Very early ESPN Analytics prediction gives Washington uninspiring chances for week 5
By Ethan Lee
It’s early in the season. The Washington Huskies haven’t even played a single game yet. They haven’t started their season yet. And yet, the Huskies (and their fans) should be looking at their first road test in Big Ten conference play and be a little puzzled by the way ESPN Analytics Matchup Predictor views the game.
In week five, Jedd Fisch and his Washington Huskies are going to hit the road (or take a plane) and travel all the way to face the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. And, while the Huskies are coming off of a strong season, they’re not exactly given a great shot of winning, according to the Matchup Predictor.
Ahead of week one, Washington actually isn’t favored in that game, per the matchup predictor. It’s a bit of a toss up game at the moment and right now, Rutgers is currently favored by the ESPN analytics tool. That doesn’t feel great! Especially when you consider how Rutgers has been a program wandering around in the Wilderness in recent seasons and the Huskies were just competing for a national championship last season.
Prior to week 1, Washington Huskies vs. Rutgers currently a coin flip game per ESPN Analytics Matchup Predictor
It’s an early projection and there are plenty of factors that could be influencing the way those metrics are showing up in Rutgers right now. Plus, Washington hasn’t even played a game yet. Still, it’s a bit disorienting seeing the Huskies given just a 47.6% chance of victory against Rutgers of all teams.
I know math can’t disrespect people, but it sure feels like the numbers don’t love the Washington Huskies right now.
As the season continues on, the projection tool will update in connection with ESPN’s Football Power Index. We’ll see some things adjust up and down. And hopefully we’ll eventually see Washington prove this current prediction incorrect.