5 bold predictions for Michigan football against Illinois

Michigan football is coming off its bye week and here are five predictions for the Wolverines and the Fighting Illini.

running back Kalel Mullings (20) celebrates a touchdown against USC with running back Donovan Edwards (7) during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Jack Tuttle throws two touchdowns

Jack Tuttle isn't Superman. Don't expect him to put on a cape and turn into J.J. McCarthy.

However, Tuttle is a much better fit for this offense than Alex Orji. He's more athletic and probably has a stronger arm than Davis Warren.

I can't really say he's better at protecting the ball because he turned it over twice against Washington. If Tuttle has the same issues taking care of the ball as Warren, this is going to be a long season.

There isn't a guaranteed win on the schedule and Michigan has just four right now. But if Tuttle can just be Cade McNamara 2.0, this team has a shot to play some solid football down the stretch.

Illinois has a stellar pass defense. Teams are only averaging 196 passing yards per game. But they give up 149 yards on the ground and when Michigan football gets it going on the ground, Tuttle is a good enough passer to take advantage.

He won't put up huge numbers, but two touchdowns and zero interceptions has a nice ring to it.

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