Best And Worst Case Scenarios For Michigan Against Illinois

Michigan is much better than Illinois on paper but road games are always a bit trickier than they should be.

Michigan definitely has a massive talent advantage over Illinois but has been inconsistent through six weeks. Turnovers were a huge issue early on and the offense is still trying to find itself. The defense, however, just played its best game of the season and maybe a couple seasons. We've definitely seen some good and some bad, but most expect U-M to roll against the Illini.

Best Case

Offense

Senior quarterback Shea Patterson takes care of the ball better than he has all year and doesn't turn it over. He did that for the most part against Iowa but made a bad read that resulted in an interception in the third quarter. After another week of criticism, he'll be more locked in against a weak opponent and won't give the ball to the Ilini. Patterson also keeps the ball on zone reads a bit more becoming a bigger weapon in the run game.

The offensive line takes a big step against a bad team and mauls the Illini front three or four. They move the line of scrimmage downfield and allow the running backs to get going, really for the first time this year.

If Patterson is effective as a runner and the O-line can get it going, the running backs will obviously reap the benefits. Freshman Zach Charbonnet, redshirt freshman Christian Turner and redshirt sophomore Hassan Haskins will be utilized a little more evenly than they were against Iowa and should be able to produce against a bad Illini rush defense.

Once the running game gets rolling, Patterson will really air it out down the field to his trio+ of talented wide receivers, who should have a decided advantage against Illinois' average secondary. Tight ends Nick Eubanks will also contribute because of the defense Illinois plays. Keep an eye out for freshman tight end Erick All as well. He hasn't caught a pass yet this year but should be open against Illinois.

Defense

The defensive line was dominant against Iowa, so a slight regression is expected. Still, the D-line gets home often again and makes Matt Robinson's day miserable. The third-string quarterback hasn't played much and isn't billed as a dangerous guy from the position, which is a bad combo against a Don Brown defense. Brown continues to send speedy linebackers on blitzes and they also make an impact again.

Michigan's secondary and linebackers turn in another clean, assignment-driven performance. They were so good against Iowa and will build on that against Illinois, who is one of the worst teams in the conference. Look for Michigan's corners and safeties to make a few plays again like they did against the Hawkeyes.

Worst Case

Offense

We see an approach and a game plan that looks like the Iowa game. Patterson again doesn't look comfortable, takes off out of the pocket when he's still protected and struggles to go through his reads, which results in missing open receivers down the field. He also refuses to keep the ball on zone reads repeatedly again causing everyone to scratch their heads.

As far as the rushing attack goes, it looks like its looked all year — a weird rotation of backs resulting in a herky jerky rushing attack that barely carves out four yards per carry. Michigan's offensive line struggles to open up holes causing backs to struggle and get frustrated because of their lack of production.

Running backs not named Zach Charbonnet or Tru Wilson struggle in pass protection causing Josh Gattis to alter his play calling in order to keep Patterson upright. That leads to Patterson being even more nervous and stymies the offense yet again.

Defense

Michigan's front four and linebackers can't get to the quarterback allowing an inexperienced, yet athletic and gutsy kid to get a rhythm going and find guys he's comfortable with. Robinson is able to sit comfortably in the pocket and gets the ball to a few of his playmakers and gets out into the defense with his legs when no one is open.

The linebackers play out of position and allow Illinois' backs to get it going. Senior running back Reggie Corbin is as good a back as there is in the Big Ten and he plays like it. He hits holes fast, can get to the edge and will find the end zone against a Michigan defense possibly looking ahead to Penn State. That running game, combined with Robinson's ability to run on broken plays and designed reads makes it a long day for U-M's linebackers and secondary players.

How do you see the game playing out? Can Michigan keep heading in the right direction with a big win over Illinois? Comment below!!!