The Michigan Wolverines are 4-1 on the season but it\u2019s probably the least inspiring 4-1 you\u2019ll ever see. They got a big win last week against No. 13 Iowa but that was a very narrow victory. They clearly have not solved all their problems but the good news is that Illinois won\u2019t offer much resistance this week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Wolverines are just over a three-touchdown favorite but that might not be such a huge number when you consider this Illinois defense has allowed at least 40 points to each of the two Big Ten opponents it has faced this season (Nebraska and Minnesota). They allowed over 700 total yards to Nebraska before the Huskers, in the final minute of the game, took a knee three times and technically lost enough yardage to push them back under 700. That\u2019s how bad this defense is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As bad as Michigan\u2019s offense has been, the Wolverines crushed Rutgers a couple of weeks ago and Illinois is in that caliber of opponent. There is no reason why they shouldn\u2019t similarly enjoy a complete rampage over and against an Illinois team which is directionless and shows no signs of progress under head coach Lovie Smith. Illinois is 90th in run defense; that\u2019s about all you need to know as Michigan should be able to line up and tee-off with their big offensive line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other side of the ball, Michigan allowed only three points to Iowa while forcing four turnovers and registering eight sacks. Illinois\u2019 offense, which scored just 17 points against Minnesota last week, is about to get mauled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Fighting Illini might give up a lot of points, but they do play hard. They played Minnesota close in the first half of last week\u2019s game and they played Nebraska tough the whole way. Illinois doesn\u2019t have a lot of talent but they don\u2019t quit, and that effort level should serve them well against a Michigan offense which is completely lost. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Michigan scored a first-quarter touchdown against Iowa last week and was shut out of the end zone the rest of the way. Shea Patterson is a mess at quarterback and Michigan doesn\u2019t have an elite running back who can reliably gain five yards per carry. The Wolverines\u2019 offensive line is not driving defenders off the line of scrimmage as expected and the receivers can\u2019t easily get open against opposing secondaries. Offensive coordinator Josh Gattis is completely failing to deliver the wide-open, fast-paced offense he promised to deliver. There\u2019s no question that this is a down year for Michigan. What bettors want to know is if Illinois can take advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There aren\u2019t a ton of certainties on Michigan\u2019s roster right now but it looks like we can trust the defense. They\u2019ve done their part this season and are coming off a very strong game. Another effort like that and Illinois will have a tough time scoring any points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Wolverines will win easily, so I don\u2019t like them to cover, but I don\u2019t expect Illinois to score enough to get us to the over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Get the latest college football odds and information–follow BetOnline.ag on Twitter<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n