No. 24 Michigan (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten) is set to compete against No. 22 Illinois (5-1, 2-1) on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET, airing on CBS.

BetMGM College Football has Michigan favored to win by three points.

In their historical matchup, Michigan holds a dominant lead with a record of 72 wins, 23 losses, and 2 ties against Illinois.

**WHAT’S AT STAKE?**

The outcome of this game is crucial, as the losing team is likely to fall out of the AP Top 25 rankings, especially with significant contests approaching next week. Michigan is scheduled to host Michigan State, while Illinois will head to play No. 2 Oregon.

**KEY MATCHUP**

The focal point of this game will be the Illinois passing game in contrast to Michigan’s pass defense. Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer currently ranks 14th nationally in passing efficiency with a rating of 167.7, as well as being 13th in passing touchdowns with 13. His top target, wide receiver Pat Bryant, is tied for fourth in the nation with 7 receiving touchdowns, marking an impressive 16 touchdown receptions during his time at Illinois. Altmyer and Bryant will be tested against a Michigan pass defense that is currently struggling, ranked 110th in the country and placing 16th in the Big Ten, giving up 259.8 yards per game. Notably, however, Michigan does lead the Big Ten with a total of 13 sacks, including a league-best five from Josaiah Stewart.

**PLAYERS TO WATCH**

For Illinois, running back Josh McCray is a player to keep an eye on. After battling injuries in the past two seasons, McCray has stepped up as the starting running back following an injury to top rusher Kaden Feagin. In Illinois’ recent game against Purdue, McCray rushed for 78 yards and scored two touchdowns, in addition to catching the first touchdown pass of his career.

On Michigan’s side, quarterback Jack Tuttle will be the one to watch. Tuttle is assuming control of a Michigan offensive unit that has struggled under quarterbacks Davis Warren and Alex Orji. Last taking the field as a starter in 2022 at Indiana, Tuttle aims to reinvigorate the offense.

**FACTS & FIGURES**

Michigan has enjoyed success against Illinois, winning six consecutive games and eight out of the last ten encounters. The Wolverines have an impressive record of 11 wins, 1 loss, and 1 tie in their past 13 visits to Champaign, including a 42-25 triumph during their last game there in 2019.

This matchup is particularly historic for Illinois, as it coincides with the 100-year anniversary of Red Grange’s remarkable performance where he scored four of his six touchdowns in just 12 minutes during the Memorial Stadium dedication game against Michigan. That game ended with Illinois claiming a 39-14 win, halting Michigan’s 20-game winning streak. To celebrate this milestone, Illinois plans to wear specially crafted helmets that emulate the leather styles from Grange’s era, along with throwback uniforms.

Currently, Illinois stands at 5-1 and has achieved two victories against teams in the Top 25 (Kansas, Nebraska), a feat not seen since 1990, matching their win total from the previous season.

For Michigan, running back Donovan Edwards is on the verge of making history, needing just 51 yards to surpass the school’s record of 810 career receiving yards set by Anthony Thomas.