Illinois Overpowers Michigan 21-7 in Pivotal Big Ten Battle

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No. 22 Illinois beat the No. 24 Michigan Wolverines 21-7 on Oct. 19 in Champaign, Ill. The Big Ten Conference battle marked the 100-year anniversary of Illinois' Memorial Stadium. The Fighting Illini (6-1, 3-1) completed the celebration with an impressive performance as they dominated the Wolverines (4-3, 2-2). The win ended the six-game losing streak against the Wolverines as well.

Game Summary

Illinois had a clear gameplan from the start. They were going to make Michigan quarterback Jack Tuttle move the ball through the air. They loaded the box and would not allow the running back duo of Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards to beat them. The Wolverines would be held to only 3 yards per carry on the day. Tuttle did finish with 208 passing yards, but committed two crucial turnovers with a fumble and an interception. Edwards would also fumble in the first half, just plays after Tuttle had an interception called back because of a penalty.

The Illinois offense was stalled and forced to settle for field goals early on in the matchup despite constantly having good field position. The Wolverines kept them from completing explosive passes down field. However, quarterback Luke Altmyer did break through with a passing and rushing touchdown on the day. Altmyer would only finish with 80 passing yards on a 50 percent completion rate. He did add 48 yards on the ground as the Illini finished with 187 total rushing yards, beating the Wolverines at their own game. Winning the battle in the trenches was the clear point of emphasis in their monumental win.

Turning Point for Illinois

Illinois lead 13-7 in the third quarter when the game's outcome was still in the balance. The Wolverines had just scored on a 1-yard Mullings touchdown run. The Illini faced a fourth down near midfield when they faked a punt, directly snapping the ball to tight end Tanner Arkin who ran 36 yards all the way down to the 16-yard line. Altmyer would score on a sneak from the 1-yard line just a few plays later. With a two score lead, the lack of a viable passing game made it impossible for Michigan to execute a comeback.

What It Means for Illinois?

The Fighting Illini have a real path to the College Football Playoff after such a huge win today. Their only loss so far this year came on the road at No. 3 Penn State (6-0, 3-0). They have another huge conference battle ahead of them next week on Oct. 26 when they face the No. 2 Oregon Ducks (7-0, 4-0) on the road in Eugene, Ore. Head coach Bret Bielema will need to have his unit as prepared as ever if they want to run the table and compete in the B1G Championship game in December.

What It Means for Michigan?

The Wolverines are now most likely out of the running for the College Football Playoff completely. Suffering 3 losses before November in the B1G is too much to overcome even with the playoff expansion to 12 teams. Tuttle seems to be more of the same at QB in the revolving door at the position for the Wolverines. Michigan will continue to rely on the run game and play solid defense as they try to stay in the top half of the B1G standings this year.