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3 keys for Michigan football against Illinois

Michigan football is back from the bye week this week and here are three keys for the Wolverines against the Fighting Illini.

By Chris Peterson

Oct 5, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Donovan Edwards (7) rushes for a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the second quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Oct 5, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Donovan Edwards (7) rushes for a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the second quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images / Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
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Michigan football has a lot of work to do to get back into playoff contention. The first step is going 2-0 over the next two games. Then, the Wolverines would be 6-2 with Oregon coming to town.

However, winning the next two games will be easier said than done. Illinois is ranked No. 22. The 5-1 Fighting Illini are the underdog though. Then, Michigan football will host Michigan State in a game that can always get a little crazy.

After that, the Wolverines have Oregon, Indiana, Northwestern and Ohio State. Four of the six games left are against ranked teams, so a loss this weekend could make just getting to six wins a chore.

Lose this game and it feels like getting six will be a battle. Win, and it feels like it could lead to this team finally turning the corner and finding an identity.

Bret Bielema has Illinois playing well though. The Fighting Illini nearly won in Ann Arbor in 2022 and Michigan football should't expect a cakewalk by any means.

Here are three keys to a Michigan football win on Saturday.

Run the damn ball (well)

Illinois has a solid defense but I fear the secondary more than the front seven. The Fighting Illini are allowing 4.5 yards per rushing attempt this season.

Michigan football has to take advantage of that in this game. With Jack Tuttle playing quarterback, it should be more difficult for teams to crowd the box. If they do, Tuttle should be able to make them pay, at least more than Alex Orji.

Michigan is averaging 5.1 yards per attempt and 191 yards per game. It feels like the Wolverines need to run for 200 to win on Saturday because if Illinois can make U-M one-dimensional, it's going to be a tough day for the offense.

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