Michigan - Illinois Preview

Time: 3:30 EST
Location: Champlain, IL
TV: ABC
Line: Illinois +7.5
Weather: 52 degrees and mostly sunny

I am going to take a different approach to this weeks preview. I usually talk about Michigan's offense vs Team X's ranked defense or how Michigan has struggled with turn overs, etc.


Today, I am going to talk about gut feel.

Ron Zook vs Rich Rodriguez. (that's a lot of R's and Z's for two head coaches and the last two years a lot of L's)

Both teams are struggling and both teams are fighting for their Big Ten lives. Illinois has been shutout in the Big Ten this year and Michigan has 1 win.

I am torn on this game.

On one hand, even though Illinois is struggling they match up very well against Michigan. They have an athletic QB that tore up the Big House last year and then dropped a game against Western Michigan. Michigan for some reason struggles against running QB's (don't they see them in practice every day?). This game also reminds me of a similar game last year during the same Halloween weekend against Purdue. Purdue had lost all it's QB's and had a running back run the offense. They threw everything at the Wolverines that day (fake punts, hook and laterals) and beat the Wolverines in a shoot out. Rich Rod has 1 road win in his entire Wolverines career.

On the other hand, Michigan is the much better football team. They have a good running game and can move the ball when they pass protect. Both of it's top running backs Minor and Brown seem healthy and ready to gain big yards against a poor defensive line for Illinois.

Michigan is favored by over a touchdown but how do you pick this one? Beating Michigan still means something for the Illinois's of the world and they are going to have their own two QB system going. This could be their entire season.

Michigan is coming off it's worst performance of the year and we will see on Saturday what type of coach Rich Rod really is. If he can pick these guys up this week, move the ball on offense, play sound defense, and take out the mental mistake/turnovers. Michigan should win easily.


Remember how drunk you were after the PSU game last weekend if:

• Michigan can't hold on to the ball (passing games or fumbles)
• The Juice is loose the entire game
• The 3rd string QB starts throwing deep against Michigan Safeties
• Michigan's offense makes the Illinois defense look like a solid unit

Sing "Hail to the Victors" at a Bowl Game if:

• Michigan plays hard to get that 6th win
• The memory of last week is long gone
• Michigan moves the ball with ease on the ground
• Tate looks sharp and so does the TE's and WR's
• Denard doesn't throw
• Michigan rushes for 350 yards

I expect Michigan to run the ball as much as they can. Minor, Brown, and Shaw might we be worn out if they don't fumble (and please don't!). Tate will mix in a few pass plays to keep them honest and if Denard is allowed behind center, please don't fumble or pass to anyone that doesn't have a white jersey on. Weather shouldn't be an issue this week. Besides my score prediction, I have another one for you: watch for Carlos Brown in the Wildcat this weekend. Michigan 31 Illinois 21

GO BLUE!