Michigan-Illinois is getting ready to start in rainy conditions

It’s nearing kickoff of the Michigan-Illinois game at Michigan Stadium, and perhaps more intriguing than the on-field story lines is the weather.
About a half-hour to kickoff, Michigan Stadium is barely filled, and it’s been raining on and off most of the day and just under 50 degrees. The forecast isn’t promising.
According to weather.com, storms with a potential for lightning could hit Ann Arbor by 6 p.m.
The Michigan-Western Michigan game last season at Michigan Stadium was suspended and called in the fourth quarter.
Of course, the weather could affect how this game is played.
Michigan (3-2, 1-0 Big Ten) and Illinois (2-4, 0-2) likely will have to rely on the running game if the rain continues.
Illinois quarterback Nate Scheelhaase, finally healthy this season after injuring an ankle in the season opener against Western Michigan, rushed for 84 yards and a score and threw for 178 and a touchdown in a loss last week to Wisconsin. While the Illini have been outscored 163-59 this season with a hobbled Scheelhaase, his ability as a run threat caught the attention of Michigan coaches and defensive players this week.
Michigan likely will try to get lead tailback Fitz Toussaint more involved in the run game. Toussaint, who missed the season opener because of a suspension, has 169 yards on 53 carries this season and is averaging 42.2 yards a game. He had only 19 yards on 17 carries in a win at Purdue last Saturday, yet he scored two touchdowns.
The Wolverines’ backfield will be without fullback Stephen Hopkins again. He has been since the Air Force game with what Michigan coach Brady Hoke has called a hamstring injury. Tight end Brandon Moore is on the dress list, however. Moore has been out with a knee injury.