Michigan Football: 5 predictions for Wolverines against Illinois

Peters will be up-and-down

Brandon Peters status for Saturday hasn’t been determined yet but you have to think he will play if he is anywhere near 100 percent.

The former four-star recruit came to Michigan football with big expectations and for a few games in 2017, he looked like he might be the starter of the future. Yet, things never really panned out for Peters, who then transferred to Illinois after graduating.

So far, despite the 2-3 record, Peters has played well, tossing 10 touchdown passes compared to just four interceptions. He’s still having some of the same accuracy issues but he has the talent and you would think he would raise his level of play against his former team.

At the same time though, that extra motivation will only get you so far. If the Wolverines can limit the running game with Reggie Corban and force Peters into long down-and-distance situations, the pass rush will be unleashed and Peters will be running for his life.

After all, this defense sacked Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley eight times and the Hawkeyes offensive line is well regarded. The bottom line is that unless Illinois has balance, it’s going to be a long day for Peters, even if he ends up tossing a touchdown or two.