First off, the Fighting Illini are loaded with young and budding potential superstars at the D-1 level........QB McGEE and WR BENN will be household names to even the casual CFB fan in due time.
Having said that they are moving up a whole new class when taking on the likes of Michigan and the former four and five star recruits they bring to the table that are now starting for this team.
Michigan has shown great heart(no pun intended on Mike Hart) since dropping their first two games of the season and are now playing hard nosed Michigan style football, that of forcing turnovers on the defensive side of the ball(four takeaways in four of the last five games) and dedicated Mike Hart running with reckless abandon.
Illinios will have trouble winning this game........
1. Huge dose of reality last week in losing to Iowa, forcing the Illini to think and ponder if they have really reached the stage of contender yet .........even in a remotely weak conference.
2. Young players have a tendency to turn the ball over and Michigan is gunning for T.O.'s right now with reckless abandon and they should continue this against Illinois............
3. Last week Iowa showed that with a relatively weak OL and a good back, that Illinois can be ran on effectively............Mike Hart and Co. are a step above Iowa in this department so this has to concern them.
PREDICTION
I forecast the Fighting Illini turning the ball over at least 3 times in this game and Mike Hart or another RB rushing for at least 120 yards. Both teams will move the chains with semi-regularity throughout the game.
MICHIGAN 31
ILLINOIS 24
Having said that they are moving up a whole new class when taking on the likes of Michigan and the former four and five star recruits they bring to the table that are now starting for this team.
Michigan has shown great heart(no pun intended on Mike Hart) since dropping their first two games of the season and are now playing hard nosed Michigan style football, that of forcing turnovers on the defensive side of the ball(four takeaways in four of the last five games) and dedicated Mike Hart running with reckless abandon.
Illinios will have trouble winning this game........
1. Huge dose of reality last week in losing to Iowa, forcing the Illini to think and ponder if they have really reached the stage of contender yet .........even in a remotely weak conference.
2. Young players have a tendency to turn the ball over and Michigan is gunning for T.O.'s right now with reckless abandon and they should continue this against Illinois............
3. Last week Iowa showed that with a relatively weak OL and a good back, that Illinois can be ran on effectively............Mike Hart and Co. are a step above Iowa in this department so this has to concern them.
PREDICTION
I forecast the Fighting Illini turning the ball over at least 3 times in this game and Mike Hart or another RB rushing for at least 120 yards. Both teams will move the chains with semi-regularity throughout the game.
MICHIGAN 31
ILLINOIS 24