3 things to watch for Michigan Football against Illinois

Dominate in the trenches

Michigan’s offensive line was recently named a semi-finalist for the Joe Moore award, given to the best offensive line in the country. So was Illinois. This is the best offensive line Michigan’s #1 ranked defense will have faced off against thus far, and it will be a very big game for the Michigan front seven.

Ohio States offensive line doesn’t seem much different than last year’s. They’ve struggled to run block and have at times allowed massive hits on CJ Stroud.

To beat Ohio State, you have to get pressure. If Stroud has time, he’ll pick you apart. That makes this a statement game for the Michigan football defensive line.

Illinois is a run-first team, as shown by their running back Chase Brown, who leads the country in rushing yards. While Chase Brown is questionable for the game against the Wolverines, you don’t lead the nation in rushing yards without an offensive line that can punish defenders. If Michigan’s defensive line, led by big Mazi Smith, can shut down the run and make Illinois one-dimensional, we’ll be able to see how prepared the pass rushers are.

I’d love to see Michigan football hold Illinois to under 100 rushing yards, along with a couple of sacks. The Illinois passing game isn’t special, but it’s not awful. They’re ranked #49th in passing efficiency. While Michigan can win the game without getting a ton of pressure, it would surely be a great sign if the Wolverines could rack up a couple of sacks.

The defense is up for this challenge. They know that the nation is calling their #1 ranked defense fraudulent (which is an absurd claim). They’re going to come to play and are going to put the nation on high alert. While November 26th is when they can prove themselves, Illinois offers a great chance to prepare for the Buckeyes.