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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The defensive line gets to Luke Altmyer

The most important game within the game for Michigan football against Illinois is going to be the Fighting Illini offensive line against the Wolveriners D-line.

Michigan's pass rush has to get home in this game and U-M needs to get it done with a four-man rush as much as possible. But when you have thee potential first-round picks (Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant and Josaiah Stewart) that makes it much easier.

It will be even easier if Derrick Moore is able to play. Illinois has allowed 19 sacks this season in six games. That doesn't bode well and like most quarterbacks, Altmyer is much better with a clean pocket than when he faces pressure.

So, if the pass rush gets to Altmyer and they can shut down the Illinois running game, which will be without its leading rusher, it will put a lot of pressure on Altmyer and I'm not sure he can meet that moment.

Penn State pressured him a lot and held Illinois to seven points. The formula has to be similar for Michigan because if not, Illinois has two talented receivers in Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin who are good enough to take advantage.

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