After a bye, No. 24 Michigan had an opportunity to pivot and re-establish itself before a difficult second half of the season. For 30 minutes against No. 22 Illinois, it was a complete disaster for the Maize and Blue.

The Wolverines trail the Fighting Illini at 13-7 after perhaps their worst first half of the 2024 season. That's saying a lot considering how subpar this team has looked through the first six games. Here's what Michigan has stood out so far offensively and defensively…

New quarterback, same results for the Wolverines as seventh-grader Jack Tuttle struggled to make downfield throws with anything remotely accurate or protect the football. Tuttle fumbled on a scramble, similar to his first giveaway against Washington, and then was fortunate to have an interception negated by an Illinois penalty.

Michigan was limited to just 45 yards rushing in the first half as the Wolverines' 131st aerial attack continued to be on the ground. After completing just three of his first seven attempts, Tuttle found some rhythm with a few short throws to Colston Loveland on UM's final drive of the half, but this is the same offense we've seen all season.

Additionally, it was another disappointing and uninspired day for senior tailback Donovan Edwards, who was held to 24 yards on four carries and had a crippling fumble of his own right after Michigan got the ball back on the overthrown interception. The only highlight was once again fifth-grader Kalel Mullings, who ran for 55 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries.

On the other side of the football, Michigan's defense did everything it could to keep the Wolverines in this game. This unit still struggles with penalties, its pass coverage still leaves something to be desired, and Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer hurt Michigan with his mobility, but the Wolverines flexed and forced three field goals, one of which they blocked.

That kept the Wolverines within six points at halftime despite their terrible offensive performance. With that in mind, it's fair to wonder whether Michigan can continue to keep the Fighting Illini off the scoreboard in the second half. The Wolverines have already given up 184 yards of offense, including 116 yards on the ground. Michigan has a weak defensive line in this game, and those guys could get weaker in the final 30 minutes.

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