CFB Week 9 Picks: Washington at Indiana

Washington Huskies (4-3 SU, 3-4 ATS) at Indiana Hoosiers (7-0 SU, 6-1 ATS)

When: Noon ET Saturday, October 26, 2024

Where: Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, Indiana

TV: BTN

The Indiana Hoosiers, off to their best start since 1967, aim to remain perfect on the season when they host Washington for a Big 10 bout Saturday afternoon in Bloomington.

Indiana is 7-0 and ranked No. 13 in the polls, which is an incredible start for a team that was expected to finish in the lower third of the Big 10 this season. Meanwhile, Washington continues its first trip through the Big 10 road circuit, which has already resulted in a pair of defeats.

A key injury looms large over this game, as Indiana is expected to play without its starting quarterback, Kurtis Rourke, who is sidelined with a thumb injury.

The Line

The betting market opened Indiana as a 6.5-point favorite, with an over/under around 54. Early action has dropped that total slightly to 53. Sagarin’s CFB ratings suggest Indiana should be favored by 10.5 points, but that doesn’t account for the Hoosiers’ quarterback situation.

Washington Betting Preview

The Huskies are 2-3 SU and ATS over their last five games after losing at Iowa two weeks ago, 40-16. Washington then had a bye last weekend.

In that Iowa loss, Washington, catching three points, trailed just 17-10 late in the second quarter but gave up the next 23 points, sealing their defeat. The Huskies out-gained the Hawkeyes 393-328, but costly mistakes—a blocked field goal, two turnovers, and three failed fourth-down attempts—led to their downfall.

Washington began the season 2-0, suffered a tough loss to rival Washington State, beat Northwestern, and lost again to Rutgers before defeating Michigan 27-17. Then, they were beaten by Iowa. The Huskies have been on a roller-coaster, alternating wins and losses in recent weeks.

At 4-3 overall and 2-2 in conference play, Washington cannot afford another loss if they hope to remain in the hunt for the Big 10 Championship Game.

Indiana Betting Preview

Meanwhile, the Hoosiers stand as one of the last 10 undefeated teams in the FBS after dominating Nebraska 56-7 last Saturday. Indiana, a 6.5-point favorite in that game, jumped out to a 14-0 lead and never looked back. They’ve now hit the 50-point mark for the third time this season.

Indiana out-gained Nebraska 495-304, rushed for 215 yards, and won the turnover battle 5-1. Over the last three games, Indiana has averaged more than 500 yards of total offense per game.

At 7-0 overall and 4-0 in conference play, Indiana is off to their best start in over 50 years and is tied for first place in the Big 10. However, with games against Michigan State, Michigan, and Ohio State looming, the Hoosiers have a tough road ahead.

Backup quarterback Tayven Jackson, who filled in well last week, is expected to make his sixth career start this Saturday in place of Rourke.

By the Numbers

Washington is averaging 453 yards per game (YPG) on offense, 158 of which come on the ground. Defensively, the Huskies are holding opponents to 266 YPG, including 143 on the ground. They’ve played the 56th-toughest schedule, according to Sagarin.

Indiana, meanwhile, is averaging 513 YPG on offense, with 202 coming via the rush, while holding opponents to 263 YPG, including a mere 82 on the ground. Their schedule ranks 100th toughest according to Sagarin.

Totals Report

The under is 5-2 in Washington games this season, with those games averaging 41 total points. The over is 6-1 in Indiana games, with an average of 62 points per contest.

Free College Football Pick

Washington has been inconsistent this season, which wasn’t unexpected following their run to the national championship game last year. Still, they’ve out-gained every opponent they’ve faced, even in defeat. Indiana, on the other hand, is coming off a massive win in front of a raucous crowd. With their starting quarterback sidelined, though, this game sets up as a potential letdown spot for the Hoosiers. We like Washington to keep it close and cover the spread.

Loot’s Pick to Cover the Spread: Take Washington +6.5.

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