Mailbag: Yes, blowouts have increase (we have the data), plus CFP expansion, Pac-12 strategy, TV ratings and more

A weekly Hotline mailbag argues that early-season college football blowouts are worsening, and cites data from Sportradar provided via the Associated Press. The discussion links the expanding competitive gap to major changes in talent acquisition—such as the transfer portal, revenue sharing, and NIL—but also to scheduling choices. The writer points to Big Ten schools avoiding non-conference matchups against comparable “Power Four” opponents, noting that 28% of the conference doesn’t face ACC, Big 12, or SEC teams this season. They highlight specific examples including Nebraska, Indiana, USC, Washington and Penn State, whose combined 15 non-conference games went to Group of Six or FCS teams.