ESPN’s Football Power Index is predicting an overwhelming victory for Rutgers in its season opener vs. Temple on Sept. 4.

The FPI projects that Rutgers has an 81 percent chance of defeating visiting Temple.

Rutgers is coming off a 3-6 record in the shortened 2020 season. Temple struggled to a 1-6 record last season.

Prior to both programs joining new conferences, Rutgers and Temple used to be Northeastern rivals in the Big East. Rutgers leads the all-time series 20-15 and is on a four-game winning streak in the series.

The last time Rutgers lost to Temple dates all the way back to 2002, which capped off a four-game winning streak for the Owls.

Rutgers is seeking its first winning season since going 8-5 in 2014, its first year in the B1G. Rutgers is predicted by Athlon Sports to be the No. 75 team in the nation.

Rutgers-Temple is slated for a noon EST start and will be televised on the BTN.