ESPN S&P+ predicts Michigan vs. Indiana game winner

Expect the Wolverines to fall apart for a 2nd-straight week? According to advanced analytics, Michigan has a shot to avoid the upset.

[jwplayer 1gDGILN8-XNcErKyb]

In the words of Samuel L. Jackson in ‘Jurassic Park,’ — hold onto your butts.

With Michigan having lost to MSU after being resounding three-score favorites and having a 90-plus percent chance of winning according to ESPN FPI, the Wolverines are soundly on upset alert as they face No. 13 Indiana this weekend.

The maize and blue are still favored, however, with the Hoosiers having already taken down Big Ten preseason darling Penn State, it wouldn’t be much of a shock to see IU do the same to a reeling Michigan team. Plus, the games are almost always close in Bloomington,

However, devil’s advocates will note that it’s been 33 years since Indiana has gotten a victory over Michigan in 24 tries — so while that streak is in peril, it’s still a streak for a reason.

While ESPN FPI is one of its advanced analytics indicators — and it predicts  a Wolverines loss — a there is another advanced predictor: Bill Connelly’s S&P+. And Connelly’s numbers have Michigan winning — but barely.

He gives the maize and blue a 55% chance to win, with a projected win margin by 2.1 points.

[lawrence-related id=29656,29653,29646]

This will be the fourth time in six years that the Wolverines have traveled to Bloomington. Only once in the three years has the game not gone into overtime, with that being the latest matchup, 2019’s resounding 39-14 win over the Hoosiers.