Preview And Prediction: Illinois

The Wolverines got off to a great start in conference play last week with a convincing win over a surging Purdue team that had put up 50+ points in each of its last 2 home games. Denard Robinson got himself back on track. The offensive and defensive lines did an outstanding job. The linebackers produced. The secondary was next to shut-down. It was a great Michigan day.

Now our boys stay at home for Week 7 against the Fighting Illini of Illinois, a team that has under performed this year to say the least.

Here are my top keys for each team heading into Saturday's action.

Michigan

Everything seemed to be clicking last week for the Wolverines, and it would speak great volumes of the progress made if they could continue that for a second consecutive week.

1. Pressure Nathan Scheelhaase

Don't get me wrong; Nathan Scheelhaase has the capability of doing some great things for the Illini offense, but he hasn't been able to turn it on this year. Coming into this game, the Junior quarterback has only thrown 3 TDs, compared to 5 INTs. Not the kind of ratio you're looking for in a Big Ten quarterback.
In years past, what Scheelhaase was unable to do through the air, he could up for on the ground with his legs. That hasn't been the case so much this year. So far this season, he is yet to break 100 yards rushing, and we are talking about a quarterback who has averaged 746 yards on the ground over the past 2 seasons.

Illinois Players To Watch

Week 7 is upon us, and so is homecoming for Michigan football. During the pageantry of this week don't let us forget there is a game coming up against Illinois. It'll be the 94th meeting between the two teams, with Michigan carrying a 68-23-2 record in the series. Coming into the game, No. 25 Michigan is favored to win by more than three touchdowns, but don't let that fool you. Illinois can be just as dangerous as any other team out there. So far this season, even with a 2-4 record (winless in the Big Ten), the Illini have the 7th ranked pass defense in the FBS. On the other hand, they also rank 97th in passing offense, which falls squarely on the shoulders of the quarterback, and they've lost their last 4 games. That being said, monitor these players: