ESPN analytics doesn’t give Washington Huskies much chance vs. Penn State

Look, we still haven’t seen the Washington Huskies play a single game yet. But, we are able to see what ESPN Analytics Matchup Predictor thinks of the Huskies chances of winning against a team like the Penn State Nittany Lions are.

Spoiler alert: the chances don’t look that great. 

The Washington Huskies are underdogs against the Nittany Lions. In fact, ESPN's Matchup Predictor and Football Power Index (FPI) give the Huskies an abysmal chance of defeating Penn State later this season. And again, I get that it’s early and things can change between the publishing of this post and when Washington finally travels to Penn State, but the chances probably aren’t going to swing drastically towards the Huskies. 

Or at least I don’t think they would barring some sort of impressive run from the Huskies down the stretch of the season that is. 

Washington Huskies vs. Penn State: Early analytics predictions favor Nittany Lions

Washington faces an uphill battle here. The Huskies are being given a mere 12.7 percent chance of walking away from their game against the Nittany Lions with a win. I do need to give the obligatory disclaimer that this prediction is coming from before Washington touches the field. But how much can that low of a percentage grow between now and the kickoff for this game?

Jedd Fisch and the Washington Huskies, as they enter the Big Ten, will have chances to prove themselves. But they’re going to need to play at a high level against teams like Penn State. Especially given that that will be a road game for the Huskies and the Nittany Lions have one of the best atmospheres in college football.

So, let’s keep an eye on this matchup and how the teams do between now and November 9. A lot can change between now and then and here’s to hoping that the Huskies can come out on top.