In a nutshell, the Illini need to fight hard and give it their all this Saturday. This weekend, Illinois has the opportunity to beat the reigning NCAA champion, Michigan. Illinois can also make itself bowl-eligible and beat a ranked opponent in their second sold-out crowd of the season. Finally, the Illini have a chance to make history 100 years after they defeated the Wolverines in their Memorial Stadium Dedication Game.
Statistically speaking, the Illini don’t have a good track record when it comes to the Wolverines. Going 23-72-2 since 1898, it’s been 15 years since the Illini have beaten the incoming opponents. The Illini are currently 5-1 overall, while the Wolverines are 4-2. The Illini are still the underdogs for this game and are predicted to lose by just more than a field goal.
Despite their recent win against the Purdue Boilermakers, the Illini did not perform to the best of their abilities: they won by just one point in overtime last weekend. Their second-half performance cannot happen again if they want a shot at beating the intimidating Wolverines.
Numerous honors also found their way to the Illini this week. Head coach Bret Bielema was named to the 2024 Bear Bryant Coach of the Year Award watch list and the Dodd Trophy Midseason watch list. Additionally, junior quarterback Luke Altmyer obtained three honors of his own. These included the Davey O’Brien Great 8 award, the Manning Award Stars of the Week and the Maxwell Award watch list.
Michigan, however, had a bye week to recover and regroup after its most recent loss. It’s also important to keep in mind that the Illinois football program requested to host Michigan this weekend in honor of the 100-year anniversary of Memorial Stadium.
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100 years ago, the Illini came in as the underdog against the almighty Wolverines. But, with the help of Red Grange, they defeated Michigan’s 20-game winning streak and made history. Perhaps the Galloping Ghost’s spirit will linger at Memorial Stadium for the Rededication Game this weekend.
As mentioned, Saturday also marks the third time the Illini will play a ranked opponent in a sold-out stadium. Previously, Illinois beat Kansas and Nebraska in this fashion, one at home and one on the road. It would also mark the sixth total win for the Illini this season, making them bowl-eligible with five games left to play. Ultimately, Michigan has more to lose when it comes to its placement in rankings and the postseason. However, the pressure is on Illinois to live up to the hype of its stadium’s rededication.
The Illini will take on the Wolverines this Saturday at 2:30 pm for Memorial Stadium’s anniversary and Rededication Game. The game will be available to watch on CBS.
