Eric Boggs 
Illinois tops Michigan in a top 25 matchup.
Illinois football celebrated not only its storied past but also a bright present in front of a sold-out Memorial Stadium. On the day they honored the 100th anniversary of Red Grange’s legendary six-touchdown performance against Michigan, Illinois delivered a 21-7 victory over No. 24 Michigan, their third win over an AP Top 25 opponent this season. Fans rushed the field as Illinois (6-1, 3-1 Big Ten) beat Michigan for the first time since 2009, clinching bowl eligibility with a dominant display on both sides of the ball.
Wearing throwback jerseys from the Grange era, the Illini defense stood tall after allowing 46 second-half points to Purdue the previous week. Against Michigan (4-3, 2-2 Big Ten), the defense recorded five sacks and three takeaways, turning those into 10 points. Linebacker Gabe Jacas led the charge with a career-high 13 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble, while Matthew Bailey added 11 tackles and two takeaways. The defense stifled Michigan, holding them to a season-low seven points.
Special teams played a crucial role, too. Tanner Arkin’s 36-yard run on a fake punt set up a touchdown, and Ezekiel Holmes blocked a Michigan field goal, keeping the Wolverines from closing the gap. Offensively, Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer passed for just 80 yards but contributed two touchdowns and 48 rushing yards. Aidan Laughery and Josh McCray added 54 and 52 yards on the ground, respectively.
Michigan, coming off a bye week, struggled to capitalize on opportunities despite outgaining Illinois 322-267. Quarterback Jack Tuttle passed for 208 yards but was hampered by turnovers and pressure, including a critical sack by TeRah Edwards that led to a blocked field goal. Kalel Mullings led Michigan’s rushing attack with 87 yards and a touchdown, but the Wolverines couldn’t overcome their mistakes, including two costly turnovers near midfield in the second quarter and another in the red zone late in the game.
Michigan’s mistakes were pivotal. After forcing a fourth-down stop early in the game, the Wolverines fumbled twice in the second quarter, leading to 10 Illinois points. In the third quarter, after pulling within 13-7, Michigan allowed a 36-yard fake punt run that set up another Illinois score. Later, a sack stalled a promising Wolverines drive, and a blocked field goal sealed their fate. Michigan’s red zone inefficiency, combined with five penalties and an inability to finish drives, ensured their second straight loss and pushed them further from Big Ten title contention.
For Illinois, this victory solidified their place as a rising force under Bret Bielema. They outplayed Michigan in the trenches, rushing for 187 yards and limiting the Wolverines to just 3.0 yards per carry. The Illini’s success in all phases of the game — offense, defense, and special teams — highlighted their growth and potential as they continue to push for a Big Ten championship and perhaps more.
Up next for Illinois is a major challenge: a trip to No. 2 Oregon. With the Ducks standing at 7-0, it’s a game that could have College Football Playoff implications. For Michigan, the road ahead looks tough, with upcoming matchups against top-ranked opponents like Ohio State and Oregon, as the Wolverines’ season spirals toward uncertainty.
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