Michigan vs. Illinois: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Radio, Game Time and More

After a promising start to the season, Michigan and Illinois have seen their records worsen as Big Ten conference play has progressed.

The two schools will face each other Saturday, and it's a must-win game for both teams.

Illinois and Michigan both started out 6-0 this season, but each has lost multiple times since. At 6-3, the Fighting Illini have fallen out of the Top 25, and at 7-2 the Wolverines are clinging on to a Top 25 ranking at No. 24 in the current AP poll.

Let's look at all you need to know for this crucial Big Ten matchup.

Where: Memorial Stadium; Champaign, Ill.

When: Saturday, Nov. 12 at 3:30 p.m. EST

Watch: ABC

Live Stream: ESPN3.com

Listen: For Michigan stations, click here; for Illinois stations, click here.

Betting Line: Michigan by 1 (from USA Today)

The Wolverines' offense has struggled in their losses, but after a loss prior to last week's defeat against Iowa, Michigan scored 36 points in a win against Purdue. 

The Wolverines are allowing just 15.7 points per game this season, which is seventh-best in the country.

Key Storyline:

Michigan's stunning loss to Iowa last week hurt their chances to win the Big Ten Legends division, and they need some help from Michigan State, who has to lose twice for the Wolverines to have a chance to get to the conference championship game.

Both teams are trying to salvage a once-promising season.

Who Might Not Play for Illinois:

Hugh Thornton (offensive lineman) is questionable for Saturday's game with a knee injury, according to USA Today.

Who Might Not Play for Michigan:

Fitzgerald Toussaint (running back) is questionable for Saturday's game against Illinois with an undisclosed injury, according to USA Today.

BCS/Top 25 Implications:

Last week's loss pushed Michigan to the edge of the BCS rankings at No. 24, and they are now out of the running to play in a BCS bowl unless they miraculously win the Big Ten title.

Illinois has no BCS concerns, but a win against the Wolverines on Saturday will help them get back into the Top 25.

What They're Saying:

Michigan and Illinois both have quarterbacks who are good at running the football. Illinois head coach Ron Zook said the following about that in a recent ESPN article:

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"'Anytime you've got a guy that can run like that, it puts another parameter that the defense has to be alert for, whether it be the option or just actually running,' Illinois coach Ron Zook said. 'When you're still running and chasing the passer and if you create any vertical seams in your defensive front, they are going to take off and run and your back guys are in coverage.

"'So it creates some problems for the defense.'"

 

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Illinois Player To Watch:

Nathan Scheelhaase has rushed for 501 yards this season as the Illinois quarterback and must be effective on the ground against the Michigan defense to open up the passing game.

Michigan Player To Watch:

Quarterback Denard Robinson is one of the better dual-threat quarterbacks in the country, and after some shaky late-game performances this season, Robinson must finish Saturday's fourth quarter strong against a talented Illinois team.

Key Matchup:

Robinson has been criticized for not winning big games and not doing enough to beat the best teams, so winning against Illinois would potentially save the Wolverines' Big Ten title hopes for at least another week.

The Illinois defensive line must get to him and knock him off his game.

On the Hot Seat:

Zook has had a good season with Illinois, but the Fighting Illini have lost three straight games. With a matchup against No. 18 Wisconsin after Saturday's game with Michigan, Illinois could possibly be on a five-game losing streak pretty soon.

Prediction: Michigan 31, Illinois 17

Robinson will be too much for a struggling Illinois team, and Michigan will bounce back from a heartbreaking loss to beat Illinois and improve to 8-2.