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.

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.

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.