Illinois vs Michigan Odds, Picks, Predictions (11/19/22)

Illinois vs. Michigan Odds

Michigan is an 18-point home favorite against Illinois and is at -975 on the money line. The over/under is also at 42. Michigan being this big of a favorite makes sense because Illinois has been good, but this is a very tough spot for them on the road, against one of the two best teams in the Big Ten. The over/under also makes sense because both of these offenses are okay, but these defenses are each very good. This spread seems about right so it probably isn’t going to move much over the week too.

Illinois vs. Michigan Prediction & Pick

The Pick: Michigan -18

The Wolverines have been dominant across the board this year. They are a very physical team that plays great defense and can run the ball with almost anyone in that backfield. They have been rolling through their Big Ten schedule and this should be no different. The style of play that Michigan plays just wears down other teams. Their running game has been great and the passing game has been just good enough and efficient on offense. Blake Corum has thrust himself into the Heisman Trophy conversation and JJ McCarthy has proven to give the Michigan offense an added dimension that Cade McNamara wasn’t able to.

The defense might be the best unit for the Wolverines. They give up 11 points and 233 total yards a game, and have just been dominant throughout the year.

Illinois has caught on this year, and started the year very hot. They were another team that was very physical. They are lead by their defense and their running game too. Chase Brown has burst onto the scene as potentially the best running back in all of the Big Ten, and Tommy DeVito has been a decent steady hand at quarterback. The defense is the best unit for the Illini too and they give up 13 points and 247 total yards a game. The Wolverines are the play here because they are the home team and have more talent, Illinois is a nice story, but going to the Big House is not easy, and this could get ugly because of that.

Illinois vs. Michigan Key Matchups

Can Illinois slow down Blake Corum? Can Michigan contain Tommy DeVito?

Blake Corum vs the Illinois Front Seven

Blake Corum has been amazing for Michigan this year. He has 227 carries, 1,349 rushing yards, and 17 rushing touchdowns on the year. The most rushing yards he’s had in a game this year is 243 when he got that against Maryland. The Wolverines pound the ball on the ground a ton and Corum has thrived in that offense. Illinois has a very good rushing defense and allows 86 rushing yards a game. Corum is the key for Michigan, and if he has a big game then the Wolverines usually win.

Tommy DeVito vs the Michigan Secondary

Tommy DeVito has been good for Illinois this year. He has 2,083 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns, three interceptions, and he has a 70% completion percentage on the year. DeVito is going to need to do more in this game because Chase Brown might not play, and even if he does play, he’s not going to be 100%. Michigan is very good against the pass and allows 160 passing yards a game. If DeVito can’t do much against this defense, then Michigan has an opportunity to win in a blow out in the Big House.