After a thrilling overtime win against Purdue last week, No. 22 Illinois is gearing up to face off against No. 24 Michigan in a Big Ten showdown on CBS. The Wolverines are coming off a bye week and are ready to take on the challenge of the second half of their schedule. The last time these teams met, Michigan narrowly defeated Illinois 19-17 with a field goal in the final 10 seconds. This year, Illinois is led by quarterback Luke Altmyer, who has been performing exceptionally well with 14 touchdowns and just one interception. Altmyer is currently a strong contender for the Heisman trophy with betting odds of +40000.
On the other hand, Michigan’s quarterback situation has been less stable, with the team already on their third starter this season. Despite this, the Wolverines have been heavily reliant on their defense and running game, ranking 130th in passing yards per game among FBS teams. The upcoming game will be the first meeting between ranked teams at Illinois’ Memorial Stadium since 2000, which has led to a sold-out game and promises a charged atmosphere as the two teams face off.
Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer has been a standout player this season, tied for the most touchdown passes in the conference with 14. His improved efficiency and dual-threat capabilities have been crucial to Illinois’ successful start to the season. On the other side, Michigan quarterback Jack Tuttle will be making his first start of the season after providing a spark in their recent game against Washington.
Michigan’s strength lies in their running game, with running backs Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards combining for nearly 1000 yards and nine touchdowns. Illinois, however, has struggled against the run in their recent games, which could give Michigan an advantage. Despite this, Illinois quarterback Altmyer’s stellar performance and ability to lead scoring drives against tough defenses could give the Illini an edge in the game.
In terms of predictions, despite Michigan being favored to win, Illinois has the potential to pull off an upset with Altmyer’s strong performance and the team’s ability to counter Michigan’s one-dimensional offense. The Illini are expected to cover the spread and secure their first win against Michigan since 2009.
For those interested in sports betting, FanDuel Sportsbook provides all the latest odds for the game. Additionally, SportsLine’s computer model has predicted five outright upsets in Week 8 of college football, offering valuable insights for bettors. So, whether you’re rooting for Illinois or Michigan, this Big Ten showdown promises an exciting game with plenty of action on the field.
