Illinois vs. Michigan Betting Analysis and Predictions

Illinois Fighting Illini are looking to curb a two-game skid and reclaim the Big Ten West lead when they visit the Michigan Wolverines at noon ET on Saturday. Illinois (7-3, 4- 3) was one play away from being undefeated before suffering recent losses at Michigan State and versus Purdue. They are one of four teams tied with a 4th place league record.

Illinois lost to Purdue last week. Michigan beat Nebraska 34-3. The Wolverines rushed for 264 yards and averaged 5.4 yards per carry.

Illinois has followed the classic recipe for a Bret Bielema-coached team: Control the clock and play great defense. They are second in total defense, third in defensive scoring and first in takeaways with 17.

Illinois' offense is going to have to move the ball and be balanced against Michigan's defensive line. Illinois ranks 59th overall in gaining 402.4 yards per game but 89th in scoring at 24.7 points per games. They have turned the football over ten times and their running back, Chase Brown, is questionable with a leg injury.

The Michigan Wolverines' defense is the No. 1 unit in the country. They allow 232.8 yards per game and 11.2 points per contest. Their rushing defense holds teams to 72.7 yards and their passing defense allows 160.1 yards.

Illinois is ranked 24th overall at 460.3 yards per game. Michigan is fifth in rushing yards with 251.4 per contest and fifth for scoring at 41. 4 points per match. J.J. McCarthy is completing 69% of his passes with 14 touchdowns and two interceptions. Blake Corum is the bellcow with 1,349 yards rushing, averaging 5.9 yards a carry.

Illinois and Michigan are both playing with injuries.

Michigan has won five straight games against Illinois. The last meeting was in 2019. Michigan is 6-1 against the spread in the last seven meetings. Illinois is 5-2 against spread against Michigan in last 7 meetings, but 58% of bets on Michigan and 68% on the over are on Wolverines.

Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Michigan Wolverines is a big game. People are betting on the Wolverine to cover.

Michigan has bigger and more agile linemen and should be able to win against Illinois’ offensive line. Illinois is banged up and Michigan has been the better team protecting the football. Michigan is taking a risk at -18.5.

Illinois vs. Michigan is a NCAAF match-up.