Michigan football has won its past two games and is looking to keep the ball rolling as the toughest section of its conference slate still awaits.
The Wolverines (4-1, 2-1 Big Ten) head on the road this week to take on Illinois (2-3, 0-2), and are looking for their first away win in quite some time. Dating back to last year’s Ohio State game, Michigan has lost its last three games on the road.
Against Iowa, while the Michigan defense appeared to fix most of the problems it had in its only loss of the season against Wisconsin, the offense struggled with putting points on the board. Michigan scored a field goal and touchdown early in the first quarter, and didn’t score for the remainder of the afternoon.
Here are three things to watch for in the Illinois game.
1. Can Michigan make more explosive plays?
By the program’s definition, an explosive play on offense is a pass of at least 16 yards or a run of at least 12. Michigan had just three explosive plays in the Iowa game, and while it’s not for a lack of trying, as quarterback Shea Patterson said this week, Iowa is No. 5 nationally in total defense. Illinois is ranked 96th, so the Michigan offense should be able to find more of those opportunities.
2. Michigan’s young players on defense
Specifically Cam McGrone and Daxton Hill. McGrone has filled in for Josh Ross, who suffered a high-ankle sprain against Wisconsin, over the last two weeks. Against Iowa, McGrone had six tackles, 1½ sacks, and a quarterback hurry.
Hill, a true freshman, continues to produce on special teams, and the Wolverines have gotten him more reps on defense. Coach Jim Harbaugh said this week he is now Michigan’s top nickel on defense, and had six tackles, including one for loss, and one pass breakup last week.
3. If Brandon Peters plays, can the Michigan defense take advantage?
Last week, Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley came into the game having thrown no interceptions in his last 136 pass attempts. As a result, defensive coordinator Don Brown challenged his unit to go out and get two. Instead, they got three. Illinois quarterback and former Wolverine Peters has thrown four interceptions so far this season, so if he plays, the Michigan defense will have another opportunity to get some extra possessions for the offense, especially considering Peters is a player they used to see every day in practice.
First Published October 11, 2019, 1:40 p.m.
