No. 22 Michigan football is back from a bye week, preparing for a significant Big Ten road game against No. 21 Illinois on Saturday afternoon. Michigan, with a record of 4-2, last played two weeks ago, suffering a loss against Washington in its inaugural road game. The team used the week off to regroup before facing Illinois, which is 5-1 and just one victory away from bowl eligibility for the first time since 2022. Illinois will also commemorate the 100th anniversary of Memorial Stadium’s opening.
Michigan is currently trailing Illinois 21-7 in the third quarter. The Illini capitalized on two forced fumbles in the first half, scoring 10 points following an initial field goal. A scoring drive by Michigan late in the first half featured a touchdown run by Kalel Mullings, narrowing the gap. However, Illinois opened the second half with a touchdown following a successful fake punt.
For this game, Michigan will feature its third starting quarterback of the season. Head coach Sherrone Moore announced that seventh-year senior Jack Tuttle will start, taking over for a struggling Alex Orji seen in previous games. Tuttle, who is looking for improvements in offense, will be making his first start for Michigan.
Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. at Memorial Stadium, with the game being aired on CBS and available for streaming on CBS’s Paramount+ and on Fubo, which offers a free trial. Michigan enters as a 3½-point favorite according to BetMGM.
**Game Updates:**
9:16, 3Q: Luke Altmyer scores a touchdown via sneak; Michigan trails 21-7.
Michigan struggled to start the second half, going three-and-out on their first possession after Tuttle was sacked. Illinois then executed a fake punt that resulted in a 36-yard gain to the Michigan 10-yard line, where they scored with Altmyer sneaking it in from the 1.
Halftime: Michigan blocks a field goal, maintaining a 13-7 deficit.
The Illini had the chance to extend their lead but were thwarted by safety Makari Paige’s block on a field goal attempt. This marks the second consecutive game that Michigan has blocked a kick.
1:40, 2Q: Kalel Mullings scores a touchdown on 4th-and-goal; Michigan trails 13-7.
The Wolverines had a lengthy 12-play drive that concluded with Mullings diving for the end zone. Tuttle’s completions, along with Mullings’ numerous carries, helped Michigan score.
7:43, 2Q: Luke Altmyer connects with Tanner Arkin for a touchdown; Michigan is behind 13-0.
After a turnover, Illinois capitalized on the short field to score with Altmyer scrambling and finding Arkin with a well-placed pass.
10:57, 2Q: Donovan Edwards fumbles, Illinois recovers.
Michigan’s execution faltered as a scramble by Tuttle led to a turnover that gave Illinois possession at Michigan’s 46-yard line.
12:07, 1Q: Illinois opens with a field goal; Michigan trails 3-0.
Illinois quickly moved downfield before kicking a field goal from 47 yards after Michigan’s defense forced an incompletion to limit the scoring.
**Injuries:**
Michigan has several notable players sidelined, including safety Rod Moore and running back Jordan Marshall, among others.
Illinois also lists several players as out, including wide receiver Ashton Hollins and running back Kaden Faegin.
**Upcoming Game Details:**
Date: Saturday, Oct. 19.
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET.
Location: Memorial Stadium, Champaign, Ill.
**Viewers can watch the game on CBS, with streaming available through Paramount+ and Fubo.**
For the latest updates and highlights, stay tuned throughout the game.