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ESPN’s FPI predicts Floyd of Rosedale winner in Week 8
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The annual ‘Floyd of Rosedale’ game will take place this weekend, as Minnesota will pay a visit to Iowa City to take on the Hawkeyes for their annual rivalry meeting. ESPN’s Football Power Index gives Iowa a 73% chance to come out on top in this one.
The B1G West has always been a puzzling division, and in its last season of existence, it is treating us to more of the same. Iowa, despite only averaging 20.9 points per game, sits at 6-1 overall and 3-1 in Big Ten play. The Hawkeyes are in the driver’s seat to represent the division in the Big Ten title game following their road win over Wisconsin, as they only play one team (Rutgers) with a current winning record for the rest of the season.
Minnesota has experienced similar offensive struggles, but not as much winning as the Hawkeyes. The Golden Gophers (3-3, 1-2) took down Nebraska in Week 1 but were humbled by North Carolina 31-13 two weeks later.
Then, PJ Fleck’s group blew a 31-10 lead with just over 12 minutes left against Northwestern and proceeded to be trampled by Michigan two weeks later. Coming off a much-needed bye week, Minnesota will be well-rested for this rivalry bout.
Iowa is the favorite for the matchup but the line is predicting a tight finish with the Hawkeyes at -3.5 for the game. Fans looking to get in on the action can head to BetMGM to get started.
This series, which began in 1891, is led by Minnesota 62-52-2. The two teams compete for a trophy depicting a hog, which has an interesting history.
Minnesota governor Floyd Olson bet Iowa governor Clyde L. Herring a Minnesota prize hog vs. an Iowa prize hog before the 1935 contest between the two teams. Minnesota won and thus received a prized pig from Fort Dodge, Iowa. Governor Herring named him the “Floyd of Rosedale,” and in every year since, the teams have played for the right to take him home.
The game between the Golden Gophers and Hawkeyes can be seen at 3:30 p.m. ET on NBC.