The Spartans (4-6, 2-5 Big Ten) were unable to regroup following a bye and lost 38-16 at Illinois (7-3, 4-3) on Saturday. They’ve dropped three straight for the second time this season and six of the last seven.

The loss to Indiana dropped the Spartans' record to 4-5. In Year 1 of Jonathan Smith’s tenure, many had the goal of making a bowl game. In order for Michigan State to gain bowl eligibility, it needs to win two of its remaining three games.

The Michigan State Spartans were hammered by the Illinois Fighting Illini on Saturday afternoon, falling 38-16 in a pivotal matchup that had major implications on Michigan State getting a bowl game. Now,