On the banks of the Red Cedar, the Spartans are preparing to go into yet another battle. This week they face the 3-3 Fighting Illini of the University of Illinois.

There have been some struggles in Champaign this year, mostly due to the schedule. Two of their three losses have come against top 25 teams; losing to Washington, Wisconsin, and a strong Nebraska team.

Leading the Illini is senior quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase. Scheelhaase has started his senior season off with a bang. He already has thrown for 12 touchdowns, and has only thrown 4 picks. Scheelhaase has thrown the Illini to have an average of 287.7 yards per game. The Illini’s downfall is their defense, giving up an average of 32 points per game, which is 98th in the country.

Only allowing an average of 13 points per game, Michigan State has the 4th best defense in the nation. Max Bullough is leading the defence in his senior season. Look for him to step up and bring pressure to throw Scheelhaase off his his game.

Connor Cook continues to improve and take control of the Spartan offense. In order to pull out a win in big games, the offense must get more consistent. The defense is scoring almost as much as the offence, which is good for the defence, but will not get the job done against better teams.

The spartans must keep their focus on this game. With Michigan traveling to East Lansing next week, it is easy to look past Illinois. If the Spartans can keep focused, they will win this game.

Predicted score: 35-17 Michigan State