Big 10 Pick 6: Searching for Single Digits

Week 1 of the college football season features few single-digit spread games as teams generally avoid putting a loss on their record before the CFP committee pays attention. However, there are several matchups with narrow point differentials that promise to be entertaining while providing insights into the relative strengths and weaknesses of the teams involved. The spreads are provided by FanDuel Sports Book.

In the game between Fresno State and USC, the Trojans are the heavy favorites with a -22.5 point spread. USC looked dominant in their season opener, leading 35-3 against San Jose State before becoming complacent. New Bulldogs head coach Matt Entz, formerly of North Dakota State, will be debuting his team as Fresno State's new head coach.

Nevertheless, the Bulldog defense is likely to match up well against the UCLA offense, which will be led by Boise State transfer QB Maddux Madsen. Despite Boise State's solid offense, their defense is not a match for Oregon, who averaged over 50 points per game last season.

UCLA will be the underdog in their season opener against Cal with a +2.5 point spread. New UCLA head coach Bob Chesney will be looking to make an immediate impact, while Cal will be relying on senior QB JKS, the program's top recruit. However, Cal's offensive line will be crucial in developing JKS's potential. UCLA's defense could be tested by Cal's talented roster, which includes many James Madison transfers.

The Toledo-Michigan State game is not the most exciting matchup, but it could be one of the more competitive contests. Toledo is a favorite in the MAC, but they are underdogs against a Big Ten opponent. Pat Fitzgerald takes over as Michigan State's head coach, a role that showed promise during his tenure at Northwestern. Toledo sophomore Alessio Milivojevic is the team's key player, taking on a significant role last season after taking about half of the team's snaps.

In the Wisconsin-Notre Dame game, the Fighting Irish are the clear favorites with a -20.5 point spread. Notre Dame is a strong contender for a National Championship, returning many key players and boasting an impressive defense. Meanwhile, Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell is struggling to find success, and the team's defense has been a concern. While Wisconsin's defense is stout, they will need to overcome the absence of two high-end running backs and a strong Notre Dame offense.