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Michigan vs Illinois Prediction – Week 7 College Football

The Michigan Wolverines head to Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois, for a critical Big Ten matchup against the No. 22-ranked Illinois Fighting Illini. Both teams are looking to make statements as they battle for conference positioning. Michigan, coming off a disappointing loss, is in search of stability, while Illinois is aiming to stay undefeated at home.

Michigan holds a 4-2 record but has faced challenges against the spread (1-5 ATS). Meanwhile, Illinois sits at 5-1, with an impressive 4-0 home record and 4-1-1 ATS. Saturday’s game will play a crucial role in shaping the rest of both teams’ seasons.

Michigan Looks to Reset with Jack Tuttle at Quarterback

The Wolverines enter this matchup after a 27-17 loss to Washington, marked by quarterback changes. Jack Tuttle, a transfer from Indiana, will start for Michigan after showing flashes of promise in limited action. Despite Michigan’s offensive struggles, they remain 4-2 overall and have found more success on defense.

Tuttle’s ability to manage the game will be critical for the Wolverines, especially with tough matchups against Oregon, Indiana, and Ohio State on the horizon. Michigan has been strong at home (4-1), but their only road game resulted in a 42-16 loss at SMU, raising questions about their performance in hostile environments.

Michigan is currently favored by 3 points, with the total set at 43.5 points.

Illinois Builds on Strong Start

Illinois has been a surprise in the Big Ten this season, holding a 5-1 record and matching their win total from last year. The Fighting Illini have thrived at home, going 4-0, and they’ve also been profitable for bettors with a 4-1-1 record against the spread.

Quarterback Luke Altmyer leads the offense with 1,426 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, and just one interception. Illinois is coming off a thrilling 50-49 overtime win against Purdue, further proving their ability to compete in close games. However, their matchup with Michigan presents a different challenge, as the Wolverines’ defense has been solid this season.

The Illini are listed as 3-point underdogs with a moneyline of +135, providing value for bettors looking for an upset.

Prediction: Michigan Grinds Out a Close Win

This matchup is expected to be tight, with both teams relying on their quarterbacks to manage the game and avoid mistakes. Michigan’s defense will need to contain Altmyer, while Tuttle must make key plays to keep the Wolverines on track. With Illinois undefeated at home, this game could come down to the wire.

We predict Michigan will cover the 3-point spread, but expect a low-scoring battle that stays under the 43.5-point total.

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