Michigan vs. Illinois: 5 Halftime Adjustments the Fighting Illini Must Make

This is a huge game for both schools in Champaign today. No. 24 Michigan is still hanging on to hope of a Legends Division title and must keep pace with Nebraska and Michigan State, who already won, to do so. 

And Illinois has already clinched bowl eligibility, but sits in the middle of a logjam in the Leaders Division, still with a shot to take a better bowl spot away from the teams above them. For both Illinois and Michigan, a win would do wonders for their respective paths to the Big Ten Championship game.

This should be a pretty tough game for Michigan, as the Fighting Illini are 5-1 at home this year. Their exciting offense will be challenged by a tough, underrated Illinois defense.

Here are five big halftime adjustments the Fighting Illini must make to get the upset win:

 

1. Get on Robinson

Denard Robinson is by far the most dangerous person on the Wolverines offense. He isn't a huge threat through the air, but can still make some things happen. Where he's most dangerous is breaking off runs either on designed scrambles or making something out of broken plays. 

The Illinois defense really needs to key in on him, or they are going to get beat. Robinson already ran in two touchdowns in the first half, and allowing him to do more damage is going to slowly drain the blood from this Illini team. Have a linebacker spying on him the whole time.

2. Protect Scheelhasse

The Michigan defense comes in ranked sixth in the nation overall, and for good reason. They need to get Nathan Scheelhaase time in the pocket so he can either find time to hit an open man or make a play with his legs. He's very dangerous in both aspects.

As most quarterbacks do, Scheelhaase gets a little skittish when pressured in the pocket. The only difference is he's one of the guys who can turn it into a positive gain with his running ability. If the Illinois offensive line can make sure to create a safe pocket around their star QB, he'll have a chance to make some big plays.

3. Bust Out Jenkins

A.J. Jenkins has already been targeted around 10 times in the first half. He's the most explosive weapon they have, and even this solid Wolverines defense will not be able to stop him all game. They need to continue to go to him, and design a play that gets him a little space from the DBs.

Illinois has the dual-threat ability of Scheelhaase at QB, but they need him to have a partner in crime in the passing game if they want to put up enough points to come back and win. Jenkins is that guy. Get him loose on a couple plays and take a shot. See what happens. It could be the break they need.

4. Keep the Momentum

In any college football game, home-field advantage is huge. The Illini need to keep the crowd on its feet, screaming. To do that, they must stay close, and not let this Michigan offense run them down. On the flip side, they need to put together some big drives when they have the ball.

The last thing Illinois wants to do in this must-win game is let the wind out of those sails and allow Michigan to steal all the momentum. Coming out strong in the second half will be absolutely key to climbing back into this game. The deficit right now is not unbearable.

5. Stuff the Run

This should go without saying. Even if you've been living under a rock, you know that Michigan beats you with their legs. Robinson, Fitzgerald Toussaint and the rest of their rushing attack is really quick and really tough. So the Illini need to force Robinson to beat them with his arm.

And considering his arm really isn't that accurate, this strategy should allow Illinois to climb back into the game and take a shot at the lead. If they can stack the box on obvious passing downs and keep a spy on Robinson in the back field, they should force the ball to the air, where they have a better chance.