Illinois and Michigan: 100 Years in the Making

This weekend's Big Ten slate has some intriguing matchups. Only one has too many storylines to put into an article. I'll give you a few of them between Illinois and Michigan .

A nationally televised game on CBS with the music we all know and love—picture it in your head. That sound would serenade the weekend's top game in the SEC for nearly three decades, which means that Illinois has put itself in position for massive games like this. Let's dig a little deeper, shall we?

Illinois Rededicating Memorial Stadium

Saturday will mark 100 years since Memorial Stadium played host to one of the greatest performances college football has ever seen. Harold "Red" Grange accumulated over 400 total yards and 6 touchdowns from scrimmage. He not only rushed for these yards but also returned a kick for a touchdown. The Galloping Ghost took down Michigan, which had a 20-game unbeaten streak ended with the amazing performance.

Less than one year earlier, Memorial Stadium was built to host major football games and to honor former Illinois students who died in World War I. Two hundred columns surround the stadium for the 183 lives that were lost only a few years before. Illinois will also pay homage to the great Red Grange by wearing throwback jerseys to match the look from a century ago. Memorial Stadium is one of the oldest venues in college football, and Illinois has put a lot into this game to make it an unforgettable spectacle.

Top-25 Matchup

This will be the first top-25 matchup in Champaign between these two teams in over two decades. This is a big game for both teams, but for different reasons. Illinois ' schedule sets up well for them if they get past Michigan. A record of 10-2 or 9-3 can be realistic, with only a game at Oregon next week, where they won't be favored. It starts with Michigan in Champaign on Saturday.

Michigan has a few more tough games before finishing with OSU. Starting 4-3 wouldn't be ideal for a defending national champion. It pretty much assures them of a missed CFP. That falls on the shoulders of seventh-year senior Jack Tuttle . Sherrone Moore named Tuttle the starter on Monday. Will the bye week be enough time to sharpen his tools and derail Illinois ' surprise start?

Keys to Victory

Michigan has the 16th-ranked pass defense in the Big Ten. Not only does that spell disaster against a top-half passing unit like Illinois, but Illinois will look to take advantage of a secondary that has given up many big plays through the air. Illinois wideouts Zakhari Franklin and Pat Bryant are primed for a breakout national TV performance. Illinois QB Luke Altmyer has been deadly this season, and to win this game, they will need his best. He's been up to the task all year.

Michigan would be wise to find as many ways to run the ball against a defensive line that struggles to stop the run. Kansas, Penn State, and Purdue all had great success against Illinois on the ground. I expect to see Alex Orji in a few series Saturday to exploit that as well. This game could very well come down to who has better special teams.

More Than a Game

Illinois is finally getting a chance to show off the pageantry of college football in its backyard. For those who can't attend (the game is sold out for 60,600 fans), try to tune in and watch what makes college football great: tradition. Illinois and Michigan have a storied past, and no matchup has meant more. Two teams going in different directions? One thing is for sure... this isn't the same old Illini . They look to take their respect from the defending national champions and fans across the country.