Illinois Vs. Michigan State Game Blog

Cutting into the action a little late due to internet trouble, we pick up the game with 11:37 left in the first quarter. Michigan drove down the field with the help of some Illini penalties and missed third down opportunities. Glann Winston on the carry for the Spartans. 7-0 MSU.

I said earlier this week that the Illini had to play with their heads to win this game, and that drive didn't live up to my expectations.

Already the Illini look lost on offense. Before the first play, WR Chris James ran on and off the field twice not knowing if he was supposed to be on the field.

The Spartan player down is Trevor Anderson.

Anthony Santella booms a 51 yard punt with great hangtime. These are the little things that help a team after going three and out on offense. The Spartans will start inside their 20 and have a long field ahead of them.

Michigan State is killing Illinois through the air but what's worse is that they are 100% controlling the clock.

Michigan State does it again on the ground. 13 plays 81 yards, 6:24 minutes. These are the kind of drives Michigan State loves. Traditional MSU football pounds the ball and controls the clock. That drive took a lot out of our guys physically and emotionally with the two fourth down conversions.

Eddie McGee is throwing some strikes. It would be nice if the offensive line could give him a little more time, but so far so good for number 10.

After a penalty and a sack Illinois is forced to punt. MSU will start inside the 10.

Kirk Cousins hooks up with Blair White, and Evan Frierson causes a fumble. After a review of the play, however, it was called an incompletion.

MSU was driving again at their own pace until they shot themselves in the foot with two 15 yarders. It would have been a great time for Illinois to get some momentum, but this offense just can't stay on the field. 3 and out for the Illini.

Fumble! And this one will stand... great right? Well not when you don't move the ball. Illinois looks just terrible on offense, and the defense has spent A LOT of time on the field. I could see this game breaking open soon if we can't make something happen.

Well after the first half, this game isn't close. The 17-0 score is too close. We should be down 24, but this game isn't over. Illinoi needs to put more pressure on Nichol.