We like the Michigan Wolverines to defeat the Illinois Fighting Illini on Saturday for a number of reasons. Here are some of the more important ones:

Michigan have had it's ups and downs this season. They are clearly not the team they were last season. They are still a top team in the country though.

Illinois has been impressive this year. But, they allowed 49 points last week to a 1-5 Purdue team while playing at home. That's concerning.

Michigan still are 18-2 over their last 20 games overall and 11-1 over their last 12 games played on the road.

Illinois are just 1-9-1 ATS in their last 11 games played at home on a Saturday.

Michigan have also won six of the past seven meetings between the two sides, when playing at Memorial Stadium in Illinois.

The Fighting Illini are 2-4 ATS in their last six games played at home as an underdog.

Off the bye week, look for the Wolverines to be well prepared this week after a sad double-digit loss vs. Washington. We will back Michigan on Saturday.

AAA Sports