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The Illinois Fighting Illini are 7-3 on the season after suffering their 2nd straight loss at home to Purdue, who seemingly now has a great shot at representing the West in Indy. A bummer for the Illini, but big tests still lie ahead. The Illini are still in the hunt for a “Big Name” bowl game, which is still on the table with the chance to upset #3 Michigan in the Big House. This gives the Illini a shot at a total 9-3 record, with a win over a top 5 opponent, if you were to pull it off. Now 100.7 FM will begin coverage of the Illini beginning at 10 am, with Kickoff Beginning at 11 am. This game will also be televised by ABC.
With Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, RB Blake Corum, and the rest of the undefeated, 10-0 Michigan Wolverines, pulling an upset is going to be a tall glass of VERY cold water.
The Wolverines offense is led by Heisman candite Blake Corum, who is neck in neck with Illini RB Chayse Brown (1442) with a total of 1349 yards on 227 carries during the season. Like Chayse Brown, Corum has been a work horse for the Wolverines, taking most of the reps, and shining his way to Heisman candidacy along with Brown. Corum Will be a major test to the Illini front 7, who has yet to face a back of this caliber. Luckily, the Illini do it every day at practice, so only time will tell.
Wolverines Quarterback JJ McCarthy is a Nazareth Academy (LaGrange Park, IL) native and has been the player that the Wolverines were hoping to get early on out of the young sophomore. Standing at 6’3 and 200 lbs, McCarthy is not afraid to hurt you with his legs, as well has his arm. He is a tough, physical runner, who has the speed to make you worry when he is outside of the pocket. JJ has been good through the air as well, as he finds himself with 1744 total yards, and a 69 % completion percentage on the season.
Ronnie Bell, a 6’ft Senior Wide Receiver has been the leader of all wolverine pass catchers this season with 597 total reception yards and 2 TDs on 45 receptions. Bell is Michigan’s go to target to move the sticks down the field with an average of 13.3 yards per catch. He is a crisp, speedy route runner that will make you pay with his athleticism, and I’m super pumped to see this Matchup with Illini DB Devon Witherspoon, who comes off a tough matchup with Purdue WR Charlie Jones.
Keys To Winning for the Illini
Handle the pressure. There is going to be over 100,000 screaming fans in the Michigan Big House. The Illini have dropped 2 straight games, and you really don’t want to lose a third before entering rivalry week vs Northwestern. How the Illini handle the pressure can say a lot about this team.
Get Home. Ryan Walters Defense has been struggling as of late to put pressure on the Quarterback. Injuries to Seth Coleman and others have not helped the Illini, but it feels that the Defense has been rather one dimensional. If Illinois can put pressure on McCarthy, and lead themselves into turnovers, then the Illini have a shot. If not, it’s going to be a long day for Illinois.
Kirkland’s Prediction
I have a tought time seeing Illinois give Michigan a game for all 4 quarters. I believe the Illini will keep themselves within striking distance, but the Wolverines depth will prove fatal in the end for the Illini, who have been slightly bitten by the injury bug.
Michigan 37 – Illinois 24
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