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Michigan football predictions vs. Illinois

Posted on by Kennedy
Michigan football predictions vs. Illinois

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

The game serves 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 for six touchdowns (four rushing, one pass, one kick). return) and picking up two passports. Michigan, of course, hopes to look back at recent history; namely, that the Wolverines haven't lost to the Illini since 2009, a streak of six straight wins.

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

Which team will celebrate their history – and a victory – on Saturday evening? Five Free Press sports writers have some thoughts:

Tony Garcia

On paper, the matchup is interesting. Illinois can throw the ball but can't run it, while UM gives up the pass and stifles the run. On the other hand, Michigan can run the ball but can't throw it, while the Illini are down on the floor this year but have proven solid passing. Michigan is a desperate team and you can't fake it; But there's also no denying what this game means to the Illini. For a mediocre show on an anniversary weekend for a chance to defeat the reigning champions and make a statement on national television? Tuttle will help UM play complementary football, but this moment means more to Illinois. The choice: Illinois 23, AT 20.

Carlos Monarrez

If this game were in the Big House, I would pick Michigan. But it's in champagne and the Illini No. 22 can make it shine. As the Wolverines look to sort out their quarterback situation, they will look to stop dynamic Illinois QB Luke Altmyer, who has 14 touchdowns and just one interception. The choice: Illinois 29, AT 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 struggled on offense and were leaky on defense in the first half of the season. They have also failed to successfully implement the formula of complementary football that produced their recent golden age. That's why Michigan has lagged behind surging Illinois team in both polls.

The disparity in quarterback play between the two teams is also a problem. Since the Illini have Luke Altmyer, one of the Big Ten's better passers, and Michigan has Jack Tuttle, a seventh-year player making his first start in nearly two years, it's hard not to pick Illinois as the home winner . The choice: Illinois 23, AT 20.

Jeff Seidel

I keep trying to talk myself out of it, but I choose Illinois. If this were in the Big House, I would say Michigan. If the Wolverines had a proven QB, I would say Michigan. But they obviously don't. The Wolverines will keep the ball close by running it. And the Wolverines had an extra week to prepare. But Michigan just hasn't provided much reason to believe in this offense. The choice: Illinois 20, AT 17.

Shawn Windsor

If you look at what happened to Washington the week after beating Michigan, you can expect every game to 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, AT 17.

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