### Illinois Triumphs Over No. 24 Michigan: Key Insights from a Stellar Performance

In a remarkable game on Saturday, Illinois football secured a dominant 21-7 victory over No. 24 Michigan, showcasing their strength on both sides of the ball. Publisher Jeremy Werner of Illini Inquirer provides an analysis of the key takeaways from the thrilling match.

One of the most satisfying aspects of Illinois’ win was their dominance in the trenches. Despite expectations that Illinois would rely on its passing game, quarterback Luke Altmyer only attempted 18 passes for a total of 80 yards. This setup typically might have signaled a Michigan rout, especially given their defensive prowess. However, Illinois turned the tables by outplaying Michigan at their own game, never once trailing throughout the match. The victory exemplified the gritty, physical football that head coach Bret Bielema’s teams are known for.

“Winning on the ground was really cool,” Altmyer remarked, reflecting on the unexpected yet effective gameplay strategy. Indeed, while Michigan's defensive line – featuring a standout performance from Mason Graham, projected to be a top-10 NFL Draft pick – did pose challenges, Illinois’ offensive line rose to the occasion. The team amassed an impressive 187 rushing yards against a Michigan defense that hadn’t given up that many yards on the ground in two years. Furthermore, Illinois allowed only one sack, which appeared to be more a result of something other than offensive line failure, showcasing their resilience under pressure.

Defensively, Illinois was just as formidable. They held Michigan’s rushing attack to a mere 3.0 yards per carry and limited them to just three runs of over 10 yards with none exceeding 20 yards. This defensive rigor, paired with relentless pressure on Michigan’s starting quarterback Jack Tuttle, led to five sacks. Notably, Michigan had only conceded eight sacks in their previous six games combined.

Illini edge rusher Gabe Jacas, who made a significant impact with 13 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble, praised his teammates. “I love my guys. Love the d-line. A lot of guys stepped up today,” Jacas stated, emphasizing the collective effort and continuous improvement of his teammates.

This victory against a ranked opponent not only highlights Illinois' progress but also underscores their capability to compete with top-tier teams.