Illinois vs. Michigan: Game Preview, Prediction and Players to Watch
The third-ranked Michigan Wolverines will try to continue their undefeated season when the Illinois Fighting Illini travel to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for a Big Ten battle.
Illinois (2-4) entered the season with renewed hope after hiring former NFL coach Lovie Smith. However, the Illini dropped four straight games before dispatching hapless Rutgers last week.
The same cannot be said for Michigan, which has basically dominated every opponent this season. Jim Harbaugh's team is 6-0 with the nation's No. 2 scoring offense and No. 1 defense.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET, and Big Ten Network will televise the clash. The Wolverines opened as 28-point favorites, according to Odds Shark.
Illinois Keys to Victory
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Get Ahead Early
Starting quarterback Wes Lunt is questionable for Saturday. No matter if he or Chayce Crouch is under center, though, Illinois must score early to stay anywhere close.
Michigan has struck first during five of its six games, but that's nothing compared to this: The Wolverines have already held a four-possession lead at halftime in four games.
If the Illini can jump ahead right away, they have a fighting chance.
Win Third Down
Sustaining drives and forcing punts are of the utmost importance. One of these teams is terrific at both, and the other is dreadful. You can probably guess which one fits those categories.
- Michigan offense: 48.2 percent (19th nationally)
- Illinois defense: 45.9 percent allowed (106th)
And, conversely:
- Illinois offense: 31.1 percent (120th)
- Michigan defense: 12.2 percent (1st)
If that doesn't change in a big way, a blowout will follow.
Michigan Keys to Victory
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Protect the Ball
Only Western Michigan has committed fewer turnovers than Michigan's four in 2016. But if there's any concern in that, both Colorado and Wisconsin turned their takeaways into seven points.
Put simply, Illinois isn't going to upset the Wolverines without stealing a few possessions and scoring touchdowns on the ensuing drives.
Protect the ball, protect the win.
Stop the Run
The Illini don't have the depth at receiver to adequately challenge Michigan, but they do have a few quality running backs.
Each of Kendrick Foster, Reggie Corbin and Ke'Shawn Vaughn are averaging five yards per carry. The Wolverines, however, have surrendered just 2.86 yards per rushing attempt, the third-lowest mark in the Football Bowl Subdivision.
As long as Michigan stops the run, the defense won't have much of a problem limiting Illinois on the scoreboard.
Illinois Players to Watch
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Malik Turner, Wide Receiver
In the likely case the Illini fall behind, throwing the ball will become the only option. Malik Turner is the best receiver they have.
He's already approaching his career-high marks of 39 receptions and 510 yards, tallying 31 catches for 427 yards through six games. The junior also has three touchdowns this season.
According to NCAA Savant, Turner leads Illinois with 53 targets. That's already a big number, but consider the next-highest receiver, Justin Hardee, only has 20.
Hardy Nickerson Jr., Linebacker
After Smith hired Hardy Nickerson as defensive coordinator, the staff quickly added its biggest recruit of the offseason: his son.
The younger Nickerson used the graduate transfer rule to join Illinois, and the move has provided a boost to the defense. Nickerson has a team-high 58 tackles, including 3.5 for a loss.
Illinois will need the senior to clean up any messes behind Dawuane Smoot, Carroll Phillips and the defensive line.
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Michigan Players to Watch
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Wilton Speight, Quarterback
For six games, Wilton Speight has been fine. Not great, certainly not bad. Just fine. Once again, that should be all Michigan needs from the redshirt sophomore.
Speight owns a 61.6 completion percentage with 11 touchdowns and two interceptions, and his quick decision-making has helped the offensive line allow just nine sacks.
Eventually, the Wolverines will need Speight to provide a significant boost. For now, they're looking for one more mistake-free game.
Kenny Allen, Kicker
If you're looking for a defensive player to watch, track any of Chris Wormley, Taco Charlton, Jabrill Peppers or Jourdan Lewis. But really, Michigan's defense as a whole is worth watching.
What matters more is the developing kicking battle. The Wolverines encounter a stretch that includes road games against Michigan State, Iowa and Ohio State, and they'd assuredly like to settle on a kicker before the upcoming pivotal five-week slate.
Allen has missed four of his last five field goals, and Ryan Tice couldn't connect on his lone attempt. Allen remains the starter, but Tice and Quinn Nordin might get a chance.
What They're Saying
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Illinois
At his Monday press conference (h/t Champaign Room), Smith said he wants the Illini to use the victory over Rutgers as a springboard to better performances on the road, starting at Michigan.
"The same way we found a way to win a football game, which is good, we need to build on that and realize who we have this week. We're playing one of the best teams in the country at their place. We've been a homecoming team quite a bit this year but we're looking forward to that challenge ahead of us.
"
Michigan
Every player and coach will say he's focused on the next game. That doesn't mean being oblivious to how top competition is performing. Nick Baumgardner of MLive notes starting right guard Kyle Kalis admitted he's keeping track of Michigan State and Ohio State.
"You keep an eye out for them," Kalis said. "But you can't really focus on them that much. In the back of your mind you know that game (against Ohio State) is coming down the stretch. So you keep an eye out for them."
Prediction
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Illinois cannot afford to fall behind in the first quarter, but it'll happen. And once the Wolverines get started, they're not stopping.
Speight will lead four touchdown drives during the opening half, connecting with Jake Butt and Amara Darboh for one score each, while De'Veon Smith and Khalid Hill will reach the end zone, too.
Although Michigan's defense will only force one turnover, the Illini will spend the afternoon punting before managing a late touchdown.
Illinois will fall to 2-5 on the season, and Michigan will take a 7-0 record into its annual meeting with rival Michigan State.
Prediction: Michigan 51, Illinois 7
All recruiting information via Scout. Stats from cfbstats.com or B/R research. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.
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