Michigan Football: 3 keys to avoiding an upset against Illinois

Michigan football will be looking to avoid an upset Saturday against Illinois and here are three ways the Wolverines can do just that.

Following two straight wins, Michigan football seems to be getting back on track. But now, the Wolverines head back on the road and even as heavy favorites, a win at Illinois isn’t guaranteed.

Most teams play better at home than on the road, however, under Jim Harbaugh that has been especially true. Michigan football won its first game on the road against a ranked team last season since 2006 and that was Michigan State, which was barely in the top 25.

However, the Wolverines don’t have a juggernaut looming on the schedule this week, but they will face a desperate Illinois team, one looking to make a splash or get a season-defining win.

Michigan football is expected to beat Illinois, yet if the Fighting Illini can score a victory against the Wolverines, it would basically make their season. Brandon Peters, if he plays, would find it particularly satisfying and it would be huge for Lovie Smith, who has struggled as head coach.

For Michigan, a loss is almost unimaginable. It would kill the Wolverines chances of winning the Big Ten East and could even make getting to a bowl game difficult if the wheels completely fell off.

The bottom line is that the schedule is tough enough without any slip-ups and so here are three ways Michigan can avoid an upset at Illinois.