Illinois-Michigan reaches shocking new milestone

The Illinois football program continues to reach new heights in coach Bret Bielema’s fourth season.

The No. 23 Illini (4-1, 1-1 Big Ten) enter Saturday’s game against Purdue with a chance to build momentum ahead of one of the biggest games in recent program history: Oct. 19 against No. 24 Michigan (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten )

A school-issued press release from the Illinois athletic department Wednesday night revealed that the game between the Illini and Wolverines was sold out. It’s the second time this season Illinois has reached this goal. Its 23-17 win against then-ranked Kansas in early September was the first time a sellout had been achieved in over a decade, marking a key milestone for a program still defining itself as a legitimate college football contender.

“The game will serve as the Memorial Stadium 100th Anniversary Rededication Game, 100 years and one day after Illinois' historic Memorial Stadium Dedication Game on Oct. 18, 1924,” a portion of the release stated. “Illinois has announced detailed plans for the Rededication Weekend, set for Thursday, Oct. 17-Saturday, Oct. 19."

There is a more immense significance behind the Illinois-Michigan contest—national exposure. It was announced Monday that the game would air at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS, giving the country a chance to see the Illini’s rebuild first-hand.

Two-loss Michigan enters Champaign in a must-win situation

It’s also a critical game for the Wolverines. They are fighting for their playoff and conference championship lives after falling to Washington, 27-17, last week on the road. Michigan decided it would go with a long-term solution at quarterback in Jack Tuttle, who coach Sherrone Moore greatly trusts to lead the team forward.

Tuttle finished the Washington game 10-of 18 with 98 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.

At press time, it is too early to tell which team will be favored entering next Saturday’s game. Illinois seeks its first win against Purdue since 2019, while Michigan is idle this weekend.