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ESPN’s FPI predicts the outcome of the Michigan-Illinois game in Week 8
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ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) predicts the outcome of every college football game every week.
The model has now released its updated predictions for Week 8 after a wild week of action in Week 7. Included in the Week 8 predictions is the matchup between No. 24 Michigan and No. 22 Illinois.
Even with the Fighting Illini ranked higher and being the home team, the model sees the Wolverines as the favorite. Michigan is getting a 60.2% chance to win this game, meaning Illinois has a 39.8% chance.
Entering Week 8, the Wolverines are 4-2 overall and 2-1 in B1G play. The Illini, meanwhile, are 5-1 overall and 2-1 in conference play. Michigan has lost to Texas and Washington while Illinois has only lost to Penn State.
Michigan’s conference wins came against USC and Minnesota while Illinois’ came against Nebraska and Purdue. Whoever wins this Week 8 matchup will be in a good position within the B1G with just one conference loss as we hit the latter portion of October.
These B1G rivals have played each other 97 times in history. The Wolverines have won 72 of these meetings, while the Illini have won 23. This matchup has ended in a tie 3 times. Michigan has won 6 straight in the series from 2010-22. Illinois’ last win over Michigan came in 2009.
Illinois still has several tough games remaining on their schedule. The team plays No. 2 Oregon, Minnesota, Michigan State, Rutgers, and Northwestern to end their season. The Wolverines still have games against Michigan State, No. 2 Oregon, No. 16 Indiana, Northwestern, and No. 4 Ohio State.
These B1G rivals will kick off from Memorial Stadium on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Tradition. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.