Illinois Preview

Time: Noon

Location: Big House

Weather: Cold Windy 25 

TV: ABC (McDonough/Blackledge)

Line: Michigan -18

Illinois two weeks ago was ranked in the top 20 and then they lost 2 home games in a row.  Sadly, Illinois head coach Brett Bielema lost his mother this week.  They also have a chance to win the Big Ten West if things fall their way.  My friends this the trappiest of trap games. 

I will now take you into the time machine.  It's 2006 and for some reason Ball State comes into the Big House in November to play the undefeated Wolverines.  Ball State is led by an up-and-coming head coach named Brady Hoke.  Michigan needs to beat Ball State and IU to have an undefeated match-up between 1 vs. 2 in Columbus.  It's senior day and the last game in the Big House that year.  Seems like an easy task for one of the highest ranked teams in the country.  Michigan beat Ball State 34-26 with a game saving defensive play on the last play of the game.  Michigan goes on to beat IU and then Bo passes away days prior to one of the biggest games in the history of the rivalry. 

Dear Jimmy, 

It's that time of the year again.  It's senior day at the Big House and there will be a ton of emotions before, during and after the game.  Many of your guys will be putting on the Maize and Blue in the Big House for the final time.  That is a lot to handle, while you're trying to win a football game.  

The biggest task you and your coaches have had all week is trying to keep the focus on the Illini and not the Buckeyes.   This is a solid team and a poor man's Wolverines.  They like to run the ball with a top ranked RB that wears #2 Chase Brown and plays very good defense.  They have a transfer QB from Syracuse Tommy DeVito, who likes to run and pass.  Brett is using your model to rebuild this program, just like you did at Michigan.  

Jimmy, this game scares me.  Illinois is feeling bad after losing 2 games in a row and their head coach's mom.  Your team has to be looking ahead to the trip to Columbus after Thanksgiving.  This is a recipe for disaster and if your team is not focused this game could get away from you.   

The Illini will test JJ and the passing game as they will sell out to stop the run.  JJ will need to use the WR's and TE's to move the ball and score TD's.   It's going to be cold and both teams will want to run the ball against the wall.  Let's try to be a bit more creative on offense. Purdue kept the Illinois defense guessing by mixing up the run and pass game.  I want to see Corum get his 100+ yards but we will need to pass to open up the run game against this defense.  Play great defense and score touchdowns instead of field goals.   Keep the guys focused on Illinois.  

Michigan 28 Illinois 14