Michigan vs. Illinois: Prediction and preview

Michigan vs. Illinois comes to the Week 12 slate, though the B1G crossover matchup is severely less intriguing after the results of the past few weeks. Kickoff from Ann Arbor is set for 12 p.m. ET on ABC.

Michigan vs. Illinois preview

Just a few shorts week ago, this matchup between the Wolverines and Illini loomed as a potential showdown between B1G division leaders and a key showdown ahead of Rivalry Weekend. While the matchup is still a key one, the reasons why have shifted.

In back-to-back weeks, Bret Bielema’s squad suffered upset losses at home to Michigan State and Purdue. As a result, Illinois has fallen into a 4-team tie atop of the B1G West and no longer holds its own fate.

In Week 12, Illinois will be fighting for its life in the B1G West but will need additional help to get to Indianapolis. And that’s if the Illini can pull off a gargantuan upset in the Big House.

Making matters worse, the status of star Illinois RB Chase Brown is in question for the weekend. Bielema did say Brown appears to be trending in a positive direction but it was an ugly scene at the end of the win against Purdue.

With or without Brown, the ultimate test for Saturday’s game likely rests with the Illinois defense against Michigan’s offense. While the Illini defense under Ryan Walters is still one of the best in the country statistically, Illinois has surrendered 54 points over the last 2 games, including a season-high 31 during the loss to Purdue.

That is not the type of trend Illinois wants heading into what was previously the biggest game on the schedule this season. Especially when going up against legitimate Heisman contender Blake Corum.

In the loss to Michigan State, Illinois surrendered 81 yards rushing to Jalen Berger. While a decent enough performance, that snowballed into allowing Purdue’s Devin Mockobee to rush for 106 yards in the Week 11 loss.

Now, Michigan brings its vaunted rushing attack led by Corum into Week 12. And even though the status of Donovan Edwards is murky after 2 carries against Nebraska, Corum should be rested enough to produce a workhorse number of carries if needed against Illinois.

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The strength of Illinois rests in its secondary, and that’s not something that will catch Jim Harbaugh or Michigan by surprise. Whether or not fans enjoy the style doesn’t matter. The Wolverines are likely to pound the ground and rest on the dual-threat ability of JJ McCarthy instead of testing his arm against the Illini defense.

Michigan vs. Illinois prediction

If Illinois was trending in a different direction, this game would have more interest — and potential for an upset. However, the recent losses — and questionable nature of Chase Brown’s status — has this game trending toward another big win for the Wolverines

Prediction: Michigan 37, Illinois 17