The Michigan Wolverines have been one of the most impressive teams in the country all season, and that’s expected to continue this week. They will host the Illinois Fighting Illini in Week 8 of the regular season and should have little trouble dispatching their conference brethren.
Michigan is a gigantic favorite and the only question is whether they cover the spread as there is little doubt the Wolverines emerge with a win to improve to 7-0 overall and 4-0 in conference. Style points are also important down the stretch as the Wolverines fight for a College Football Playoff spot.
They should grab one if they can beat Ohio State later in the season, but it’s never for sure until the final pairings come out, so racking up lopsided wins is always beneficial.
Kickoff for this regular season Week 8 game is set for Saturday, October 22, 2016, at 3:30 p.m. ET at Michigan Stadium.
College Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
Illinois +35.5
Michigan -35
Over/Under 55.5
Odds Analysis
There is no bigger spread on the docket for Saturday’s action, but that’s not deterring bettors. Michigan is still taking in 79.2 percent of the action to cover, as last week’s 78-0 romp over Rutgers is still fresh in everyone’s minds.
The scoring total looks to be pegged in the right spot as money is coming in just about evenly on both the “over” and the “under.”
Player to Watch
Wes Lunt/Chayce Crouch - Illinois would prefer to run the ball, but that seems unlikely to happen against a vicious Michigan defensive front. It’s not like it will be any easier to pass, but either Lunt or Crouch will need to connect on some big passes in order to give the Fighting Illini any chance at keeping this one close.
Lunt is the starting quarterback but he injured his back two weeks ago and missed a recent win against Rutgers. He has thrown for 840 yards with six touchdowns and one interception on the season, but coach Lovie Smith has not said whether he will play or not.
Crouch is the backup and has filled in pretty well, but going against Michigan is an entirely different animal.
Key stat
39.7. That’s Michigan’s ridiculous per game point-differential. The Wolverines are averaging 50 points per game, which is second nationally, while allowing only 10.0, which is the best in the country. There hasn’t been a more impressive team statistically, and not surprisingly the team has vaulted to No. 3 in the national polls.
Michigan has beaten everyone but Wisconsin in blowout fashion and is expected to keep up that trend in this one.
Free ATS Pick
Everyone in Big Ten land expects Michigan and Ohio State to cruise through the rest of its schedule to set up a titanic matchup in the regular season finale for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
The Wolverines certainly don’t want to mess that up beforehand, but there is a nonzero chance that it happens this week. Illinois is 2-4 overall and has only last week’s win over lowly Rutgers in conference play.
Smith is trying to get the program turned around but doesn’t have the talent to compete. Michigan quarterback Wilton Speight has thrown for 1,194 yards with 11 touchdowns against only two interceptions this season and could be in line for a big game.
Michigan linebacker Jabrill Peppers has put together an impressive season and it should continue against Illinois.
The Wolverines have made a habit out of routing opponents so far this season, and it’s not going to change in this one. The Fighting Illini have a chance to cover the spread, but even that could be an uphill climb.
Michigan’s defense is great and it will set up a bunch of easy scoring opportunities for the offense. Take the Wolverines to cover, and for the “over” to be the correct call on the scoring total.
Coach Jim Harbaugh has quickly put together a dominant team and it will be on display once again.
College Football Odds: Michigan 48, Illinois 10
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