Michigan vs. Illinois football match prediction, selection, distribution, odds, where to watch, TV channel, live stream

After a thrilling 50-49 overtime win over Purdue last week, No. 22 Illinois will need to quickly refocus as the Illini welcome No. 24 Michigan for a Big Ten showdown on CBS. Coming off a bye week, the Wolverines look to approach the challenging second half of their schedule in style.

The last meeting between these teams was a dramatic affair, as Michigan beat Illinois 19-17 with a field goal in the final 10 seconds. While the 2022 Illinois team went 8-5 behind star back Chase Brown, this squad is led by a dynamic quarterback. Luke Altmyer ranks 14th nationally in pass efficiency and has thrown 14 touchdowns against just one interception. According to Fanduel Sportsbook, Altmyer is currently given odds of +40,000 to win the Heisman.

Michigan’s quarterback situation is a mess by comparison. The Wolverines are making their third start since seventh-grader Jack Tuttle took over in a 27-17 loss at Washington on Oct. 5. The Wolverines rank 130th out of 133 FBS teams with 115 passing yards per game and are overly reliant on their defense and running game.

The game will be the first between ranked teams at Illinois Memorial Stadium since 2000 and is the Illini’s second blowout of the season. That should make for a charged atmosphere as Illinois and Michigan square off in the only matchup of the day between Big Ten ranked teams.

Michigan vs. Illinois: What you need to know

Altmyer’s Ascension: Illinois quarterback Luke Altymer is tied with Ohio State’s Will Howard and Indiana’s Kurtis Rourke for the most touchdown passes in the conference with 14. After throwing 10 interceptions in nine appearances last season, the fourth-year junior has been selected just once this season. His emergence as one of the conference’s most efficient passers was key to the Illini’s hot start. In last week’s win over Purdue, Altmyer also showcased his dual-threat ability by running for 60 yards and a touchdown.

It’s Tuttle’s turn: Tuttle appeared in the second quarter of the Wolverines’ loss at Washington on Oct. 5 and created enough of a buzz to be named the starter in that week’s contest. The seventh-grader was on the mend from an elbow injury and was unavailable as the Wolverines had to replace ineffective QBs Davis Warren and Alex Orji early in the season. But after completing 10 of 18 passes for 98 yards with a touchdown and an interception against the Huskies, he will be Michigan’s third starter in seven games.

Run the stone: While Michigan’s passing game has been inept, the Wolverines have an elite pair of running backs to lean on. Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards combined for 942 yards and nine touchdowns on 164 carries. Slowing them down will be a chore for Illinois’ defense, which has been vulnerable on the ground in the last two games. Penn State rushed for 239 yards behind its own star back duo in the Illini’s only loss this season, and Purdue produced two 100-yard rushers against them last week. It’s no secret that Michigan will rely heavily on the run. But it’s uncertain whether the Illini will be able to stop it.

How to watch Michigan vs. Indiana live

Date: Saturday, Oct. 19 | Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Memorial Stadium – Champaign, Illinois

TV: CBS | Live stream: CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App (Free)
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Michigan vs. Indiana prediction, tips

Michigan gives Tuttle his first start of the season at quarterback, but the Wolverines are still a one-dimensional team. Illinois knows the Wolverines will rely on the run, and the Illini should be able to fill the box defensively. Altmyer plays as well as any quarterback in the Big Ten and is capable of leading some scoring drives even against this defense. Look for the betting underdog Illini to pick up their first win over Michigan since 2009. Pick: Illinois +3.5

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