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Three Keys To A Spartans Homecoming Win Over Illinois

Michigan State’s quest for its first Big Ten win under head coach Pat Fitzgerald begins at home against Illinois, as both teams enter the matchup winless in conference play. The Spartans face a critical test after allowing back-to-back quarterback rushing touchdowns—Colton Joseph (141 yards, 1 TD) and Anthony Colandrea (66 yards)—while their offense has struggled to generate explosive plays, managing just a single field goal in their last outing.

Illinois quarterback Katin Houser, a former Spartan, has thrown three interceptions this season, including three in East Lansing during his 2023 tenure, while Michigan State’s defense has only recorded one interception all year. The Spartans’ offense, led by quarterback Alessio Milivojevic, must improve its deep-ball accuracy and touchdown production, as Milivojevic has yet to throw a touchdown pass since the second week of the season and has avoided long completions in recent games.

Meanwhile, Illinois’s defense has returned just two of its two interceptions for touchdowns, adding another layer of concern for MSU’s struggling secondary.

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