ESPN's FPI predicts outcome of Rutgers vs. Indiana in Week 8
ESPN’s FPI is predicting the outcome of the Week 8 slate of college football, and that includes the B1G East showdown between Rutgers and Indiana. The game has a bit extra importance for the Scarlet Knights with a shot to go bowling on the line.
Despite hitting the road, the Scarlet Knights head into the contest as a slight favorite in Bloomington. The FPI is also rolling with Rutgers, giving Greg Schiano’s team a 68.1% chance of coming away with the win.
Rutgers rolls into the matchup with a 5-2 record and a gutsy knack for clawing out victories. The Scarlet Knights most recently mounted a miraculous comeback against Michigan State and are 2-2 in conference play.
On the other side of the matchup, Indiana is 2-4 and winless against Power 5 competition. That includes an 0-3 mark in the B1G and back-to-back blowout defeats at the hands of Maryland and Michigan.
As for the head-to-head series, Indiana holds the slight edge with a 5-4 record against the Scarlet Knights, but Rutgers has won 2 straight. Last season, the Rutgers held strong at home with a 24-17 win in Piscataway.
The Hoosiers would undoubtedly love a bounce-back win at home in a rough season, but there’s no denying the incentive facing the Rutgers. A win would make the Scarlet Knights bowl-eligible with 6 regular-season wins for the first time since 2014.
Schiano’s team should also feel a sense of urgency to take care of bowl eligibility this weekend. Rutgers will face a trio of top-25 teams to open November.