Previewing Michigan Football vs. Illinois: Can the Wolverines Avoid Consecutive Losses?

If there is one thing you can take from the Wolverines’ 27-17 loss to Washington two Saturdays ago, it was super senior quarterback Jack Tuttle getting his first snaps of the season in relief of Alex Orji.

While Michigan ended up losing the game due to a late fourth-quarter fumble and interception from Tuttle, something just felt different. A feeling Wolverine fans haven’t seen since January 9th.

Unlike Orji and Davis Warren, Tuttle has shown that he can complete a forward pass.When you put it in perspective, Tuttle was only 10/18 for 98 yards. Still, some momentum at the most important position with the bye week coming at a very opportune time should have Wolverine fans starting to feel better about Team 145.

In front of them is a shockingly good Illinois team and a second consecutive road game. Let’s break it down. 👇

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Michigan vs. Illinois Overview

What to Know About Illinois

Nobody saw this Illinois team really coming into this game at 5-1 and ranked No. 22. But with head coach Bret Bielema, who is the only active coach to win three Big Ten Championships, Illinois is continuing to overachieve, as they did in 2022, mostly because of the play from Ole Miss transfer quarterback Luke Altmyer.

In the preseason, many had Altymer low on their boards of best Big Ten quarterbacks, near the bottom of the barrel with Purdue’s Hudson Card. Last season, he finished with 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in nine games played. This season, in six appearances, he has thrown 14 touchdowns and one interception.

So Illinois’, now more efficient, pass-first offense is a big key to their success. If the Michigan defensive line can get Altmyer in situations where he needs to make quick decisions, they could force Alytmer to return to his 2023 form.

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Michigan’s Offense vs Illinois’ Defense

But the synopsis of this preview is about how Michigan’s offense can get back on its feet, or even fully on its feet in regard to the pass and run available, for the first time this season.

Last time out for Illinois, the worst team in the Big Ten, Purdue put up 49 points on them. The Boilermakers made a switch at quarterback in Ryan Browne in relief of Card. I’d say it went well.

Not only did Browne complete 18/26 passes for 297 yards and three touchdowns, he also ran for 118 yards. He was the leading rusher for the Boilermakers.

I can’t help but raise the question, could this mean meaningful snaps for Alex Orji? My take on that would be no.

Michigan needs to pick an identity and stick with it. It looks very apparent that they are not going to be a team that relies only much on the run, that’s at least if Tuttle works out.

Speaking of the run, Michigan very well can win this game with the run. Illinois gives up 149 rushing yards per game, which ranks 77th in FBS. Meanwhile, Michigan ranks 3rd with 76 ypg. I would not be surprised if Kalel Mullings rushes for a couple scores and 100+ yards. A similar power back that proves this was Devin Mockobee for Purdue who had 102 yards and a score. Including 9.2 yards per carry.

Where Illinois really makes their money on defense is turnovers. The Fighting Illini 3rd in the Big Ten in picks and 1st in fumbles, with seven in both. Xavier and Miles Scott are both at the top of Illinois turnover stat sheets. With three and two picks respectively between the two and each have one fumble recovery.

Final Thoughts on Michigan vs Illinois

Overall, If Michigan can pressure Altmyer, control the ground game and not turn the ball over, they will return back to Ann Arbor with a win.

Predictions for Michigan vs Illinois

Our Michigan football experts here at BlueByNinety made these predictions for Saturday’s game. 👇