The 22nd-ranked Illinois Fighting Illini (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten) host the 24th-ranked Michigan Wolverines (4-2, 2-1) this Saturday afternoon in a Big Ten Conference matchup. Illinois avoided a huge upset last week, barely beating the Purdue Boilermakers at home in overtime by a score of 50-49. Quarterback Luke Altmyer completed 20 of 34 passes for 379 yards and 3 touchdowns. Running back Josh McCray carried the ball 16 times for 78 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Michigan is coming off their off week and most recently lost to the Washington Huskies on the road by a score of 27-17 in Week 6. Quarterback Jack Tuttle completed 10 of 18 passes for 98 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. Running back Donovan Edwards carried the ball 14 times for 95 yards and 1 touchdown.
Will Illinois continue their hot start, or will the Wolverines turn their season around with a bounce-back win?
Michigan Wolverines vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | Money Line |
| Michigan Wolverines | -3
-115 |
Over 43.5
-112 |
-148 |
| Illinois Fighting Illini | +3
-105 |
Under 43.5
-108 |
+124 |
| **Odds Subject to Change** | |||
Michigan Wolverines vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Match Details
- Fixture: Michigan Wolverines vs. Illinois Fighting Illini
- Date and Time: Saturday, October 19th, 2024 at 3:30 PM ET
- Location: Memorial Stadium, Champaign, Illinois
Key Stats
Michigan Wolverines
The Michigan Wolverines enter the game 4-2, averaging 23.50 points per game this season. Kalel Mullings leads the team in rushing, averaging 98.17 yards per game with 6 touchdowns. Quarterback Davis Warren is averaging 74.0 passing yards per game and is completing 66.70% of his passes. So far this season, Warren has thrown 2 touchdowns and 6 interceptions.
Tight end Colston Loveland averages 43.5 receiving yards per game and has 2 touchdowns, while Semaj Morgan is averaging 13.0 receiving yards per game, and has 1 receiving touchdown. From a defensive standpoint, Michigan has 6 interceptions and 17 sacks. They are allowing 22.33 points per game.
Illinois Fighting Illini
The Fighting Illini enter the game 5-1, averaging 31.00 points per game this season. Kaden Feagin leads the team in rushing, averaging 51.0 yards per game with 3 touchdowns. Quarterback Luke Altmyer is averaging 237.67 passing yards per game and is completing 67.70% of his passes. So far this season, he has thrown 14 touchdowns and 1 interception.
Wide receiver Pat Bryant averages 75.33 receiving yards per game and has scored 7 touchdowns, while wide receiver Zakhari Franklin averages 57.67 receiving yards per game and has 1 touchdown. From a defensive standpoint, Illinois has 7 interceptions and 14 sacks. They are allowing 20.00 points per game.
Prediction
The fact that Michigan is even the favorite in the game is puzzling given how their season has gone thus far. Most notably, the Wolverines’ offense has been anemic this season, especially when it comes to their quarterback play. Their rushing offense has been solid, but Illinois’ defense should be able to limit them offensively for most of this game.
Illinois on the other hand, has been consistent this season offensively, and even though they were barely able to beat Purdue last week, they have shown enough to believe they can pull off the small upset. Simply put, Illinois looks to have the advantage in every facet of the game, therefore backing them to win on Saturday will be our best bet.
Final Pick
Illinois Fighting Illini ML (+124)
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