Players to watch: Illinois vs. Michigan

Illinois: #42 Kevin Mitchell
Position: Safety
Class: Senior
Hometown: Fort Wayne, Ind.
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 209 lbs

After four Big Ten games Mitchell leads the conference in passes defended and fumble recoveries and is also tied for fourth in the Big Ten in interceptions with two. The fifth-year senior is the leader of the Illini's secondary that has given up 255.4 passing yards per game and has intercepted seven passes. The Fort Wayne, Ind., native will have to have a big game to keep the Wolverines' talented wide receivers in check and give the Illini a chance to get back into the win column.

Michigan: #86 Mario Manningham
Position: Wide receiver
Class: Junior
Hometown: Warren, Ohio
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 178 lbs

Manningham is the latest big-time receiver that Michigan has produced, following in the footsteps of Braylon Edwards, David Terrell and Desmond Howard. Manningham leads Michigan in receiving yards (549) this season and is tied for the team lead in receptions (37) and receiving touchdowns (four) this season. His 19 career touchdown receptions are tied for sixth in Wolverines history. If the Michigan receiver gets loose against the Illini secondary it could be a long day for Illinois.