Why are we favored vs Illinois?

The only explanation I can come up with is that we have been competitive in most of our games despite abhorrent play in multiple phases of the game.  Maybe Vegas thinks that at some point we will get SOMETHING right and manage to make a game of it.

Because we're going to fucking win!!!

Well I can see why the line might stay the same even with Floyd's injury.  Once you are bad enough, there isn't much of a real drop-off.  I mean, one undersized, slow cornerback giving a reciever a 15 yard cushion and having trouble tackling isn't much different than any other. 

That said, you are right- I would make Illinois 7 point favorites on Michigan, and even then I might take money on Illinois to cover.  I just question this defense's ability to stop anyone, period, and at this point I think their confidence has to have taken a shot to the gut.  Unless we see a Michigan team we haven't seen this year, I don't see how they beat Illinois without a lot of help from Illini mistakes.

isn't a flattering color.

Illinois is going to beat us like a drum.

Number of people gambling on that game and don't watch michigan football > number of people gambling on that game that watch michigan football

Vegas knows what's up. We are going to FSU this weekend.

Home Field Advantage

Denard

Top 10 Offense

Our helmets have wings

Brock - Strive for the impossible

Adidas - impossible is nothing

iI we are -3, then we are actually even. All home teams in FBS are given 3 pts against the spread.

You beat me to the fsu joke.

if it's a toss up then Vegas will give the home team a 3pt advantage.   it has something to do with what we have seen on this board.  People will see the three points given to UM and put money down on Ill.  this way Vegas gets money down on UM and Ill.

is based on betting tendencies.  The early prediction is that more people will bet on Michigan on an even line.  I have a feeling it may drop in Illinois' favor as the week progresses.

Michigan's offense is a reduction of Oregon. It's defense is Youngstown State to the 3rd power.

Illinois is basically a reduced by 10 Ohio State on both sides of the ball.

The game is in Ann Arbor, but the down in fronters will be enjoying too much fondue and chardonay to raise their voices in support. Oh, and they want Rodriguez fired.

Do the math.

more people will bet on Michigan because of reputation and loyalty. Vegas tries to set a line to attract the same amount of money on each side of the bet. It is the Michigan premium that expands when it is not a big game. It has very little to do with who some guy running the book in Vegas thinks is the better team.

Maybe even the outsiders see us turning the corner soon.  Plus RR needs this one badly.

Maybe I am a hopeless optimist, but I still think we will beat Illinois.  Scheelhaase is mistake-prone, especially playing on the road.  Yes our defense still allows a lot of third down conversions, but Scheelhaase has thrown some horrid picks this year on third down plays.  They have a good defense, but we have been able to move the ball and score on good defenses this year.  If we can come out aggressive on both sides of the ball, we can get some early momentum, and come away with the win.

'nuff said.

Maybe Michigan is favored because people outside of Ann Arbor aren't overreacting yet.

Going to put my house and my first unborn child on Illinois........That has been my gambling technique this year with michigan. Putting money on the opponent. So, I always feel good in a way on Saturdays. I do admit my Saturdays feel better when Michigan wins. The Lions were i believe minus 3 against the Redskins and I knew that was a sucker bet. My friends all took the Redskins, while I told them the Lions will win that game. According to this line, Michigan wins guys. So, we have that going for us! Keep your fingers crossed.....GO BLUE!

I guess they don't really know what to predict here (we are going up against Ron Zook, after all), so they're concluding that since we have the same overall record as Illinois (5-3) and are at home, we should give the standard three points. 

I really hope for a win Saturday so I don't have to read negative threads the rest of the weekend.  We know the defense is bad, especially now with Floyds injury.  But if we lose, I can predict the many threads that will be started.

Hope springs eternal?

Because the betting houses know there is a hard core base of UM fans who will put money on Michigan regardless of external reality.

DB hired a shaman from the Amazon.  We're in the clear now.

Maybe the defense will play better since the offense they will be facing is similar to the offense they see in practice.  Or maybe people figure that the sun shines on a dogs ass every now and then.

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA DENARD ROBINSON

Who cares why, just do it. Just bet the Illini already. A team with a D like this should never be favored in a conference game. You'll be glad you did either way.

Given the line hasnt budged, especially after the Floyd injury, I'm actually going against the grain with those who say the line is where it is because of delusional MICH fans plunking money down.

I dont think this line has seen any action at all. They threw the -3  out there, nothing is happening, so they're keep it there. We're almost within the 48-hour window of kickoff, it'll be interesting to see if there are any line movements now that football weekend is upon us.

But, yeah, stop waiting. Get down on the underdog. You cant lose as you file out of the stadium.

Because UM is a betting favorite to the general public....think brand recognition.