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 Illini finished 6-1 at home. It's the first time they've won six home games in a season since 2001 when they captured the Big Ten title and played in the 2002 Sugar Bowl.

After performing like a well-oiled machine over the first half of the season, Illinois had sputtered and nearly stalled out during a two-game losing streak leading up to Saturday's home matchup with Michigan State,