ESPN’s FPI predicts Minnesota’s chances of finishing regular season undefeated

ESPN’s FPI is predicting the college football season, and that includes providing an outlook for Minnesota. Coming off a hot 4-0 start to the season, folks around the country are beginning to take notice of PJ Fleck’s squad.

The nonconference slate for Minnesota was not particularly challenging, but it was still a portion of the schedule that the Gophers skated through in a dominant fashion. Then, Minnesota blasted Michigan State with an impressively balanced offensive attack in Week 4.

Now, expectations for the program are sky high heading into a Week 5 visit from Purdue. Joel Klatt is among those high on Minnesota, recently saying he would not be surprised to see a 12-0 or 11-1 Gopher team representing the B1G West in Indianapolis.

So, what are the chances Minnesota wins the West unblemished? Not great.

According to ESPN’s Football Power Index, the Gophers are given just a 2.4% chance of finishing undefeated this season. While an undefeated record would be impressive, the FPI is at least giving Minnesota better than a 70% chance of winning the B1G West. That would be Minnesota’s first division title.

We’ll see if Minnesota can keep things rolling through the conference schedule.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.