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.

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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Take care of the ball

The most important item on the agenda for Jack Tuttle on Saturday is to avoid turnovers. He was stellar against Washington before back-to-back turnovers doomed the Wolverines in the fourth quarter.

He was rusty though and had only just started practicing. Now, he's gotten two weeks to prepare. Tuttle's skill set is also much more comfortable for the staff in terms of calling plays. He can run a little, and is probably a little more athletic Cade McNamara.

That's the best-case scenario though. One of the biggest differences between this season and last season is the turnovers.

Michigan football gave the ball away 0.5 times per game last season. This season, U-M is giving it away two times per game. illinois forces 1.7 turnovers per game and gives it away once per game.

If that's how it plays out Saturday -- Illinois winning the turnover battle -- it's hard to see Michigan football winning this game. The defense can be good, if Wink just plays vanilla. Force teams to drive the field, kick field goals, and block your D-line for four quarters.

It's hard to play that way though if you can't keep and protect the ball.

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