High expectations surround the Indiana Hoosiers as former head coach Lee Corso and the College GameDay team arrive in Bloomington for Saturday’s Big Ten matchup against the Washington Huskies. The question on everyone’s mind is whether Curt Cignetti can maintain his impressive run, or if the Purple Reign will dampen the afternoon’s excitement.
This preview of the Washington vs. Indiana game includes the latest betting odds and a look at how both teams are expected to perform as the 2024 college football season unfolds.
Washington vs. Indiana Betting Preview
Current odds for the Washington vs. Indiana game are sourced from DraftKings Sportsbook as of Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. The spread from the College Football Network’s Football Playoff Meter is as follows:
CFN FPM Spread
Indiana -13.5
Indiana -13.5 Spread
Indiana -5.5
Indiana -5.5 Moneyline
Indiana -230, Washington +190
Indiana -230, Washington +190 Over/Under
54 points
54 points Game time
Noon ET
Noon ET Location
Memorial Stadium | Bloomington, IN
Memorial Stadium | Bloomington, IN Predicted Weather at Kick
64 degrees, mostly sunny, winds at 9 mph
64 degrees, mostly sunny, winds at 9 mph How to Watch
Big Ten Network
It has been over twenty years since these teams faced each other, and even longer since the Huskies last visited Bloomington. While Washington secured victory in their most recent meeting, Indiana leads the series 2-1. Despite losing star quarterback Kurtis Rourke to injury, the Hoosiers are favored to win this essential Big Ten contest, and the reasoning is clear.
Indiana has been dominant this season, having not trailed in any game and remaining undefeated through eight weeks. They have also covered the spread in six straight games, failing to do so only in their season opener against FIU. Washington, on the other hand, has only managed to cover the spread three times, with one push against Rutgers, and significantly underperformed as underdogs.
Washington’s Winning Probability
The CFN FPM estimates a mere 16.5% chance for Washington to defeat Indiana on Saturday. This metric has accurately predicted the Huskies’ losses to the Washington State Cougars, Rutgers Scarlet Knights, and Iowa Hawkeyes.
at Indiana: 16.5%
vs. USC: 49.4%
at Penn State: 7.2%
at Oregon: 5.5%
vs. UCLA: 79.3%
If these probabilities hold, Washington could finish the season with a 5-7 record, a stark contrast to their 2023 season where they reached the National Championship Game. Expected challenges this year stemmed from personnel changes and departures in the transfer portal and coaching staff. Their clash with USC could determine their eligibility for a bowl game.
Indiana’s Winning Probability
In contrast, the CFN FPM gives the Hoosiers an 83.5% likelihood of defeating the Huskies. This metric has accurately anticipated Indiana’s impressive performance thus far. While Rourke’s injury presents a challenge, it doesn’t mean the end of their winning streak.
vs. Washington: 83.5%
at Michigan State: 80.6%
vs. Michigan: 77.4%
at Ohio State: 24.7%
vs. Purdue: 95.1%
If these predictions are accurate, Indiana would enter their showdown with Ohio State having an unblemished 10-0 record—an outcome few expected at the season’s start. Even projecting a loss to Ohio State, Indiana could still achieve an 11-1 record, potentially securing a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game, depending on other outcomes.
Prediction for Washington vs. Indiana
The choice of Bloomington for College GameDay as their Week 9 destination likely aimed to showcase Indiana’s achievements this season, particularly the stellar performances of quarterback Rourke. His injury, however, casts a shadow over the festivities. Can the Huskies disrupt Indiana’s momentum and unbeaten run?
How will this game play out for the Hoosiers in Rourke’s absence? Are Jedd Fisch’s Huskies prepared to claim a vital road win? Which team holds the advantage, and what will be the crucial factors?
Rourke’s injury is significant, impacting odds and highlighting his importance. Last season’s MAC Offensive Player of the Year, he leads the Big Ten in passing touchdowns (15) and yards per attempt (10.7), and closely trails Dillon Gabriel in completion percentage at 74.6%. His contributions have been pivotal to Indiana’s success this year.
Fortunately for the Hoosiers, Tayven Jackson has stepped up as the new starter, having gained experience from five starts in 2023. His mobility allows him to extend plays, and paired with Indiana’s solid run game, he could provide the extra dimension needed for a Week 9 victory over Washington.
The Hoosiers’ rushing game may not always receive the attention it deserves, but it is highly effective. Recently, they dominated the Nebraska Cornhuskers on the ground, leading the Big Ten in rushing touchdowns, having scored ten more than any other team. Only Iowa and Ohio State have a higher yards-per-carry average, with Indiana’s ground game driven by Justice Ellison and TySon Lawton.
In the games Washington lost to Rutgers, Iowa, and Washington State, they conceded two rushing touchdowns in each. Among Big Ten teams, only three have allowed more rushing yards per game than the Huskies.
While analyzing this matchup transcends merely comparing rushing offenses to rushing defenses, the outcome may hinge on a straightforward strategy: if Indiana controls the clock and runs effectively, they could fend off whatever Washington attempts. Additionally, the Huskies are still in search of their first road win this season.
Prediction: Washington 19, Indiana 30
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