Michigan Football: Denard Robinson and Wolverines Will Roll over Fighting Illini

Consider the dreadful game Denard Robinson had against Illinois last season and the fact that Michigan still won 31-14.

Now consider the fact that Illinois' defense is much worse this season.

It all adds up to a blowout on Saturday in Ann Arbor.

Last season against Illinois, Robinson passed for 92 yards and an interception. Part of the reason was that a tough Fighting Illini run defense limited him to 30 yards on 12 carries. If you stop Robinson on the ground and force him to beat you through the air, he generally struggles.

This season, Illinois won't be able to contain Robinson on the ground. The squad is allowing 3.56 yards per carry (tied for 37th in the FBS) and has given up 11 rushing touchdowns, according to CFBStats.com.

Despite Robinson's struggles in the pocket throughout the years, it's unlikely that the Fighting Illini will be able to contain him through the air, either. They have allowed 8.0 yards per pass attempt (tied for 104th in the nation) and 11 passing touchdowns in 2012.

Robinson just went off against what was supposed to be a good Purdue run defense, rushing for 235 yards on 24 carries. What do you think he'll do against Illinois' run defense?

On top of that, Illinois hasn't been particularly explosive in the passing attack or the running game this season. The Fighting Illini are averaging just 21.2 points per game this season (104th in the nation) and got rocked against Wisconsin last week by a score of 31-14.

The truth is, that deficit may be much greater against Michigan because Illinois has no way of stopping the Wolverines' most explosive playmaker on Saturday at Michigan Stadium.

Michigan has had a relatively disappointing campaign so far, but a dominant performance against Illinois may be just what the Wolverines need leading up to their matchup against Michigan State and beyond.