Illinois Fighting Illini to Face Michigan in The Big House this Saturday: Everything You Need To Know

ANN ARBOR, MI — Michigan comes off a bye week and is riding high after destroying Rutgers 78-0 on Oct. 9. Illinois poses a moderately more difficult task than the Scarlet Knights, but shouldn’t be much of a threat to coach Jim Harbaugh’s squad.

A simple comparison of these two teams’ last games (both against Rutgers) shows the difference in the programs. The Illini beat the Scarlet Knights on Saturday 24-7 in what was one of the worst Big Ten games of the season. The Wolverines outgained Rutgers 600-39 and ran for nine touchdowns. Leading the way for the Wolverines was multifaceted talent Jabrill Peppers, who ran for a career-high two touchdowns and also helped shut down Rutgers with his defensive skills. Two other Wolverines cleared the 100 yard rushing mark as Chris Evans ran for 153 yards on 11 carries and Karan Higdon added 108 yards on 13 attempts. (with two touchdowns). Ty Isaac just missed the 100-yard plateau as he carried the ball 12 times for 99 yards and two touchdowns.

Illinois had to play Saturday without starting quarterback Wes Lunt, who was injured. In his place, sophomore quarterback Chayce Crouch wasn’t spectacular with his 6 of 14 for 92 yard performance (he added 1 touchdown and 1 interception). Crouch didn’t have to excel though, as the Illini ran for 228 yards, led by junior running back Kendrick Foster (21 carries, 108 yards, 1 TD) and freshman running back Reggie Corbin (90 yards on 8 carries). They will find the going much more difficult against the Wolverines.

Kickoff time: 2:30 p.m. CT
TV and radio: Big Ten Network, Local listings
Point spread: Michigan is favored by 35.5 points, according to scores and odds.

Tickets: Tickets are available at Stubhub.com.

Parking
There are a number of parking options around Michigan Stadium on football game days. Many lots are permit-only, but there are also numerous options for guests looking for day of game/cash sale parking. Visit Michigan's website for parking details.

Parking Lot Hours
Lots for football parking open between 6-8 a.m. on game day. Please refer to the Football Parking Inventory page for specifics. Vehicles should vacate all lots within two hours after the game or vehicles will be towed.

AATA Shuttle Service
The Ann Arbor Transit Authority (AATA) offers shuttle service between Michigan Stadium and Ann Arbor hotels and motels, U-M Parking Structures and lots, the Michigan Union, and downtown Ann Arbor. The Football Ride runs approximately every 20 minutes beginning two hours before game time and drops off passengers at Gate 2. Shuttles run for approximately 60 minutes after the game and pick up passengers at the assigned location outside Gate 2. During inclement weather, such as rain or heavy snow, the shuttle will run throughout the game. For more information on the Football Ride, call AATA at (734) 973-6500 or visit the AATA site.

Road and lane closures
For information on Ann Arbor road and lane closures, visit the city of Ann Arbor traffic site.

Photo by AndrewHorne via Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 3.0