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 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,

Columnist Graham Couch gives his thoughts on the Spartans' performance in defeat Saturday at Illinois with three quick takes.

It was a new opponent, but the same Michigan State football team on Saturday, as the Spartans beat themselves too much in a loss to Illinois.

Michigan State football went on the road to Illinois on Saturday afternoon, dropping a game to the Illini, 38-16. The game was one that the Spartans could have had a better outcome, but things ultimately did not go the Spartans way on both sides of the ball.

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.