Oct 173 min read

Illinois, Michigan Set for Crucial Top 25 Matchup

Michigan|Jack Tuttle — © Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

The No. 24 Michigan Wolverines (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten Conference) will travel to Champaign, Ill., to face No. 22 Illinois (5-1, 2-1 B1G) on Oct. 19. The Top 25 matchup will begin at 3:30 p.m. EST as each team looks to improve its spot in the rankings.

What's at Stake?

Teams can not afford to lose more games with the top 12 making the College Football Playoff instead of only four. Still being in the Top 25 at this point in the season means a road to being there runs to the end of the year. Whoever loses here will have little chance of climbing back into the race, making it a must-win for both squads.

Key Players: Illinois

Offense: Luke Altmyer, Quarterback

Altmyer has proven to be a legitimate starting quarterback this season. He has thrown for 1,426 yards and 14 touchdowns through 6 games. He also has shown improvements as a decision maker, having only thrown 1 interception. Altmyer already faced a difficult test, playing a night game at No. 3 Penn State (6-0, 3-0 B1G) in a loss earlier this year. He had a middling performance in one of the toughest environments in all of college football. Altmyer will be on the other side now as the Illinois crowd will look to give him and his offense an advantage.

Defense: Xavier Scott, Defensive Back

Scott has been a huge factor for head coach Bret Bielema's defense this season. He forced 3 turnovers in a win against Kansas (1-5, 0-3 Big 12 Conference) earlier this year, including an interception return for a touchdown. Scott could take advantage of the struggling Michigan passing game with his knack for finding the ball and creating turnovers.

Key Players: Michigan

Offense: Jack Tuttle, Quarterback

Tuttle is the third different QB to run the Michigan offense for head coach Sherrone Moore this year. Despite the loss at Washington (4-3, 2-2), he did seem to find some success after taking over. They have been desperately trying to find someone to provide a threat in the passing game. Davis Warren and Alex Orji had been subpar. Tuttle now gets the start as the Wolverines fight to save their season. The 25-year-old QB will have all eyes on him in this matchup.

Defense: Will Johnson, Defensive Back

Johnson has been one of the most impressive cornerbacks in the entire NCAA during his time as a Wolverine. He has matched up with plenty of incredible wide receivers in the last few seasons. He will likely find himself covering Illinois WR Pat Bryant. Bryant has 7 touchdowns this season and has been the clear No. 1 target for the Illini. Johnson and Bryant going head-to-head could be the deciding factor in a game that could come down to one huge play.

Trends to Watch

Despite key players having primary roles within the passing game, the ground game on both sides should be very interesting to observe. The Wolverines are still very much so a run-heavy offense. Running back Kalel Mullings is averaging 6.5 yards per carry and has been one of the most impressive backs in the country. Tuttle will only be able to find success through the air if the offense can get the rushing attack established first.

On the Illinois side, the RB position has been a community effort this year. Four players have seen significant time in the backfield. Altmyer has also been involved some as a scrambling threat. Starting RB Kaden Feagin is most likely going to miss his second straight game now after hyperextending his leg. He did it in a practice over the bye week prior to Illinois' 50-49 win over Purdue (1-5, 0-3). Josh McCray filled in admirably against the Boilermakers. He impressed with 78 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. McCray also added 46 receiving yards and an additional TD through the air. He will need to have another solid day of production if Illinois wants to come out with a win.