The Spartans (4-6, 2-5 Big Ten) were unable to regroup following a bye and lost 38-16 at Illinois (7-3, 4-3) on Saturday. They’ve dropped three straight for the second time this season and six of the last seven.

The loss to Indiana dropped the Spartans' record to 4-5. In Year 1 of Jonathan Smith’s tenure, many had the goal of making a bowl game. In order for Michigan State to gain bowl eligibility, it needs to win two of its remaining three games.

Thank goodness for that Iowa game. Otherwise, this Michigan State football season would feel like a never-ending slide into the abyss. As it is, things aren’t great, Saturday’s 38-16 defeat at Illinois a slow but inevitable demise, the Spartans ...