muck fichigan

For the first time since I became an Illini, Illinois has beaten Michigan in a game of football.

Indeed, for the first time this millennium, the Fighting Illini have beaten the mighty Wolverines.

Not only did they win, the Illini hung 45 on Michigan in the Big House. That's the most that any team has scored there since Florida State put up 51 in 1991 (which is the all-time record for points against MU in Ann Arbor).

Today, Juice Williams became JUICE WILLIAMS. He's been getting people excited for a while, but today was unbelievable. He was the leading rusher: 19 for 121 with two scores on the ground. But it was his passing that stepped it up: 13 completions for 310 and two passing touchdowns.

Did I mention this was the most points Illinois has ever scored against Michigan? This tied the 1924 Red Grange game as the biggest victory for Illinois over Michigan.

And it should have been even better. Up 24-14 in the 3rd and on the Wolverine 45, Williams through a seam pass to Benn. On the 8-yard line, Illinois' Cumberland throws an illegal block that was unnecessary. The Illini end up missing a field goal on the drive. At this point in the game, I was convinced that would be the turning point and that Michigan was going to come back.

But Illinois stepped it up on defense, forcing two key second half fumbles.

Did I mention that the Illini had 501 offensive yards? And Juice had 431 of them? No turnovers. Only 4 penalties. All-around, an amazing team performance.


Sure, you could point out that Michigan is in decline, and has a new coach. And that App. State beat them last year. But that doesn't change the fact that we're talking about the Michigan Wolverines. And that last week they upset the Badgers.

For two years, Illinois was one of the worst football programs in the country, up there with Duke and Temple in the Bottom 10.

And today, Illinois hung 45 on Michigan in the Big House. It doesn't get much better than that. So thanks, Juice. Thanks, Zook.


Did I mention this was Michigan's homecoming?