Fresh off a bye week, No. 24 Michigan heads to No. 22 Illinois. Here are the key matchups we’re keeping an eye on this weekend:
Michigan looks to salvage the rest of the season with a win against a top-25 opponent when it takes on No. 22 Illinois this Saturday. The Wolverines had some time to practice with Jack Tuttle at quarterback over the last few weeks — let’s hope his addition to the offense can help Michigan sustain some drives and keep the defense off the field against Illinois.
The Fighting Illini are having an impressive season so far; they’re 5-1 with a lone loss to Penn State on the road. Two of their wins came down to overtime, they defeated Nebraska in Lincoln 31-24 in their Big Ten opener and managed a victory last week against Purdue winning 50-49, again in overtime.
Here are the key matchups to keep an eye on during the game on Saturday.
Michigan secondary vs. Illinois receivers
Michigan’s secondary is struggling this season, giving up a whopping 259.8 passing yards per game, and 10.39 yards per completion (6.44 yards per attempt). They’ve allowed 12 passing touchdowns through the first six games, and their passing defense ranks No. 110 in the country.
Illinois is averaging just over 240 passing yards per game. Luke Altmyer has completed 111-of-164 attempts, throwing for 1,426 yards, 14 touchdowns, and one interception, and averages 12.8 yards per pass. He’s good at finding targets if he has some time, and there are a lot of guys on the roster Michigan will need to cover. Against Penn State, Illinois had four receivers averaging more than 10 yards per catch, that number was even higher against Purdue with seven receivers averaging more than 10 yards.
Illinois has receivers who can get some separation and make big plays and Luke Altmyer likes to hit all of them. Michigan has Will Johnson in the secondary who can go toe-to-toe with anyone, but to win the Wolverines need Jyaire Hill, Zeke Berry, and Makari Paige, among others, to perform better and limit explosive pass plays.
Michigan defensive line vs. QB Luke Altmyer
Michigan is still one of the best teams in the country at getting to the quarterback, and the Wolverines will need another good performance from the defensive line in this one. Michigan has 17 sacks on the season, which could improve even more if Derrick Moore is healthy.
We already looked at Altmyer’s passing numbers, but he’s also good at making things happen on the ground. He had 10 carries against Purdue for 60 yards and a touchdown, however Penn State’s defense held him to -28 yards on 15 carries.
Michigan’s rush defense has been good so far, so they stand a chance at limiting how many yards he’ll pick up on the ground, but if they can’t get to him in the backfield consistently that spells trouble for Michigan. You want to see guys like Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, TJ Guy, and Josaiah Stewart getting to Altmyer since this will also help out Michigan’s struggling secondary.
Michigan running backs vs. Illinois rush defense
Michigan’s strength will continue to be its run game as the season progresses and this game should highlight the strengths of Donovan Edwards and Kalel Mullings. This is especially true if Jack Tuttle shows he can make throws downfield. Michigan’s averaging 191 yards per game on the ground, and 5.06 yards per carry.
On average Illinois is giving up about 150 rushing yards per game, but let Penn State run for 239 yards a few weeks ago. Kaytron Allen had 18 carries for 102 yards and one touchdown. Nick Singleton also ran for a touchdown and picked up 94 yards on 16 carries. Penn State managed to win by two touchdowns while Drew Allar was 15-of-21 and didn’t throw a single passing touchdown. That feels like a recipe Michigan can imitate on offense as long as they don’t turn the ball over.