ANN ARBOR, Mich., Oct. 18 (UPI) -- Chris Perry rushed for three touchdowns Saturday afternoon, all in the first half, and 140 yards as 17th-ranked Michigan buried outmanned Illinois, 56-14.
Last week, Michigan trailed by 21 points in the fourth quarter before rallying behind quarterback John Navarre for a 38-35 victory at Minnesota. It was the biggest comeback in school history.
This time, Perry and the offensive line took the drama out of the contest early. He capped a run-dominated opening drive with a 25-yard burst to give the Wolverines the lead for good 2:32 into the contest, then made it 14-0 with a two-yard plunge seven minutes later.
Michigan (6-2, 3-1 Big Ten) broke open the game in the second quarter, taking a 35-0 lead into intermission on a 74-yard punt return by Steve Breaston, a nine-yard pass from Navarre to tight end Andy Mignery, and a one-yard dive by Perry.
The Wolverines outgained the Illini on the ground, 275-89, and 512-242 overall.
John Navarre completed 18-of-27 passes for 203 yards and a touchdown.
