Week 8 Big Ten Football Recap: Illinois Beats Michigan for Signature Win

The Illini will take a head of steam into this week's trip to Oregon after handling Michigan

Oct 19, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images / Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

In Week 7, Illinois needed 50 points to escape Purdue. On Saturday, the Illini used a stifling D to beat back three-time defending Big Ten champ Michigan.

Illinois is proving it can adapt to circumstances and survive in more than one way. And that's a huge development entering a pivotal stretch run that begins with this week's monster opportunity at undefeated (and new AP No. 1) Oregon.

On an afternoon when the offense sputtered, producing just 80 passing yards, the defense flexed its muscles. Linebacker Gabe Jacas and defensive tackle TeRah Edwards had their best games of the year as the Illini allowed just seven points.

Gabe Jacas cannot be stopped! 😤 pic.twitter.com/HsZotXb2ma

— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) October 19, 2024

When one side of the ball struggles for Illinois, the other unit can pick up the slack. Here's what else we learned in the Big Ten in Week 8:

5. UCLA Making Progress

Maybe the Bruins aren't the Big Ten's worst team after all.

A week after hanging with Minnesota in a game it should have won, UCLA traveled cross-country to beat Rutgers as quarterback Ethan Garbers accounted for 431 yards, five TDs and one accurately placed punt.

4. Same Old Iowa

A week after scoring 40 points against Washington, the Hawkeyes reverted back to their more recognizable brand, managing just 12 first downs and 20 points in a stunning loss to Michigan State.

Running back Kaleb Johnson deserves more support. Patient Iowa fans deserve a capable veteran quarterback out of the portal this offseason.

3. Start Paying Attention to Wisconsin

Yes, the schedule is about to get tougher. But beating Purdue, Rutgers and Northwestern by a combined score of 117-16 the last three weeks should not be trivialized.

The Badgers have mojo, especially on defense, heading into this week's show-me game with unbeaten Penn State.

2. Lincoln, We Have a Problem

USC is in a full-blown tailspin under Lincoln Riley, with no sign of relief in sight.

The Trojans have dropped four of their last five games, blowing fourth quarter leads in all four losses. They hit a new low Saturday, squandering a 14-point lead at Maryland, losing 29-28.

🎥 Take a look back at the game-winning plays from Billy Edwards Jr. and Caleb Wheatland 🐢#B1GFootball x @TerpsFootball pic.twitter.com/2NcY1BKGhm

— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) October 20, 2024

1. Indiana Now Scary Good

The Hoosiers have moved beyond feel-good story. They're now a threat to win playoff games.

Indiana's 56-7 shredding of Nebraska sent a clear sign that this team is legit. On a day that quarterback Kurtis Rourke wasn't the story, the ground game churned out 215 yards and the defense created five takeaways in a stunningly comfortable rout.

More From Illinois on Sports Illustrated:

Illinois Football Rises to No. 20 in AP Top 25 Poll – With No. 1 Oregon Up Next

How Accurate Were ESPN College Game Day's Picks? Illinois-Michigan and More

Can Bret Bielema Transform Illinois Into a College Football Powerhouse?