The Apple Cup rivalry is kicking off Week 1 with a twist that’s gonna have fans across Washington state buzzing: SportsLine’s advanced computer model is throwing major support behind Washington State (+23.5) to cover the spread against the Huskies. This means the Dawgs better be ready for a fight.
Wazzu’s Quiet Confidence Against The Dawgs
Look, we all know the Huskies have had the Apple Cup on lock recently. They’ve bulldozed WSU in eight of the last ten meetings. But here’s the kicker: the Cougars have actually been money against the spread in seven of those last ten matchups. And get this, Wazzu is 6-0 against the spread in their last six games overall! The model’s backing them to cover that +23.5 spread in this Sunday’s 4 p.m. ET showdown, suggesting this heated in-state rivalry might be a lot closer than many think.
Irish Look To CRUSH Wisconsin AGAIN
There are some other huge Week 1 college matchups on Sunday, September 6, 2026. No. 4 Notre Dame is squaring off against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field at 7:30 p.m. ET, and folks, the Irish are coming in as a monster 20.5-point favorite. The over/under for that game is set at 46.5 points. If history’s any guide, Notre Dame isn’t just favored, they’re expected to dominate. Back in 2021, the Fighting Irish stomped Wisconsin 41-13 at Soldier Field. SportsLine’s model is feeling that same energy, predicting a comfortable 39-12 victory for Notre Dame and backing them to cover the spread in a whopping 65% of simulations. That’s serious confidence in the Irish.
This Model Ain’t Messing Around
So, why should we trust these numbers? SportsLine’s advanced computer model isn’t just throwing darts. It simulates every single FBS game a mind-boggling 10,000 times. It’s been on a 32-19 run on top-rated college football money-line picks since the 2024 season, and it got an upgrade for 2026 to factor in the transfer portal even better. Beyond the Apple Cup and the Irish game, the model’s also predicting the Under (54.5) to hit 60% of the time in the No. 9 Ole Miss vs. No. 24 Louisville matchup. If you’re feeling spicy, combining WSU (+23.5), Notre Dame (-20.5), and that Ole Miss/Louisville Under into a parlay could net you a sweet +585 payout. Talk about a way to kick off the season!
This Sunday is stacked, folks. The Apple Cup kicks off our state’s college football action, alongside other huge matchups. Week 1 is all about setting the tone, revealing early form, and seeing which teams are truly ready to roll. With these kinds of predictions shaking things up, every snap means something. What a start to the 2026 college football season!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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