Michigan Football vs. Illinois: Five Questions for the Wolverines

Can Michigan run the football on Illinois’ stout front seven?

Just like last week, I don’t usually ask this question, but this week has special circumstances at play.

If there’s any team in the Big Ten suited to stop Michigan’s rushing attack, or at the very least, hamper it, Illinois would be that team.

Their brand of football is similar enough to Michigan’s brand that they will know what to expect out of the Wolverines’ rushing attack because they go against something similar in practice themselves every single day.

Illinois is the #7 rush defense in the country, allowing just 85.9 rushing yards per game and only 3.02 yards per rush.

If there’s any team that would like to muddy up Michigan’s rushing attack and get Michigan off their schedule, it’s Illinois.

Penn State came in with the #5 rush defense in the country and left with the #50 rush defense. Hopefully, something similar occurs on this weekend against the Fighting Illini.