{
  "id": 5690228,
  "title": "College football picks: Look for lots of blowouts, as usual, as season begins in earnest",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/college-football-picks-look-for-lots-of-blowouts-as-usual-as-season",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-05T01:53:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Associated Press",
    "slug": "associated-press",
    "url": "https://apnews.com/article/college-football-picks-b2c968b71affc004b6bee33f1329bbb3"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "When college football's season kicks off in earnest starting with Labor Day weekend games, expect numerous blowouts. The average predicted point spread for the 18 matchups involving Top 25 teams and Bowl Subdivision opponents is an imposing 26 points. A total of seven teams are expected to prevail by at least four touchdowns, while only two games are projected to see a margin of victory under ten points. There are 48 games featuring Championship Subdivision squads facing off against FBS teams, including six matchups between Top 25 competitions. The following are the AP Top 25 rankings, betting lines, and picks for these FBS vs. FBS games, all scheduled for Saturdays unless otherwise noted: Ball State (+50 1/2) hosts Ohio State, with the Buckeyes honoring their senior day tradition before the game and then likely dismantling Ohio State 56-7. In the rematch between Boise State (+24 1/2) and Oregon, the Broncos will rely on their three-year starter QB Maddux Madsen and potent run game to overcome Oregon's formidable defense, resulting in a 42-21 victory for Oregon. Wisconsin will host Notre Dame (minus 20 1/2) in Green Bay, where the Fighting Irish, led by Heisman Trophy co-favorite CJ Carr, aim to make a statement after being excluded from the College Football Playoff. Wisconsin is expected to emerge victorious with a score of 33-10.",
  "summary": "For all the changes happening in college…",
  "key_points": [
    "Average point spread for Top 25 vs. Bowl Subdivision games is 26 points",
    "Seven teams predicted to win by at least 4 touchdowns",
    "Six Top 25 matchups against Championship Subdivision teams"
  ],
  "editors_take": "This season's expected prevalence of blowouts, with large point spreads and several lopsided matchups, suggests a predictable start to college football, with top teams likely to dominate.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}