Grading Michigan Football’s win over Illinois

In a final look back at Michigan football and its win over Illinois, here is the report card from the Wolverines’ 19-17 win. 

I know we are all ready to move on to the Ohio State game. But, I wanted to continue our report card series and hand out grades for Michigan football and Illinois.

The Fighting Illini came into the game 7-3 and despite a recent losing streak, Illinois is really solid and could have easily won in Ann Arbor if it wasn’t for some clutch kicks, some huge stops from the defense, and just enough plays from the offense.

Speaking of the offense, we got our first glimpse of what life could be like without Blake Corum and hopefully, he’ll be able to go in some fashion on Saturday. If Corum and Donovan Edwards are both less than 100 percent, it won’t bode well for Saturday.

Here is the report card for Michigan football vs Illinois

Offense: C

Even before Blake Corum went out the offense was struggling and there is clearly an issue with the passing game. As I said on Sunday, it wasn’t as bad as it’s being made out though. The offense generated four explosive plays in the passing game.

Corum’s injury and fumble changed the game and it was troubling that J.J. McCarthy wasn’t able to lead a single touchdown drive in the second half. But he did just enough and sometimes when you aren’t at your best, you need to find a way and that’s what the Wolverines did.

Defense: A-

The defense could have played better. Chase Brown ran for 148 yards and scored twice. He also had one long touchdown run, but, the defense did exactly what was needed to win.

Illinois was driving down the field up by four points and could have put the game away. Yet, the defense came up with a big fourth-down stop, and then, when Michigan needed a three-and-out with two minutes to go, the defense delivered.

The pass rush needs to improve but it was also without Mike Morris. He seems like he will be ready to go. I expect Ohio State to test the run defense but the pass rush and the defensive front seven is going to determine the outcome and at least, those guys appear to be healthy.

Special teams: A+

Jake Moody. That’s all you need to say about the special teams. He went 4-for-4 and the 46-yarder he made in the third quarter was as tough a kick as I’ve seen him make all year. Michigan football doesn’t win without that kick and Moody deserves to be an All-American. Ronnie Bell’s punt return was also big in the fourth quarter.

Coaching: B

I didn’t think Jim Harbaugh made the right call when he decided to kick a field goal down by four points but he was right and it all worked out.

However, the play-calling on offense needs to be better. There were too many wasted plays and not enough throws on first down. Even if Corum or Edwards is in the game, Michigan football needs to come out throwing and the staff needs a gameplan a la 2016 or 2017.

If Schoonmaker could have played last week, I wish he would have. Same with Edwards and Morris. They could have played limited snaps but I worry when guys come back in a big game.

We’ll see how it plays out but the offensive staff has struggled to get the passing game going and it’s their job to make sure it works on Saturday.

Otherwise, it’s hard to see this Michigan football team beating Ohio State.