defending The Streak and John Cena trying to protect his legacy against Bray Wyatt, this is a stacked card that wrestling fans can't afford to miss.

Here is a complete breakdown of all the ways that the (WWE) Universe can catch WrestleMania 30 through pay-per-view or the (WWE) Network live stream.



Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans

When: Sunday, April 6 at 7 p.m. ET

Watch: PPV or WWE Network (subscription required)

PPV Live Stream

While ordering WrestleMania 30 traditionally through pay-per-view is still an option, WWE Network now provides viewers with myriad options. For $9.99 per month (with a six-month commitment) wrestling fans can get WWE Network and watch hours upon hours of content streaming through a number of different devices. That includes live pay-per-views such as WrestleMania 30. Here are the platforms that currently support WWE Network, according to WWE.com:
--Apple TV

--Kindle Fire

--PlayStation 3

--PlayStation 4

--Roku

--Xbox 360

--Android devices

--iOS devices

--WWE.com


Kickoff Live Stream

The pay-per-view will be preceded by a special two-hour pre-show beginning at 5 p.m. ET. According to WWE.com, the first hour will feature panel analysis and interviews. That can be viewed through all of the following platforms:

--WWE Network

--WWE.com

--WWE App

--YouTube

--Facebook

--Twitter

--Google+

--Pheed

The second hour beginning at 6 p.m. ET will feature further analysis as well as a special kickoff match. Per WWE.com, that can be seen exclusively on WWE Network.

WrestleMania XXX Card
Match Title Stipulation
Randy Orton (c) vs. Batista vs. ? WWE World Heavyweight Championship Triple Threat
Daniel Bryan vs. Triple H N/A Winner enters World Championship match
The Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar N/A Streak on the line
John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt N/A N/A
The Shield vs. Kane and New Age Outlaws N/A Six-Man Tag
Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal N/A N/A
Vickie Guerrero Divas Title Invitational Divas Championship N/A
The Usos (c) vs. Real Americans vs. Los Matadores vs. Rybaxel Tag Team Championships Fatal 4-Way


Top Matches to Watch

Daniel Bryan vs. Triple H

Although it won't be the main event, the battle between Daniel Bryan and Triple H may very well be the biggest bout of the evening. That is because the winner will be inserted into the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match involving Randy Orton and Batista.

The Bryan vs. Triple H feud began at SummerSlam when Triple H screwed Bryan out of the title and has continued with varying degrees of heat since then. Things have been turned up to a nuclear level in recent weeks, particularly when Triple H handcuffed and savagely attacked Bryan on Raw, as seen in this WWE Instagram photo:


Bryan has earned his moment on the WrestleMania stage, so expect him to be added to the title match. That doesn't necessarily mean a win over Triple H, though. In what would be considered somewhat of a twist, Bryan and Triple H could very easily fight to a no-contest or execute some type of double pin that would then make the main event a Fatal 4-Way.


Randy Orton vs. Batista vs. ?

The WWE Universe reacted negatively when Batista won the Royal Rumble and continued to do so after Randy Orton retained the world title at Elimination Chamber. It looked as though an Orton vs. Batista match was set to highlight WrestleMania, but the creative team smartly went in another direction by getting Triple H and Bryan involved in the angle as well.


Regardless of whether Bryan, Triple H or both are thrown into the match, it will be exceedingly more interesting than Orton vs. Batista would have been. Bryan has been selling a storyline injury suffered at the hands of Triple H, although he is determined to be at his best at WrestleMania:

New Sports Podcasts with RingRustRadio on BlogTalkRadio with Ring Rust Radio on BlogTalkRadio

Steve Cunningham vs. Amir Mansour

Steve Cunningham vs. Amir Mansour

Steve Cunningham and Amir Mansour both looked cut and ready, and Curtis Stevens and Tureano Johnson made weight for their co-feature tomorrow on NBC Sports.

Luis Ortiz vs. Monte Barrett

 Luis Ortiz vs Monte Barrett FOX Sports 2014-04-03

At Indio, Calif. (Fox Sports 1/Fox Deportes): Luis Ortiz vs. four-card monte Barrett, 10 rounds, heavyweights; Gerald Washington vs. Skipp Scott, 10 rounds, heavyweights; St. Dominic Breazeale vs. Nagy Aguilera, 8 rounds, heavyweights; Diego Diamond State La vine vs. Jaxel Marrero, 6 rounds, junior featherweights; Santiago subversive vs. TBA, 6 rounds, junior lightweights; Neeco Macias vs. Elliot queen, 4 rounds, junior middleweights; Kevin Watts vs. Joaquin Chavez, 6 rounds, junior welterweights; Michael Hunter vs. Rodney Hernandez, 6 rounds, heavyweights; Stephan Shaw vs. Kevin Howard, 4 rounds, heavyweights

Cunningham rallies to outlast Mansour

With his family in need and his heavyweight future hanging in the balance on Friday, veteran Steve Cunningham was forced to dig deep against unbeaten brawler Amir Mansour. Then, with the fight hanging in the balance entering the 10th and final round, the 37-year-old reached back for even more. Cunningham, who was lucky to survive a pair of brutal knockdowns in Round 5, rallied to score one of his own in Round 10 to secure an exciting, unanimous-decision win over Mansour at the Liacouras Center on the campus of Temple University in Philadelphia. Fighting in front of his home fans for just the second time in his career -- and first since 2003 -- Cunningham (27-6, 12 KOs) needed every bit of support to earn the victory, by scores of 97-90 and 95-92 (twice). ESPN.com also had it 95-92 for Cunningham. The win was extra sweet considering the two-time cruiserweight titlist was fighting for money to help pay the medical bills of his 8-year-old daughter Kennedy, who was born with a congenital heart defect. "I've got faith, it's all I have," Cunningham said. "I don't have strength, I don't have speed. I have faith in my God." Fighting against big-name competition for the first time in his career, Mansour, 41, utilized his raw and aggressive style to land a series of wild left hands to take control of the early rounds. Mansour (20-1, 15 KOs) wobbled Cunningham in Round 2 and cut him on the bridge of his nose. But it was Round 5 when Mansour appeared ready to end the fight. He floored Cunningham on a hard right hook to the chin and later added a second knockdown in the closing seconds following a flurry of right hands. Referee Steve Smoger gave Cunningham every opportunity to beat the 10 count, and he was lucky to make it out of the round. "I was all right. I've been down before and got up and won," Cunningham said. "I got lackadaisical because I was really doing my thing. I won't make that mistake again." Fighting on wobbly legs in Round 6, Cunningham courageously began to bank rounds behind his boxing ability as he made an increasingly wild Mansour miss repeatedly before countering with his right hand. But with Mansour's eyes badly swollen and his balance and technique gone by Round 10, Cunningham sealed his comeback by dropping his exhausted opponent with a flush overhand right. "I was getting in there and talking to him and using mind tricks," said Cunningham, who outlanded Mansour 117 to 110, according to CompuBox. "He wasn't built for 'USS' Cunningham." Stevens stops Johnson in final round Trailing on all three scorecards, hard-hitting Curtis Stevens entered the final round against unbeaten Tureano Johnson in need of something dramatic.

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NFL fan reaction: Roethlisberger beats Flacco again

The first half of the Steelers and Ravens Divisional Playoff game might be the worst half I've ever seen a good Steelers team play in twenty plus years. Pittsburgh went into half time down by fourteen points and just about nothing went right in the first half. Most teams would have faltered in the second half and other teams would come out in the second half and try hard but fall short. The Steelers on the other hand never doubted the result of the game. Every Steeler went into the locker room after an abysmal first half down by 14 and knew they were still winning the game.

The defense clamped down and almost gave up nothing in the second half. More importantly the defense caused a few turnovers to lead to Pittsburgh's two scores to tie the game. Roethlisberger never panicked, Hines Ward(notes) continued to go toe-to-toe with Ed Reed(notes), Heath Miller(notes) made important catches, Rashard Mendenhall(notes) kept jamming it up the middle and on the most important play of the game a rookie out of Central Michigan named Antonio Brown(notes) proved he belong to be among the winners.

To be fair, the Ravens weren't short on winners either. The Ravens defense came out ready to play and matched the Pittsburgh defense play for play. Ben Roethlisberger(notes) is possibly the hardest quarterback to tackle in the league and Terrell Suggs(notes) tossed him around like a rag doll. Ray Lewis(notes) and Ed Reed caused their usual havoc as well but they kept surrendering points mainly because not everybody was winners on Ravens.

In my very first article on Yahoo Sports I proclaimed that the Pittsburgh Steelers would win the Super Bowl (and the AFC North on their way). This isn't a bold prediction now but at the time the Baltimore There are many good reasons to enjoy being a Pittsburgh Steelers fan and one of them is that they are like the New York Yankees of the NFL. No, the Steelers don't buy all their championships, they're not constantly overrated and Pittsburgh is a lot more of a blue collar town. The reason they are similar though is that baseball players are constantly talking about something special happening when they put on those pinstripes. It's almost as if their body is possessed by Jethos, the god of winning. A similar thing happens when a football player puts on the black and gold - they become winners.

That is largely what it came down to in the win over the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday evening. The Steelers proved they are winners. The Ravens proved they are not, or at least not all of them.

Ravens were the popular pick to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. The experts all thought that Joe Flacco(notes) was poised to have a break out season. The experts thought that the receiving core was the best in football. Add that to Ray Rice(notes) and the Ravens defense and you have a winning formula.

The problem is everybody was wrong. Joe Flacco did not have a break out season. Flacco was pretty good, but not great, in the regular season and then just plain bad in the game Saturday. At halftime Flacco had 12 completed passes but most of them were screens. Most the passes that went down field were off. Most of them were too high, which is usually a sign of being nervous. The Ravens' first scoring drive that tied the game at 7 - 7 only occurred because the Steelers got two pass interference penalties that moved the Ravens down the field.

When Flacco did finally make passes his receivers didn't always catch them. In particular, T. J. Houshmanzadeh dropped the final pass of the game, which would have at least extended the game four more downs. Normally the most disappointing team in the league is a team that was supposed to go to the playoffs and didn't but in 2010-2011 the Ravens offense was definitely the most disappointing unit. Flacco's "breakout" and their "great" receiving core were good enough to finish 22nd in the NFL in yards per game.

The Steelers receiving core includes one veteran, a two year player and two rookies, plus Roethlisberger missed four games (they only averaged 150 yards passing per game in those first four games) and the Steelers still finished 14th in yards per game. Then there is Flacco vs. Roethlisberger. Leading up to the game all the analysts were selling this game like an even contest between two rivals but that isn't the case. Roethlisberger owns Flacco. The Steelers have now beaten the Ravens seven consecutive times when Big Ben plays

Now the Steelers turn their eyes towards the New York Jets. The Steelers can't afford to give up costly mistakes against the Jets because New York proved they are winners last week. Mark Sanchez(notes) isn't going to dominate many defenses, especially not the Steelers, but he did make big plays in pressure moments. The Jets receiving core includes two castoffs, Braylon Edwards(notes) and Santonio Holmes(notes), but they came through in the end. The Jets can also throw a defense at the Steelers that is as good as Baltimore's and a running game that is better. There's no reason to think the Steelers can't win but expect a very un-Ravens-like performance from the Jets.

Sources:

Gerry Dulac, Comeback versus Ravens among most satisfying, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Ed Bouchette, Steelers rally to beat Ravens, 31 - 24, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Scott Brown, Steelers rally to stun Ravens, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

*Note: This article was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Sign up here to start publishing your own sports content.

A look at the potential Team Canada hockey roster for the 2014 Olympics

The 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia were a huge success for the hockey world. Capped off by a thrilling game between the hometown Canadians against Team USA, even non-hockey fans tuned in the get a taste of the action.

Following the gold medal victory by Team Canada, the debate almost instantly shifted to whether or not NHL players would be taking part in the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. Russian superstars like Alexander Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin(notes) have gone on record as saying they will play regardless, and there are no doubt players from other regions hoping to represent their countries as well.



Though it is still a few years off, and participation in the 2014 Olympics is far from guaranteed, it is still worth a shot to speculate on what Team Canada might look like if NHL players are allowed to play.

Forwards

Sidney Crosby(notes) - This is a no brainer, as Sidney Crosby has already proved himself to be one of the top players in the NHL and he is not even 25 years old yet. After scoring the "Golden Goal" in 2010, Crosby is the face of Team Canada and Hockey Canada would be ridiculous if they passed over Sid the Kid.

Steve Stamkos - He just barely missed the cut for 2010, but after finishing the 2009-10 NHL season with 51 goals, and beginning the 2010-11 NHL season with a blistering hot scoring streak there is no question that Steve Stamkos will figure into Hockey Canada's plans for the future.

Rick Nash(notes) - Playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets affords Rick Nash a slightly lower profile playing opportunity than he would enjoy in other markets. That does not change the fact that Rick Nash is one of the most adaptable players in the game today. His large frame and ability to put the puck in the net are his obvious strong points, but his biggest assets would have to be his willingness to play a checking role and his never ending will to compete.

Corey Perry(notes) - Another 2010 Olympic gold medalist who can be played in almost any situation, Corey Perry is invaluable to Team Canada. Perry's stock is, naturally, at its peak when playing on the ring on Ryan Getzlaf(notes), but he has also played to great success with others in the past, including Sidney Crosby. Corey Perry also brings much needed grit that agitates opponents.

Milan Lucic - Speaking of grit, Milan Lucic(notes) might be the only other play who can mix sandpaper with skilled play at Corey Perry's level. A line combination featuring the two could bring a whole new meaning to "pest" in hockey.

Jonathan Toews(notes) - The best forward from the 2010 Winter Olympics is another no brainer. Jonathan Toews is a player who plays better the more things are on the line, and his Stanley Cup, IIHF World Championship, IIHF World Junior Championship and Olympic gold medal are proof of that. Regardless of the situation, Toews is built to win and that is not about to change any time soon.

Mike Richards(notes) - Jonathan Toews line mate from the 2010 Olympics proved to be a great compliment to the Chicago Blackhawks captain as both have the ability to play a well rounded two way game. Mike Richards is also a natural leader who can bring together a team, as he showed during the Cinderella run of the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Ryan Getzlaf - Like Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf mixes a brutal physical game with unbelievable skill with the puck. Pairing Getzlaf and Perry is obvious; as the two have played together for so long that they rarely make mistakes when together.

Matt Duchene(notes) - The third overall pick of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Matt Duchene has already developed into a better player than either of the men taken immediately before him. Duchene is a hard fighting two way player with great scoring talent, as well as the adaptability to play either center or on the wing.

Jordan Eberle(notes) - Only in his rookie season right now, Jordan Eberle has already showed that he has the tools to become an elite NHL player. Eberle also escalates his game play as the pressure goes up and has been a gem in international competition to this point in his career. As he matures as a player he will no doubt become one of the best players to watch.

Eric Staal(notes) - Though he is not the most spectacular player at times, Eric Staal is a steady player who will reliably be there whenever he is needed. Staal sometimes struggles when placed on the wing, but when playing with all-stars he finds a way to make it work.

Jeff Carter(notes) - Carter just barely missed the cut in 2010, being called to travel to Vancouver in the case that Ryan Getzlaf would not be able to play due to an ankle injury. Jeff Carter's greatest asset is his ability as a natural goal scoring with equal ability to play all three forward positions, as long as he has a puck distributor out there with him.

Patrice Bergeron(notes) - In a limited role at the 2010 Olympics Patrice Bergeron proved to be extremely effective. His scoring ability seems to have peaked early in his career, so his role would likely be reminiscent of the defensive zone face-off role he had in 2010 and as a penalty killer. It might not be glamorous, but it is role players like Bergeron that can mean the difference between gold and silver.

Close Calls: Dany Heatley(notes), Patrick Sharp(notes), Travis Zajac(notes), John Tavares(notes), Taylor Hall(notes)

Defensemen

Duncan Keith(notes) - The 2010 Norris Trophy winner should be as obvious a defensive choice as Sidney Crosby is an obvious choice for the forwards. Keith is great at all areas of the game, most notably his ability to join the rush.

Drew Doughty(notes) - The best defensive pairing in 2010 was Duncan Keith and Drew Doughty, and as Doughty matures that tandem could reunite to be even more level in 2014.

Shea Weber(notes) - He got a lot of press earlier in his career, though lately Shea Weber has fallen off the radar somewhat. That is because he has adapted his game into a more defensive style which has cut down on scoring, but he still possesses one of the most intimidating slapshots from the point.

Brent Seabrook(notes) - Brought to Vancouver in 2010 to play with his Chicago line mate Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook's role instead evolved into that of primarily a penalty killer. In that role Seabrook was extremely successful and, similar to Patrice Bergeron, is the type of character player needed to win.

Kris Letang(notes) - Judging by his 2010-11 scoring explosion, Kris Letang is a blue line powerhouse in the making. At times he still proves to be a defensive liability, but with time to fix that and tremendous offensive upside there is no question Letang will wear the maple leaf.

Brent Burns(notes) - Brent Burns tends to alternate between being injured and being one of the most offensively gifted blue liners in the NHL. If he can remain healthy and show steady play Burns will find himself playing significant power play time for his home country.

Chris Pronger(notes) - Pronger will be 40 years old in 2014, though (according to his Philadelphia Flyers contract) he will still be an active player. Even at that age, Chris Pronger should still be able to be effective. His game has never relied on foot speed, instead relying on his size, strength and passing ability. The minutes will not be 20-plus a game, but Chris Pronger will have a role.

Close Calls: Marc Staal(notes), Tyler Myers(notes), Mike Green(notes), PK Subban(notes), Dion Phaneuf(notes)

Goaltenders

Carey Price(notes) - Yes, Habs fans, Carey Price will be a member of Team Canada. After a couple years of doubt, Price has developed into the goaltender many believed he could be after his impressive rookie season.

Roberto Luongo(notes) - Winning gold in 2010 after usurping Martin Brodeur's(notes) net, Luongo deserves another shot. Unfortunately, by 2014 he will be 35 at the time and might find himself losing the starting position to a younger goalie after an embarrassing performance. Still, like Martin Brodeur, Roberto Luongo might not show any deterioration in his game until nearing 40 and could carry Canada to gold once again.

Marc-Andre Fleury(notes) - Fleury had to win Olympic gold while wearing a suit in 2010, and all signs are looking like Marc-Andre Fleury will have to do it again in 2014. Fleury is a good goaltender, but there always seems to be someone better.

At least Rex comes by his chutzpah honestly

Lots of people would like to tell Rex Ryan and the Jets to shut up. Not his daddy. The patriarch of the trash-talking coaching clan says there are worse things than speaking your mind, no matter how much bulletin board material gets spewed.

"Guys get themselves ready to play all kinds of different ways," Buddy Ryan chuckled over the phone Thursday from his horse farm in Kentucky. "And the way I see it, talking is a hell of a lot better than puking."

Buddy has been out of the business for 15 years. He hasn't tasted crow in a long time.

"The only drawback," Ryan recalled ruefully a moment later, "is you better be able to back it up."

No word yet on whether the floor-cleaning crew at the Jets practice facility has been unusually busy ahead of this weekend's playoff matchup against the AFC rival Patriots at New England. But the occupants of the locker room certainly have done plenty of talking, beginning with Buddy's boy himself.

"This is about Bill Belichick versus Rex Ryan," New York's brash coach said Monday, to the surprise of exactly no one. "There's no question. It's personal."

Maybe so, but nowhere near as personal as the expletive Jets cornerbackAntonio Cromartie(notes) threw Tom Brady's(notes) way soon after. Cromartie explained he's long been unhappy about the way Brady punctuates his touchdown passes on occasions — by pointing at the opposing sideline — and said further that he wasn't the only defender in the NFL who felt that way.

Then he doubled down by daring New England's all-world quarterback to throw in his direction.

"I hope so, I really do," Cromartie said. "I hope he throws the ball 10 times my way. Make him pay."

Brady's comeback to the original insult wasn't bad. "I've been called worse," he said. Nor is it likely to be his final word on Cromartie in particular and the Jets in-your-face motivational ploys in general.

"We'll see on Sunday night at 7:30," Brady said. "That's when everybody will be able to tell whether it played a role or not."

It's worth noting here that Rex Ryan comes by his chutzpah honestly. He and twin brother, Rob, the defensive co-ordinator for the Cleveland Browns, trailed along in Buddy's wake while he worked as an assistant or head coach in a half-dozen NFL towns. The old man defined swagger. They rarely saw him hold his tongue.

"Here's the funny thing on that," Buddy said. "Everybody thinks I had something to do with it when the '85 Bears made that 'Super Bowl Shuffle' thing. It was 'Buddy told 'em this, Buddy told 'em that.' But I didn't even know they were making it."

So he would have stopped them?

"Hell, no," Buddy replied. "Wouldn't have made a difference anyway. … But if you want a bunch that could talk the talk AND walk the walk, it was that one."

Therein lies the problem. Few teams can back up their bravado that way. Talk first, lose later and you've practically engraved the invitation for a snappy comeback. Former receiver and current TV analyst Shannon Sharpe had several, though his best might have come at the expense of the Colts defense.

"Home Depot doesn't sell enough nails and plywood to fix what's wrong with that," is how he put it.

Just as original and classier still was the one authored by Hall of Fame hockey goalie Patrick Roy. He said he never even heard trash-talking because every time he cupped his hands behind his ears to listen, all those Stanley Cup rings on his fingers made it impossible to hear.

Even better, though, might be the one authored by flamboyant former cornerback and current NFL Network analyst "Neon" Deion Sanders. The man who spent as much time giving smack as he did receiving it intercepted a pass and then found himself at the bottom of the pile as his San Francisco 49ers were close to wrapping up their 1995 Super Bowl win over the Chargers.

Yelling in his ear was San Diego's Ronnie Harmon, hurling insults and challenging him to a fight. Instead of responding with his usual flair, Sanders stood up, dusted himself off and simply pointed at the horizon.

"Man," he whispered to Harmon, "you need to look up at that scoreboard."

___

Jim Litke is a national sports columnist for The Associated Press. Write to him at jlitke(at)ap.org

Auburn’s Cam Newton declares for draft

Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton will skip his senior season and enter the NFL draft.

Auburn released a statement Thursday night announcing the quarterback's decision. Newton led the Tigers to their first NCAA title since 1957 and a 14-0 season with a 22-19 victory over Oregon on Monday night.

The dual-threat quarterback was both dynamic and controversial. He played under a cloud the last two months of the season after reports surfaced that his father, Cecil, shopped his services during Mississippi State's recruitment of his son.

Newton rushed for 1,473 yards and 20 touchdowns while passing for 2,854 yards and 30 TDs.