Illinois to face Michigan team that's back on track

Michigan entered the college football season as the Big Ten Conference favorite and a national title contender.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ranked No. 5 to start the season, Michigan opened with a loss to Appalachian State, the two-time defending champ of Division I-AA or Football Championship Subdivision (whatever you like to call it), and dropped from the top 25 rankings. A 32-point loss at home the following week had the Wolverines grasping for answers in a players-only meeting.

<p class="MsoNormal">"We wanted to make sure people weren't going to buckle and throw in the season," Michigan left tackle Jake Long said. "That everybody still was buying in, still wanted to come to practice, wanted to play, and was excited and wasn't going to let it bother them and not let it affect our whole season.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Coincidence or not, No. 24 Michigan (5-2 overall, 3-0 in the Big Ten) won its last five games and rolls into a conference game at Illinois (5-2, 3-1) on Saturday (7 p.m., ABC).

<p class="MsoNormal">"It was a great meeting, and you can see how it turned around our season,'' Long said. "I definitely think that had a part in it. Everybody got out what they wanted to say and made sure everybody was still fired up. Coming out of that meeting, I was really excited. The next day at practice, we turned it around.''

<p class="MsoNormal">After the debacle to start the season, the Big Ten standings give everyone historical perspective. No. 1 Ohio State and Michigan are the lone undefeated teams, just like the days of the Big Two and Little Eight.

<p class="MsoNormal">"You've got to remember this football team was picked preseason to be a national contender,'' said Illinois coach Ron Zook. "That's how they're playing now. The quarterback is back. The running back, I'm sure, is going to play. He's a warrior.

<p class="MsoNormal">"They're the team everyone thought they were going to be.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Senior running back Mike Hart leads the nation with 154 yards rushing per game. The Michigan workhorse also leads the country in attempts (200) and yards (1,078). His status is undetermined for Saturday after suffering a high ankle sprain in the first half against Purdue last Saturday.

<p class="MsoNormal">Hart remained on the sidelines for the second half and walked off the field with a slight limp after the 48-21 victory.

<p class="MsoNormal">Teammates said Monday that Hart would play.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Absolutely,'' Long said. "You know Mike will do everything in his power to get back. I have no doubt in my mind that he'll play. I saw him (Monday) and he looks good, so I have no doubt.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Michigan coach Lloyd Carr said "what happens on one Saturday can change dramatically toward the end of the next week.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Hart already holds the school record with 4,757 yards rushing. He has 975 consecutive touches without a fumble. The leading backup is sophomore Carlos Brown, who rushed for 66 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries in the second half against Purdue.

<p class="MsoNormal">"The one thing you know about Carlos Brown is, if he gets in the open, he can hit the home run,'' Carr said. "He's a guy with wonderful speed, and he's made enough big plays here during his time at Michigan on the practice field that everybody knows what he can do.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Quarterback Chad Henne missed two games with a knee injury and started the last two games, giving the Wolverines their experienced field leader and school record holder. He has thrown for 1,057 yards with seven touchdowns and two interceptions by completing 61.7 percent of his passes.

<p class="MsoNormal">Henne's 78 career touchdown passes moved him past John Navarre (72 career TD passes) and into second place all-time in the Big Ten, 12 behind former Purdue star Drew Brees.

<p class="MsoNormal">John Supinie can be reached at Johnsupinie@aol.com. For more coverage, read Illini Talk blog at www.sj-r.com and www.pjstar.com.

<p class="MsoNormal">A look at Michigan

<p class="MsoNormal">Record: 5-2 overall, 3-0 in the Big Ten.

<p class="MsoNormal">So far: Lost to Appalachian State 34-32, lost to Oregon 39-7, def. Notre Dame 38-0, def. Penn State 14-9, def. Northwestern 28-16, def. Eastern Michigan 33-22, def. Purdue 48-21.

<p class="MsoNormal">Coach: Lloyd Carr, 118-38 in 13th season at Michigan and overall.

<p class="MsoNormal">Series: Michigan leads 65-21-2.

<p class="MsoNormal">Players to watch: QB Chad Henne, RB Mike Hart, WR Mario Manningham (37 catches, 549 yards, four TDs), LB Shawn Crable (53 tackles, 5.5 sacks), DE Tim Jameson (28 tackles, 5.5 sacks).

<p class="MsoNormal">Did you know?: Michigan is 22-4 when Hart gains 100 yards or more rushing.

<p class="MsoNormal">Quote: "Ultimately you have to watch him as a coach and as a trainer and make determinations from there. But certainly any player with an injury of that type, it has a lot to do with how they feel.'' -- Michigan coach Lloyd Carr, on Mike Hart's ankle sprain.