close
close

first Drop

Com TW NOw News 2024

    • Michigan vs. Football Predictions Illinois
    news

    Michigan vs. Football Predictions Illinois

    Vaseline Posted on

    play

    Michigan football is back in action after a down week as the No. 22 Wolverines head to Champaign to take on No. 21 Illinois (CBS) on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.

    The game will serve as a tribute to Illinois’ upset of the Wolverines 100 years ago, when halfback Red Grange – “The Galloping Ghost” – ran over, through and around UM while accounting for six TDs (four rushing, one passing , one step back) and take two steps off. Michigan, of course, hopes for a return to a more recent history; namely that the Wolverines haven’t lost to the Illini since 2009, a streak of six straight wins.

    SCOUTING THE ILLINI: Michigan vs. Illinois football prediction and scouting report in ranked Big Ten clash

    Which team will celebrate its history – and a win – on Saturday night? Five Free Press sportswriters have some thoughts:

    Tony Garcia

    On paper, the matchup is interesting. Illinois can throw the ball and not run, while UM gives up the pass and stifles the run. On the other hand, Michigan can run the ball and not throw it, while the Illini have been beaten to the ground this year but have proven to be solid against the pass. Michigan is a desperate team and there is no way to fake that; but there’s also no faking what this game means for the Illini. For a mediocre program, during an anniversary weekend, to get the chance to beat the reigning champions and make a statement on national television? Tuttle will help UM play complementary football, but this moment means more for Illinois. The choice: Illinois 23, UM 20.

    Carlos Monarrez

    If this game were in the Big House, I’d pick Michigan. But it’s in Champagne and Illini No. 22 can light it. As the Wolverines try to figure out their quarterback situation, they will try to stop dynamic Illinois QB Luke Altmyer, who has 14 touchdowns and just one interception. The choice: Illinois 29, UM 20

    Rainer Sabin

    Two losses in six games have shaken the foundation of a Michigan program that went undefeated and won the national championship last year. The Wolverines languished on offense and were leaky on defense in the first half of the season. They have also not successfully implemented the formula of complementary football that helped create their recent golden age. That’s why Michigan trails the surging Illinois team in both polls.

    The difference in quarterback play between the two teams is also an issue. Since the Illini have Luke Altmyer, one of the better passers in the Big Ten, and Michigan has Jack Tuttle, a seventh-year player making his first start in almost two years, it’s hard not to pick Illinois to win this one at home. The choice: Illinois 23, UM 20.

    Jeff Seidel

    I keep trying to talk myself out of this, but I’m going with Illinois. If this was in the Big House, I’d say Michigan. If the Wolverines had a proven QB, I’d say Michigan. But they clearly don’t. The Wolverines will keep it close by running the ball. And the Wolverines have had an extra week to prepare. But Michigan just hasn’t given much reason to be confident in this offense. The choice: Illinois 20, UM 17.

    Shawn Windsor

    After seeing what happened to Washington the week after they beat Michigan, you can bet that every game will be a slog, especially on the road. The Illini are physical and improving, and they haven’t beaten the Wolverines in a while. The choice: Illinois 20, UM 17.

    Vaseline
    View all posts

    You Might Also Like