It was shaping up to be a special night in Champaign.
No. 24 Michigan, playing without star running back Mike Hart, lost quarterback Chad Henne for portions of the game, and Illinois was holding its own with the Wolverines, with the game tied in the fourth quarter.
But after the Illini’s Kyle Hudson fumbled a punt, Michigan used a little trickery to score the go-ahead touchdown. Wide receiver Adrian Arrington ran right on a reverse before tossing to Mario Manningham open in the Illini end zone. Michigan added an insurance field goal … and that was that. The Wolverines escaped with a 27-17 victory.
Elsewhere:
*It was another ugly showing by Notre Dame as No. 13 USC spanked the Irish 38-0 in South Bend. It was the Trojans’ largest margin of victory in the 79-game history of the rivalry.
*Wisconsin, limping home after two straight road losses, got well thanks to a visit from Northern Illinois. The Badgers pounded the Huskies 44-3.
*No. 1 Ohio State was cruising at home against Michigan State, but two third-quarter turnovers led to MSU touchdowns and the Buckeyes had to hang on for a 24-17 victory.
