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Instant Analysis: Illinois 21, Michigan 7

The Illini topple the favored Wolverines to cap a rededication celebration and set up bigger business

Jason Langendorf

Oct 19, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Pat Bryant (13) makes a short catch and run against Michigan Wolverines linebacker Ernest Hausmann (15) during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Oct 19, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Pat Bryant (13) makes a short catch and run against Michigan Wolverines linebacker Ernest Hausmann (15) during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images / Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
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Coming off a week in which it gave up 49 points and blew a 24-point lead, Illinois’ defense delivered Saturday when the No. 22 Illini stifled No. 24 Michigan in Champaign to cap off the home team’s 100-year rededication of Memorial Stadium and perch the program on the precipice of its most successful season in recent memory – and maybe perhaps something much bigger.

The Illini (6-1, 3-1 Big Ten) took down the Wolverines (4-3, 2-2 Big Ten) for the first time in six tries, as UM quarterback Jack Tuttle was taken down himself on five second-half sacks by Illinois – including two from linebacker Gabe Jacas. The Illini gave up 322 total yards to Michigan’s offense (some of it in garbage time) but forced three turnovers and held the Wolverines to just one score on three trips inside the red zone.

On a day when Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer (9 of 18, 80 passing yards and one TD) faced regular pressure from Michigan’s excellent front four, he was poised but mortal. The Illini cobbled together an effective run game (187 yards on 38 carries) that helped drain the clock in the second half, which certainly helped the cause. But all credit goes to the defense in Week 8.

The key defensive possession came in Michigan’s first drive of the fourth quarter. With Michigan down 21-7 and 10:33 on the clock, Tuttle was afforded forever and a day by his pass protectors and had a man in the open, Fredrick Moore, but missed him badly. Tuttle managed to drive UM 69 yards on 12 plays and converted a huge fourth-and-long, but another errant throw ended in a Matthew Bailey interception – and wound up being the Wolverines’ last gasp.

Illinois enjoyed its share of breaks in the first half, as Michigan committed multiple pass interference penalties (and likely got away with another) and turned it over twice to give the Illini offense ample scoring opportunities from posh field position.

Altmyer, though less than his explosive self, was wily and efficient in the first half, passing for 68 yards and a touchdown while running for another 47. And while Illinois mostly avoided mistakes (only one sack allowed and no turnovers), the offense struggled to finish drives, scoring a semi-disappointing 13 points (two field goals and a TD) on five trips inside Michigan’s 30-yard line before halftime.

LIVE BLOG RECAP

4Q: Illinois 21, Michigan 7

After a short, time-killing drive by the Illini, Michigan QB Jack Tuttle is dragged down in his own backfield again by none other than LB Gabe Jacas, who is rushing the passer in the second half with his hair on fire. Forced into a fourth-and-17, Tuttle spots a man downfield but sails it just slightly. Last gasp for the Wolverines? The Illini take over on their own 39 with 3:14 left to play.

4Q: Briggs Back, Bailey Brings One In

Derrick Briggs Jr., who briefly left the game with an injury at the end of the third quarter, sacks QB Jack Tuttle for a 9-yard loss on first down to put a heap of pressure on the struggling quarterback and Wolverines offense. After Tuttle later converts a third-and-long, Illini LB Gabe Jacas brings him down again for another big loss. It's do-or-die time for UM. On fourth-and-18, Tuttle, under pressure, makes an excellent pass down the right sideline to – you guessed it – TE Colston Loveland. Clutch play.

But on the very next play, Tuttle, maybe feeling himself a little bit, targets a receiver running another deep route and headed for the end zone when DB Matthew Bailey zips in to snag it. Interception. The Illini offense takes over with 7:58 to go. Crisis averted.

4Q: Maize and Blues?

After picking up a first, QB Luke Altmyer sidesteps disaster when Michigan DB Quentin Johnson breaks up a pass that would have been an easy six for the Wolverines if Johnson had managed to squeeze it instead. Illinois punts, and this next UM drive should have a lot to do with dictating the narrative of this game down the stretch.

End of 3Q: Illinois 21, Michigan 7

Michigan puts together its best drive of the day to this point, with misdirection, strong blocking and a lot of TE Colston Loveland. The Wolverines chew up 65 yards, convert a couple third downs and threaten inside the red zone. But the Illini defense, again bending but not breaking, force QB Jack Tuttle to throw incomplete, setting up a K Dominic Zvada chip shot. But it's no good! After a bad snap, Illini DE Ezekiel Holmes manages to get a hand on a low kick to scuttle the scoring chance. Illinois enters the fourth quarter with a two-touchdown lead.

Update: CBS goes to commercial to allow Illinois' training staff to tend to DL Dennis Briggs Jr., who stays down after one play. More on the injury ASAP.

3Q: Always Got Your Back(up)

Illinois' defense, which was doing a lot of bending near the close of the first half, dug in on Michigan's first possession coming out of the locker room. After rushing gains of 1 and 2 yards, the Wolverines were forced three-and-out when DL TeRah Edwards dropped QB Jack Tuttle for a 9-yard sack. Illinois takes over with excellent field position after the punt.

The Wolverines open up the pass-rush spigot and snuff QB Luke Altmyer pass attempts, but Illinois fakes the punt – a direct snap to TE Tanner Arkin for a huge run. First down.

After a key third-down run from RB Josh McCray to put Illinois on the 1-yard line, Altmyer punches it in on a QB sneak. A key development: On the play, Altmyer loses his helmet – leather, baby! – and there is discussion among officials whether he should be allowed to participate on the next play. Down 12, the Illini were likely to go for the two-point conversion to make it a 14-point lead. In comes QB Donovan Leary. Cold, he takes the shotgun snap and lofts a perfect ball to WR Zakhari Franklin, who leaps, hauls it in and plants his left foot – toe to heel – into the back of the end zone. Big play. Ballsy call. All hands on deck. Illinois 21, Michigan 7.

Second-Half Kickoff

Illinois kicks off to MIchigan to start the second half. You know what time it is:

Halftime: Illinois 13, Michigan 7

QB Luke Altmyer is on the move: 11-yard pass to WR Hank Beatty ... 17-yard scramble ... 9-yard chuck to WR Pat Bryant ... 5 yards on the scramble to evade a sack. It's a brilliant hurry-up drive that guides Illinois 49 yards in under 2 minutes, setting up an Olano field-goal try. Money, right? Not this time. There's a bad snap, and Olano can't make lemonade as Michigan's Makari Paige gets hand on the low kick to block it. No good, as the half expires.

Illini coach Bret Bielema isn't loving it. "Field goals don't win games," he tells CBS sideline reporter Jenny Dell before heading to the locker room.

2Q: Wolverines Claw to Paydirt

The Wolverines finally get something going on offense, alternately hammering on the ground and, using the threat of the run, allowing QB Jack Tuttle to find a rhythm on a series of short routes. After a productive drive, though, the Illini make a stand. And on fourth-and-goal from the 1 ... RB Kalel Mullings, behind a strong up-front push, goes over the top and into the painted grass. After the extra point, Michigan closes the gap to a single score. Illinois 13, Michigan 7.

2Q: Break on Through

QB Luke Altmyer and WR Zakhari Franklin convert a third down (the offensive line is generally holding off the Wolverines' pass rush), and then Altmyer picks up first downs on a busted play and a bit of play-fake razzle dazzle. Michigan gets dinged for another pass interference call, which sets up a feathery 2-yard Altmyer touchdown pass to TE Tanner Arkin on a crossing route to the left corner. Seven plays, 51 yards, Illinois finally breaks the goal line. Olano tops it off with the extra point. Illinois 13, Michigan 0.

2Q: Great Scott!

It's the Miles Scott Show! After Michigan is given an enormous gift when an interception of QB Jack Tuttle and a deep return are called back on a (blatant) defensive holding call. But the Illini take it back a play later when RB Donovan Edwards fumbles and – who else? – Scott scoops it from his safety position. QB Luke Altmyer and the Illini offense take over at their own 49.

2Q: Olano (Again) for Threeee

CBS' Brad Nessler with what is sure to be the line of the day: "Well, 100 yards ago, Red Grange already had four touchdowns,"

Hey, the Illini are working on it: QB Jack Tuttle scrambles for a biggish gain, but ... fumbles when LB Gabe Jacas – you've heard the name a few times this season – smacks the ball loose for the Illini to pounce on. Possession back to Illinois.

The Wolverines secondary gets too aggressive again – pass interference – and the Illini are sniffing the end zone inside the Michigan 10. But the Wolverines D is a tough bunch on a short field, and Illinois fails to convert another third down. K David Olano salvages something from the drive with a 32-yard field goal. Illinois 6, Michigan 0.

End of 1Q: Illinois 3, Michigan 0

A pass-interference call on Michigan keeps a stilted Illini drive alive, and although QB Luke Altmyer can't quite convert a third-and-14, he and Zakhari Franklin pick up 13. Decision time: Illinois coach Bret Bielema goes for it on fourth down, but the stellar Wolverines' defensive front four shut it down. Ball back to Michigan as the quarter ends.

1Q: Illini Defense Digs In

A holding penalty and intentional grounding call stifle the Illini's second drive, which give the Wolverines a chance to pound away with the run game – but only for a spell. On third-and-6, QB Jack Tuttle finally connects but doesn't convert. Illinois' defense comes up with another stop.

Update: From the CBS booth, RB Kaden Feagin reportedly had surgery on his hip days ago, which, we can only assume threatens the rest of his season. Illinois on SI will keep you posted as we learn more.

1Q: Tut-Tuttle

Michigan QB Jack Tuttle went for the whole enchilada – deep down the left sideline to WR Amorion Walker – on the Wolverines' first play from scrimmage and was denied. Two plays later, Tuttle missed his target by a Saginaw mile on third-and-long. The Illini D does its job, forcing a punt after a three-and-out and giving the offense excellent field position on its own 40-yard line.

1Q: Olano Starts the 'O'

And we're off! It's a gorgeous day in Champaign, and all of the pregame Memorial Stadium rededication festivities are behind us. Let's get straight to kickoff.

The Illini look pretty natty in their Red Grange-themed threads, and they start things off well enough: a 7-play, 46-yard drive that ends in a K David Olano 47-yard field goal. Dude is automatic. Illinois 3, Michigan 0.

C'mon!

The hate will not be tolerated.

What to Know:

Latest weather

Sunny, 69 degrees, 3 mph SSW wind (two hours before kickoff)

How to Watch

If you won't be at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, here's how you can still tune in.

Injury updates

Latest odds

  • Michigan vs. Illinois spread: Michigan -4.5
  • Michigan vs. Illinois over/under: 44.5 points

Our Best From Week 8

• Saturday marked the rededication of Memorial Stadium – 100 years and one day from its original dedication on October 18, 1924. Legendary Illini running back Red Grange made that day's game – also against Michigan – even more special with one of college football's greatest-ever performances.

• Illinois coach Bret Bielema appears to have brought the program to the cusp of something the Illini haven't known in decades – national significance and elite competitiveness. Does Bielema have the tools to turn Illinois football into a college football powerhouse?

• We're halfway through the 2024 college football season, so that can mean only one thing: midseason awards. Find out which Illini standouts we identified as shining the brightest through the season's midway mark.

More From Illinois on Sports Illustrated:

Illinois Football Faces Crucial Test Against Michigan in Week 8

Three Michigan Quarterbacks? Bret Bielema Expects Illinois to See Them All

Illinois Football vs. Michigan in Week 8: Friday Injury Report

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Jason Langendorf
JASON LANGENDORF

Jason Langendorf is a longtime journalist who has covered football and basketball, among other sports, for ESPN, Sporting News, the Chicago Sun-Times and numerous other publications.

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