Game-by-game prediction for the Illinois football 2024 season
Game 7: Illinois Football vs. Michigan Wolverines (Win – 24-17)
When I saw this game on the schedule, I immediately panicked. This is the national title winner. But this isn’t the same team that just won it all months ago.
Pros
As I mentioned, this isn’t the same Michigan team we saw in the national championship. The Wolverines lost a ton of talent. They only return 36% of the production from 2023, which is worst in the Big Ten.
Michigan didn’t have a great transfer portal recruiting class either, barely getting inside the top 60 nationally.
It looks like Michigan will start Alex Orji in 2024. He has very little experience, throwing just one pass for five yards in his two years with the Wolverines. This could bode well for Illinois’ secondary.
The Wolverines also lost starting running back Blake Corum. He was one of the best running backs in program history.
Cons
Michigan still has talent. Running back Donovan Edwards has so much burst, and that is scary for an Illinois defensive line that is completely new to the starting rotation.
There are some key pieces that did return to the Michigan defense that ranked No. 2 in pass defense and No. 6 in rush defense. I fully expect the Wolverines to have a good defense once again.
Final
Offensively, this Michigan squad is not nearly as good as they were back in January. Illinois shouldn’t have too much trouble stopping them this season.
While the Wolverines' defense is good, I think Illinois’ offense has a good balance that can score enough and hold onto the ball long enough to cause frustration. I think Illinois has a legitimate shot at knocking off Michigan when this game rolls around.