Michigan travels to Illinois this week to take on the Illini in what has been a pretty even series over the last few years. Michigan is just 19-20 against the Illini since 2000, having won just one series in 2008. That said, they've only lost 3 series in that time due to several four game splits, but the Illini have continuously been a throne in Michigan baseball's side. This year looks to be no different.

Just a reminder, Q&A with Illinois Baseball Report happened. Preview is there.

Abbreviated thoughts after the jump:

Key Matchup

Alan Oaks against himself. His slide has to end somewhere. I'm hoping it comes to a halt Friday.

Semi-related side matchup: saving the bullpen. Burgoon has been used a bit this midweek, as well as Kolby Wood. It would be nice to give those guys another night off. For that to happen, Oaks will need to go deep and the offense will have to give the bullpen a cushion.

We Have History

Due to constraints of real life, no "We Have History" this week. To replace that, here's a link to my recap of last year's Illinois Series Recap.

Weather

Could be a bit wet on Friday. Rain is supposed to clear out after 7pm. Rest of the weekend should be nice. The field faces northeast, so winds should be slightly out to right if they hold in the WNW on Friday.

Series Thoughts

Bulleted list:

• The Illini are a dangerous team again this year. I have them slated as my #5 to finish the season and they've got quite the offense. Even their pitching has really come along as of late, but fortunately, they don't have any power strikeout pitchers. That normally means a bit offense for Michigan, but then again, we've inflated several pitchers strikeout numbers this season.
• I think we see more Kittle again this weekend. The guy is still on fire even off the bench. John Lorenz has had a few good games of late, so I don't think Mike takes over third.
• I can't wait for this series to start as that signals that I'm done with these engineering design projects (as in two semester projects). Unfortunately, I'm missing game one for said projects.
• Games are on BTN.com through the StudentU broadcast for $2.99 per game. Pick'em up if you can.

Predictions

I think Michigan loses game one, but closes out the series with two solid victories. I can't expect a win out of Oaks until he proves he's defeated whatever it is that has held him down the last few weeks.