Memorial Stadium will play host to a Saturday afternoon Big Ten cash between the Michigan Wolverines and the Illinois Fighting Illini. Many critics left Michigan for dead after losing at Wisconsin, but Jim Harbaugh’s squad rebounded for a 10-3 home victory versus 14th ranked Iowa on Saturday. The Wolverines’ defense forced four key turnovers on the afternoon.
Michigan RB Zach Charbonet scored the game’s only touchdown and finished with 42 yards on 13 carries. Nico Collins chipped in three receptions for 63 yards for the Wolverines.
The Illinois Fighting Illini have lost three of their first five games overall and are winless in their first two attempts in conference play. On Saturday, Illinois allowed Minnesota RB Rodney Smith to rush for 211 yards during a 40-17 road loss. The Fighting Illini were outgained by a substantial 487-248 margin and gained ten less first downs.
Illinois scored both of their touchdowns on the defensive side of the ball. Dele Harding returned an interception for 40 yards to start the scoring off and Milo Eifler closed the scoring with a seven-yard fumble recovery.