No. 15 Michigan braces for close contest vs. Illinois

(Photo credit: Kimberly P. Mitchell / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

In order to win a championship, teams often have to win close games.

But No. 15 Michigan has won nearly all of its close games in its pursuit of a Big Ten championship.

The latest hurdle to clear in that goal will come Sunday afternoon against Illinois in Ann Arbor, Mich.

If Michigan's trend in Big Ten play continues, expe