MATCHDAY | What to Watch: #22 Illinois hosts rededication game against #24 Michigan

The day has finally come.

After years of preparation and planning, the Memorial Stadium Rededication Game between No. 22 Illinois and No. 24 Michigan is just around the corner. Exactly 100 years and one day after Red Grange's six-touchdown performance against the previously undefeated Wolverines in 1924, the same two programs – both ranked in the latest AP Top 25 poll – will face off Saturday at 2:30 p.m compete watch CT on CBS.

The Orange and Blue return to Memorial Stadium a week after their 50-49 overtime victory over Purdue, a win that saw the Illini claim The Cannon for the first time since 2019. Luke Altmyer recorded the best passing distance of his career while collecting four total points Josh McCray scored the first three-touchdown effort of his college career.

Michigan visits Memorial Stadium for the first time since the 2019 season, with the Illini looking to defeat the Wolverines for the first time since 2009. Illinois and Michigan last met in 2022, when the host Wolverines posted a controversial 19-17 win in Ann Arbor.

Heading into Saturday afternoon's nationally televised kickoff, Michigan is 4-2 overall and 2-1 in conference play, and the Wolverines have lost their only road contest. Michigan opened its 2024 season with five straight home games, then fell at Washington on Oct. 5 before playing its first of two off dates in Week 7. The defending national champions are led by first-year head coach Sherrone Moore, who spent the last six seasons on the team's offensive staff.

The Illini know what's at stake Saturday on this historic day at Memorial Stadium, as 100th anniversary celebrations will be held throughout the community throughout the weekend.

Defensive coordinator Aaron Henry has embraced and preached the importance of acknowledging the magnitude of celebration and history that will take place on Saturday.

“There is history here. Any time you talk about history, you have to talk about where this place came from, not where it is now. “You can’t forget the men, the players and the people who came here before you,” Henry said. “A big thing this week is obviously playing really good defense, but more importantly, this is a magical chance we're going to have in this stadium. They're talking about a Top 25 duel on CBS.” So it's going to be a primetime duel between two really good opponents.

“Michigan has been a national leader in soccer in many ways, and they come to Champaign and we get a chance to play them in front of sellout crowds and in front of the world. I spoke to ours. “Guys, you don't get this opportunity often, especially as a young player in your career, so you have to take advantage of it.”

Here are a few things to keep in mind when the Illini and Wolverines play on Saturday afternoon.

Plans for the Memorial Stadium Rededication Game

Illinois will wear retro 1920s-style uniforms and helmets that pay homage to the clothing worn by Red Grange and the Fighting Illini in the early years of the football program's existence. The Illini will trade in their traditional orange helmets for custom hand-painted headgear designed to match the look of old-fashioned leather lids.

The rest of the uniform also pays homage to Grange's time in Illinois. The jerseys have a blue base with tan and gold stripes that form a pyramid shape and run from the bottom of the jersey to the top of the numbers. White numbers with blue outlines complete the jersey. The brownish-gold tone of the stripes is reflected in the color of the tailored trousers and is combined with blue socks to complete the classic look.

Before kickoff, a special game ball presentation featuring some of Illinois' most legendary players will take place from the south end zone to the 50-yard line. The first handoff will come from athletic director and former Illini football player Josh Whitman. A Marching Illini halftime performance will feature family members of Illinois' early sports architects – athletic director George Huff, head coach Robert Zuppke and Red Grange.

All former football players in attendance will line the field at halftime and be honored by Fighting Illini fans.

Fans are asked to be at their seats by 2:00 p.m. CT to witness the pregame ball presentation, a flyover and the air alert from Howard Griffith.

“Before the season even started I was talking about this game and I knew it would get a lot of attention. At that time we didn’t know that two teams in the rankings would be here,” said head coach Bret Bielema. “A lot has gone into it and I think our players know that, feel that and understand that.”

Notable offensive trends in Illinois

The Illini's home game against the Wolverines will be the first game between two ranked teams at Memorial Stadium since 2000. Illinois is seeking a home win as a ranked team for the first time since 1991.

Illinois' offense will look to continue its recent success if the Illini want to end this long streak. Altmyer's career-best passing day last week against the Boilermakers helped him earn spots on the watch lists for the Davey O'Brien Award, Manning Award Top QB and Maxwell Award.

The Orange-Blue's passing game was outstanding in the first half of the 2024 season, with Altmyer recording at least 200 yards in four of six games. The Illini's rushing attack provided a nice equalizer Barry Lunney Jr.The 2010 offense is an offense as they exceeded 100 yards on the ground four times.

Lunney praised his unit's ability to thrive in the big moments, particularly against Purdue last Saturday. The Illini scored 50 points against the Boilermakers, their highest offensive output in a game since 2018.

“The guys just made plays. That’s the biggest thing,” Lunney said as he reflected on the offense’s success against Purdue. “There were just a lot of plays to be made and these guys really rose to the occasion and played really well in the crucial moments of the game.”

Opponent scout

Three different quarterbacks have taken snaps under center for the Wolverines, with Alex Orji, Jack Tuttle and Davis Warren all earning playing time this season. Orji is the only member of the trio to have played in all six games, although Tuttle was active in Michigan's most recent contest on Oct. 5 at Washington.

The Wolverines' running back room features two of the Big Ten's most dynamic rushers. Kalel Mullings leads the team and ranks fourth in the Big Ten with 98.2 rushing yards per game while posting six rushing scores this season. Donovan Edwards averaged 58.8 yards and three touchdowns per game on the ground.

Michigan's passing attack is led by tight end Colston Loveland, who posted team-best totals in receptions (29), receiving yards (261) and receiving touchdowns (2). WR Semaj Morgan is the only other Wolverine pass catcher with double-digit catches (13) this season.

“They have talented players at every position,” Henry said. “They played three different quarterbacks this year, so no matter what quarterback they play, everyone can run. All have the ability to throw the ball to a receiver or a tight end. Which they are really, really good.” “In a game of this magnitude, our goal is to make sure we contain and limit that big threat and try to create as many negative plays and takeaways as possible.”

Defensively, 2023 All-America defensive back Will Johnson recorded a team-high two interceptions, while linebacker Ernest Hausmann recorded a team-high most tackles. EDGE Josaiah Stewart leads the Wolverines in tackles for loss (8.5), sacks (2.0) and quarterback hurries (5).

“If you watch the film, you see a very disruptive, fast, physical front,” Lunney said. “They have some really quality players across the board. They have a good system and are well trained. It's a very good defense we're going to play against and obviously they're a good football team. “I think the experience a few weeks ago at Penn State gave us a similar feel and style of attack defense. They're structurally different, but they're similar in the way they present themselves, in the twitchiness, in the power.

“I hope what we went through a few weeks ago helps prepare us for what lies ahead because it is an extremely aggressive, talented and physical defense.”

Illinois and Michigan will face off at sold-out Memorial Stadium on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT. CBS has the television coverage.