Illinois @ Michigan preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 12, 2011 ) Michigan 31, Illinois 14

Michigan hosts Illinois in a Big Ten battle at “The Big House” on Saturday. Despite a tough early schedule with losses to ranked powers Alabama and Notre Dame, the Wolverines re-entered the national rankings this week thanks to a sound 44-13 victory over Purdue. Illinois, meanwhile, has lost three straight games, four of their past five and fresh off of a 31-14 drubbing at the hands of Wisconsin. The Illini will seek to deploy their running game in order to challenge the Wolverines’ somewhat inconsistent defensive front in what appears to be a lopsided matchup of division foes heading in different directions.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC or ESPN. LINE: Michigan -23.5

ABOUT MICHIGAN (3-2, 1-0 Big Ten Legends): Star signal-caller Denard Robinson paced the Wolverines with 235 yards on the ground against Purdue and became the Big Ten’s all-time leader in rushing yards at the position, besting former Indiana quarterback Antwaan Randle El in the process. The key to the Wolverine attack unsurprisingly begins with Robinson, who is completing 53.9 percent of his passes and has amassed 11 total touchdowns. On defense, linebacker Desmond Morgan has at least six tackles in each game and will be asked to help curb the struggling - but still dangerous - spread attack that Illinois brings to the field.

ABOUT ILLINOIS (2-4, 0-2 Big Ten Leaders): Wide receiver Ryan Lankford has emerged as the key offensive weapon with 25 catches and 362 yards with five touchdowns. With six catches of 20 or more yards, Lankford will be the focus of the vertical passing game as quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase looks to him often. On defense, freshman linebacker Mason Monheim has made an instant impact with 34 tackles, an interception and a sack. Monheim and the Illini front seven will be tasked with slowing Robinson on the ground and forcing him to throw in order to move the ball.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Illini have scored 110 total points in their past two trips to Michigan.

2. The total has gone over in four of Michigan's last six games at home.

3. Michigan has won eight of the last 10 meetings.

PREDICTION: Michigan 41, Illinois 17