Report: Illinois running back Chase Brown 'good to go' vs Michigan

The nation’s leading rusher will take the field Saturday against Michigan. Illinois running back Chase Brown is “good to go,” ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported.

Brown was dealing with a leg injury, which threw his status for Saturday’s game into question. However, Thamel reported he practiced in full this week, meaning he’ll be ready to roll for the matchup at The Big House.

Through 10 games, Brown leads the country with 1,442 yards on the ground in addition to his seven rushing touchdowns. He’s been a key part of the Illinois offense this year, and he’ll face quite a matchup Saturday afternoon.

CLICK HERE to subscribe for FREE to the On3 YouTube channel

Michigan enters play Saturday with the top run defense in the country, holding teams to 72.2 rushing yards per game. But there’s still potential for an impressive running back display on both sides as Heisman Trophy contender Blake Corum suits up for the Wolverines.

The game has big implications for both teams, but in different ways. Michigan stayed in the top four of the College Football Playoff rankings this week and is trying to take an undefeated record into next week’s edition of The Game against Ohio State. Illinois, meanwhile, is trying to stay atop the Big Ten West, which sees four teams enter play Saturday with 4-3 records. The Fighting Illini still have a chance to clinch the division and a spot in the Big Ten Championship in Indianapolis, but that road runs through Ann Arbor.

Michigan and Illinois kick off Saturday at noon ET on ABC.

Bret Bielema to coach for Illinois against Michigan after mother’s passing

Thursday, Illinois coach Bret Bielema’s mother passed away, which — understandably — put his status for Saturday’s game against Michigan into question. He’s made his decision as to whether or not he’ll coach, though.

Bielema made the trip to Ann Arbor for the game and will work the sidelines against the No. 3-ranked Wolverines, a team spokesperson told the Champaign News-Gazette. Kickoff comes two days after Bielema’s mother, Marilyn, passed away, Illinois Athletics announced Thursday.

“Coach Bielema is going through a difficult personal matter,” the program said in a statement. “Early this morning he received a call that his mother had passed. Please be respectful of his family’s privacy at this time.”