The Michigan State Spartans were hammered by the Illinois Fighting Illini on Saturday afternoon, falling 38-16 in a pivotal matchup that had major implications on Michigan State getting a bowl game. Now, the Spartans will need to win their last two games ...

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.

Entering Saturday having dropped two games in a row and three of five, Illinois was determined, if not desperate, to rediscover the winning formula – and did just that with a 38-16 win over Michigan State to close out its 2024 home slate.