5 predictions for Michigan Football against Illinois

It’s the final home game of the season for Michigan football and here are five predictions for the Wolverines against Illinois. 

If you can’t believe that Saturday’s game is the last home game for this Michigan football season, you aren’t alone. It’s crazy it has gone by this fast.

That being said, Michigan football has met all expectations this season. The Wolverines have maybe even exceeded them. The over/under for wins this season was set at 9.5 and a lot of people probably made some easy money on that.

This matchup against Illinois has lost some luster after the Illini lost to Michigan State and Purdue but Illinois can still win the Big Ten West and has plenty to play for.

Illinois is coached by Bret Bielema and it’s a team that resembles Michigan. Chase Brown is leading the Big Ten in rushing yards. The Illini also rank No. 2 in scoring defense, passing yards allowed and rushing yards allowed in the Big Ten (Michigan is No. 1).

Both teams aren’t prolific passing the ball either. Illinois averages 215 yards and has 15 touchdown passes compared to Michigan with 208 per game and 16 touchdowns.

The Wolverines are a heavy favorite but Illinois is no joke and here are five predictions.

Michigan won’t overlook Illinois

This game might not be easy because Illinois is good at the things Michigan is good at, but the Wolverines won’t look past the Illini.

Michigan football is undefeated at home over the past two seasons and with the seniors and other players being celebrated before their final home game, I don’t see the Wolverines laying an egg.

Michigan is going to have to find a way to open things up a little in the passing game and if it tries to just bludgeon Illinois to death as it did Nebraska, Illinois will probably hang around longer.

Or the Wolverines could fire out of the gates and take control of the game early. That’s what I expect to happen and while it will be a 2-3 score game throughout, Michigan will be sharp.