Getty Jon Teske of the Michigan Wolverines.
Michigan (8-1) is looking to maintain its stellar star to the year as the team heads to State Farm Center to take on Illinois (6-3) on Wednesday.
The game is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. ET and will be televised on the Big Ten Network. If you don’t have cable or don’t have BTN, you can watch a live stream of the game on your computer, phone, Roku, Fire TV Stick, or other streaming device via one of the following cable-free, live-TV streaming services:
FuboTV
Big Ten Network is one of the 95-plus live TV channels included in the main FuboTV bundle, which is largely tailored towards sports. And in case the game gets moved to one of the Big Ten Network alternate channels, those are also included with FuboTV.
Once signed up for FuboTV, you can then watch a live stream of Michigan vs Illinois on your computer via the FuboTV website, or on your phone (Android and iPhone supported), tablet, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, or other supported device via the FuboTV app.
If you can’t watch live, FuboTV comes with 30 hours of cloud DVR space, as well as a 72-hour look-back feature, which will allow you to watch the game on-demand within three days of its conclusion, even if you don’t record it.
AT&T TV Now
AT&T TV Now (formerly DirecTV Now) offers six different channel bundles. Of those, the “Max,” “Choice,” “Xtra” and “Ultimate” bundles all include the Big Ten Network.
Start Your AT&T TV Now Free Trial
Once signed up for AT&T TV Now, you can then watch a live stream of Michigan vs Illinois on your computer via the AT&T TV Now website, or on your phone (Android and iPhone supported), tablet Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, or other compatible streaming device via the AT&T TV app.
If you can’t watch live, AT&T TV Now — no matter what channel package you choose — comes with included cloud DVR.
Hulu With Live TV
Hulu With Live TV comes with Hulu’s extensive on-demand library of TV shows and movies and 60-plus live TV channels, including Big Ten Network.
Once signed up for Hulu With Live TV, you can then watch a live stream of Michigan vs Illinois on your computer via the Hulu website, or on your phone (Android and iPhone supported), tablet, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Echo Show, or other streaming device via the Hulu app.
If you can’t watch live, Hulu With Live TV comes with 50 hours of cloud DVR space, as well as the option to upgrade to “Enhanced Cloud DVR,” which gives you 200 hours of space and the ability to fast-forward through commercials.
Michigan vs Illinois Preview
Michigan bounced back from its only loss of the season by defeating Iowa 103-91 with a torrid offensive attack. Previously, the Wolverines lost to No. 1 Louisville 58-43. However, that loss did not come without lessons that head coach Juwan Howard plans to utilize against Illinois.
“It’s tough to duplicate how loud Louisville’s atmosphere was,” Howard told reporters this week. “That was great to experience that early in the year and it will prepare for moments you’re about to encounter tomorrow versus Illinois. Champaign, the Champaign that I recall, that was one of the toughest places to play in the Big Ten. I will say this, we as a group learn that no matter what, the ball is not bouncing in for you, continue to play defense on the other side of the floor. I think that’s where we’ve made strides from.”
Kofi Cockburn leads the Illini, averaging 15.4 points, bringing a big motor with his game.
“Strong, tough, physical inside presence. Plays extremely hard,” Howard said of Cockburn. “Very good on the low block. Another thing that stands out, excellent offensive rebounding. Built a lot of toughness and his frame just breeds toughness all over him. We have to, of course, match his toughness and our guys are competitive. They’re not afraid. They love competing against any big that steps on the floor. We’re fortunate enough to face bigs similar to Kofi, (Luka) Garza is an amazing talent.”
The Wolverines are led by seniors Jon Teske and Zavier Simpson. Teske is averaging 14.1 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks. Simpson — who has 125 career games under his belt — is accounting for 12.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 8.7 assists per contest.
“Jon doesn’t show it in his face but he’s a super competitive guy and he competes,” Howard said. “That’s why he’s one of the best centers in college basketball.”
Illinois is in the midst of a tough stretch, coming off a loss to No. 4 Maryland on Saturday.
“I think the one thing I told our team is that everything we did in the Maryland game can be carried over,” Illinois head coach Brad Underwood said. “Michigan is a different team, we were a physically impressive team and those are the things that can come over,” Underwood said. “We made the fewest mistakes on offense of the season against a tremendous defensive game plan against them and it was tough. Michigan is different than what they can do. They are a fast-paced team.”
Illinois is a 1.5-point favorite for the game.