Everything you need to know about Michigan-Illinois
Defensive end Ryan Van Bergen fires up the crowd during last week's Michigan-Penn State game.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
WHAT: Michigan Wolverines (5-3 overall, 1-3 Big Ten) at Illinois Fighting Illini (1-6 overall, 0-5 Big Ten)
WHERE: Memorial Stadium, Champaign, Illinois.
WHEN: Saturday, 3:36 p.m. kickoff.
BROADCAST INFORMATION: Television: ESPN on ABC. The game will air on ESPN2 outside the ABC coverage map. Radio: WOMC-FM 104.3 and WTKA-AM 1050.
RUNDOWN: Last year, Juice Williams single-handedly tallied 431 yards against the Wolverines defense, a total that matches the most ever allowed to a single player by Michigan.
This year? Williams appears not only mortal, but also benched.
His downfall is one reason the disappointing Illini enter Saturday's game winless in the Big Ten. Williams is expected to split time at quarterback with freshman Jacob Charest. But as the Wolverines learned last year, Williams can never be counted out.
Here's a look at our coverage leading into Saturday's game:
STORIES
- Michigan can become bowl eligible by beating floundering Illinois.
- For Argument's Sake: Dave Birkett and Michael Rothstein lay out their predictions.
- Basketball coach John Beilein offers Rich Rodriguez some support.
- Michigan QBs Tate Forcier and Denard Robinson try to shake turnover woes.
- Injury report: Martavious Odoms listed as probable for Illinois game.
- A breakdown of Michigan's defensive problems, courtesy of mgoblog.com.
- Beat writer Q&A with Shannon Ryan of the Chicago Tribune.
- Cornerback Adrian Witty still hopes to be a Wolverine.
- Live chat: Dave Birkett talks about the Michigan-Illinois game with U-M fans.
- Capsule previews of every Big Ten game.
- Five reasons Michigan should fear woeful Illinois.
- Michigan should be worried about Illinois, says Michael Rothstein.
- Notebook: Carlos Brown will stay on kick returns plus an injury update.
- With video: Rich Rodriguez talks about Boubacar Cissoko's dismissal from team.
- MVictors.com verifies the authenticity of the Little Brown Jug.
- The Big Ten Network interviews Illinois receiver Arrelious Benn.
- Michigan's David Moosman prepares to settle in at center for good.
- Michael Rothstein breaks down Illinois-Indiana film to scout the Illini.
- Misdemeanor charge against Boubacar Cissoko dismissed in Detroit court.
- NFL Draft notes on Brandon Graham, Brandon Minor and Obi Ezeh.
- Boubacar Cissoko kicked off the Wolverines for violating team rules.
- Rich Rodriguez's devotion to the Michigan offense is nothing unique.
- Court forces cyber squatter to give Darryl Stonum, others their domain names.
- Catching up with former Wolverine C.J. Kupec.
- Former Wolverine Braylon Edwards charged with assault.
- Big Ten teleconference: Rich Rodriguez wants an early signing day, plus more.
- Rich Rodriguez on NCAA investigation: 'We'll see where it takes us.'
- Sideline diary from Lon Horwedel: Instead of JoePa, should we call him Grandpa?
- Daryll Clark wrong? Michigan defenders say they weren't confused.
- Michigan receives letter of inquiry from NCAA regarding alleged practice violations.
- With David Molk out, Michigan's offense faces more questions.
- University presidents say financial reform necessary in college sports.
- The Pittsburgh Steelers have a Michigan connection, says The Associated Press.
- Video: Rich Rodriguez at his Monday morning press conference.
- Michigan center David Molk done for the season with a torn ACL.
- Live updates: Rich Rodriguez talks holding penalties, injuries and more.
- Video: Rich Rodriguez talks about David Molk's season-ending injury.
- Poll: Which bowl game will Michigan reach this year?
- This week's AP Top 25 poll.
- Big Ten Network video highlights from last week's action.
- Jeff Arnold spends Saturday watching two Washtenaw County college football games.
- Birk's Eye View: Tate Forcier wasn't alone in Michigan's struggles with Penn State.
- Big Ten Network video highlights (lowlights?) of Michigan-Penn State.
- Cumulative Michigan statistics.
- Official Michigan box scores.
- Cumulative Illinois statistics.
- Official Illinois box scores.
- Big Ten statistics.
- Big Ten standings and schedules.
- Michigan State practices the hook-and-ladder used against Iowa every week.
- Spartans QB Keith Nichol will be ready to go against the Gophers.
- Two players kicked off Michigan State team.
- Minnesota will be missing its best player, receiver Eric Decker.
- Wiconsin State Journal: There are no patsies on the Big Ten schedule anymore.
- Badgers and Boilermakers meet for first time since 2006.
- Previews of every Big Ten game, courtesy of the conference.
Comments
81wolverine
Sat, Oct 31, 2009 : 11:03 a.m.
This is an absolute MUST win for Michigan. We don't want to be "Juiced" again like last year. So, hopefully, the coaches showed lots of film to the guys on D of last season's debacle. Hopefully, Juice will continue his malaise at least one more game. Go Blue!
azwolverine
Fri, Oct 30, 2009 : 7:18 p.m.
My own take on Williams is that he read too much of the preseason hype and let his preparation slack. Missouri also read the hype and came ready to play. They dismantled Juice and, at the same time, his confidence. He's been reeling mentally ever since. Whatever the case with him, this is a great opportunity for Michigan to pick up a much needed win and get some of their own confidence back heading into the 'Ohio State prep' games. It might also relieve some internal pressure on RR and the entire program to know they are already bowl eligible heading into those final games.