Box Score | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Illinois | 7 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 21 |
Michigan State | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
Spartans Get Lost
"I don't get how you can run for 100+ yards on the likes of Wisconsin and Michigan, and then when big time powerhouse Illinois comes to down, the entire offense shuts down and you're left crying to yourself," stated a very somber Dr. P.
With the top 15 recruits in attendance (uh oh), a week fresh off of their huge upset win in Michigan, the #19 Michigan State Spartans laid an absolute duck to the Illinois Fighting Illini, losing 21-7 in a snowy covered field.
The Illini controlled the Spartans rush game (43 yards on 29 carries) and QB Juice Williams picked apart the secondary for 271 yards and two touchdowns in the win.
HB Javon Ringer was completely bottled up, rushing 25 times for just 57 yards and no scores. The only Spartan touchdown came when TE Charlie Gantt caught a wide open 46 yard play action touchdown.
The Spartans had their chances. Early in the game they had 1st and goal from the 1, and proceeded to get stuffed behind the line on four straight runs, turning the ball over. K Brett Swenson also hit the right upright on a field goal attempt. In total, the Spartans were just 4 for 13 on third downs and 0 for 3 on fouth down attempts.
Lord knows how the recruiting process is going to go now, for a team that had a chance to go 7-1 and jump into the top 15. Instead, recruits might feel betrayed, and the Spartans might find themselves outside the top 25.
#2 Wisconsin 27, Iowa 7
Northwestern 38, Minnesota 28
#21 Penn State 42, Indiana 31
Ohio State 26, Purdue 10
Players of the Game
Game Statistics | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Illinois | Michigan State |
First Downs | 20 | 13 |
Total Offense | 360 | 275 |
Rushes-YDS | 25-89 | 29-43 |
Passing YDS | 271 | 232 |
Turnovers | 2 | 1 |
Total Yards | 424 | 388 |
T.O.P. | 14:36 | 13:28 |