Peter Weiden Director of Operations | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Peter Weiden Director of Operations | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
For the final time in 2024, the Illinois Fighting Illini will host Michigan State at Memorial Stadium on Saturday. The game marks Senior Day for Illinois, which has a 6-3 overall record and is 3-3 in Big Ten play. The team has been successful at home this season, with a 5-1 record in Champaign.
Both teams come into the game after a week off and are looking to end two-game losing streaks. Illinois recently lost to Minnesota, while Michigan State was defeated by Indiana with a score of 47-10.
Jonathan Smith, in his first year as head coach after moving from Oregon State, leads the Spartans who have an overall record of 4-5 and are 2-4 in conference play. They started strong with wins over Florida Atlantic, Maryland, and Prairie View A&M but have since lost five of their last six games. Their losses include matches against top-ranked teams such as Oregon, Ohio State, and Indiana.
The last meeting between these two teams ended with Michigan State winning 23-15 in Champaign in 2022. However, Illinois won the previous two encounters.
Illinois has focused on discipline this season under its "tough, smart, and dependable" mantra. The team ranks fourth in the Big Ten for penalty yards per game and ninth nationally. In contrast, Michigan State averages more penalty yards per game within the conference.
On offense for Michigan State is quarterback Aidan Chiles who contributes both passing and rushing yards. Running backs Kay'ron Lynch-Adams and Nate Carter each have over 400 rushing yards this season. Freshman Nick Marsh leads Spartan receivers with 553 yards.
Defensively for Michigan State is linebacker Jordan Turner who leads with tackles and tackles for loss alongside Khris Bogle. Charles Brantley stands out among defensive backs with three interceptions.
"They have a lot of talent," said Illinois defensive coordinator Aaron Henry about Michigan State's offense. "They want to play Big Ten football."
On defense for Illinois' opponent is Joe Rossi's unit allowing an average of 24.1 points per game across their schedule.
"They're super well-coached," commented Barry Lunney Jr., offensive coordinator for Illinois regarding Michigan State's defense.
The game will take place at Memorial Stadium on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. CT.
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