Illinois-MSU Gameday Binoculars: Tape-Delayed Play-by-Play & Analysis

Update: Illinois loses 26-6, dropping to 3-3 overall and 1-2 in the Big Ten.

The Illini actually led 6-3 at halftime before two costly turnovers in the third quarter helped the Spartans take control.

The Illinois defense played yet another tough game, somewhat relenting in the second half after limiting Michigan State to just four rushing yards in the first half.

As for the Illini offense, it was a tough day at the office.

And now to the play-by-play.

1^st Quarter

Derek Dimke kicks off to start the game. Kick sails into the end zone for a touchback.

Michigan State ball on its own 20 with 14:56 remaining.

1^st and 10 Michigan State from its own 20: Kirk Cousins’ pass incomplete to Keshawn Martin.

2^nd and 10 Michigan State from its own 20: Edwin Baker rushes to the 27.

3^rd and 3 Michigan State from its own 27: Cousins pass complete to Keith Nichol at the Michigan State 36.

1^st and 10 Michigan State from its own 36: Baker rushes to the 37.

2^nd and 9 Michigan State from its own 37: Cousins throws pass away.

3^rd and 9 Michigan State from its own 37: Michael Buchanan sacks Cousins at the 30.

4^th and 16 Michigan State from its own 30: Aaron Bates punts to the Illinois 30. Jarred Fayson calls for a fair catch.

Illinois ball on its own 30 with 12:24 remaining.

1^st and 10 Illinois from its own 30: Nathan Scheelhaase pass incomplete to AJ Jenkins.

2^nd and 10 Illinois from its own 30: Mikel Leshoure rushes to the 32.

3^rd and 8 Illinois from its own 32: Scheelhaase pass complete to Jenkins at the Illionis 44.

1^st and 10 Illinois from its own 44: Jason Ford rushes to the 45.

2nd and 9 Illinois from its own 45: Scheelhaase pass complete to Jenkins at the Illinois 48.

3^rd and 6 Illinois from its own 48: Scheelhaase pass complete to Fayson at the Michign State 45.

1^st and 10 Illinois from the Michigan State 45: Leshoure rushes for no gain.

2^nd and 10 Illinois from the Michigan State 45: Leshoure rushes to the 43.

3^rd and 8 Illinois from the Michigan State 43: Penalty on Michigan State, defense called for holding. Illinois gains 10 yards, automatic 1^st down.

1^st and 10 Illinois from the Michigan State 33: Penalty on Michigan State, defense called for facemask penalty. Illinois gains 15 yards, automatic 1^st down.

1^st and 10 Illinois from the Michigan State 18: Leshoure rushes to the 8 yard line.

1^st and goal Illinois from the Michigan State 8: Scheelhaase pass incomplete to Jay Prosch.

2^nd and goal Illinois from the Michigan State 8: Leshoure rushes to the 4.

3^rd and goal Illinois from the Michigan State 4: Scheelhaase pass incomplete to Jenkins.

4^th and goal Illinois from the Michigan State 4: Dimke makes 21 yard field goal.

Illinois 3, Michigan State 0

Dimke kicks off. Kick sails into the end zone for a touchback.

Michigan State ball on its own 20 with 6:24 remaining.

1^st and 10 Michigan State from its own 20: Le’Veon Bell rushes to the 26.

2^nd and 4 Michigan State from its own 26: Bell tackled in the backfield at the 25.

3^rd and 5 Michigan State from its own 25: Cousins pass complete to Mark Dell at the Michigan State 39.

1^st and 10 Michigan State from its own 39: Cousins throws pass away.

2^nd and 10 Michigan State from its own 39: Bell rushes for no gain.

3^rd and 10 Michigan State from its own 39: Cousins pass incomplete to Dell.

4^th and 10 Michigan State from its own 39: Bates punts to the Illinois 1. Ball downed by Michigan State.

Illinois ball on its own 1 with 3:52 remaining.

1^st and 10 Illinois from its own 1: Penalty on Illinois. False start on the offense. Repeat 1^st down.

1^st and 10 Illinois from its own 1: Leshoure rushes to the 4.

2^nd and 10 Illinois from its own 4: Leshoure rushes to the 9.

3^rd and 2 Illinois from its own 9: Leshoure rushes to the 12.

1^st and 10 Illinois from its own 12: Leshoure rushes to the 23.

1^st and 10 Illinois from its own 23: Troy Pollard rushes to the 31.

2^nd and 2 Illinois from its own 31: Penalty on Michigan State, defense called for late hit penalty. Illinois gains 15 yards, automatic 1^st down.

1^st and 10 Illinois from its own 46: Scheelhaase scrambles to the 50.

2^nd and 6 Illinois from the 50 yard line: Scheelhaase pass complete to Chris James at the Michigan State 38.

1^st and 10 Illinois from the Michigan State 38: Leshoure tackled in the backfield at the 41.

Thoughts after the first quarter:

Illinois is doing better than expected through the first quarter. The defense has dominated the Spartans offense, stopping the potent run game and keeping constant pressure on quarterback Kirk Cousins. Illinois has held a Michigan State team averaging more than 35 points a game scoreless in the first quarter. The Illinois offense is doing well too. The Illini have mounted two long drives that have eaten up clock and kept Michigan State’s offense off the field. Scheelhaase has made some good passes but Leshoure has been the star as he continually converts for the first down. Lets see if Illinois can finish off its current drive and extend its lead.

2^nd Quarter

2nd and 13 Illinois from the Michigan State 41: Scheelhaase scrambles to the 35.

3^rd and 7 Illinois from the Michigan State 35: Scheelhaase pass intercepted by Marcus Hyde. Hyde returns interception to the Illinois 44.

Michigan State ball on the Illinois 44 with 14:06 remaining.

1st and 10 Michigan State from the Illinois 44: Cousins pass complete to Martin at the Illinois 35.

2^nd and 1 Michigan State from its own 35: Baker rushes for no gain.

3^rd and 1 Michigan State from its own 35: Cousins pass complete to Brian Linthicum for no gain.

4^th and 1 Michigan State from its own 35: Cousins sacked at the Illinois 39. Turnover on downs.

Illinois ball on its own 39 with 12:06 remaining.

1^st and 10 Illinois from its own 39: Ford rushes for no gain.

2^nd and 10 Illinois from its own 39: Scheelhaase sacked at the Illinois 35.

3^rd and 14 Illinois from its own 35: Leshoure rush for no gain.

4^th and 14 Illinois from its own 35: Anthony Santella punts to the Michigan State 38, fair catch.

Michigan State ball on its own 38 with 10:15 remaining.

1^st and 10 Michigan State from its own 38: Cousins pass complete to Dell at the Illinois 42.

1^st and 10 Michigan State from the Illinois 42: Bell rushes to the 37.

2^nd and 5 Michigan State from the Illinois 37: Bell tackled in the backfield at the Illinois.

3^rd and 8 Michigan State from the Illinois 40: Cousins pass complete to Dell at the Illinois 19.

1^st and 10 Michigan State from the Illinois 19: Cousins pass incomplete to Linthicum.

2^nd and 10 Michigan State from the Illinois 19: Bell rushes for no gain.

3^rd and 10 Michigan State from the Illinois 19: Cousins pass incomplete to Dell.

4^th and 10 Michigan State from the Illinois 19: Dan Conroy makes 37 yard field goal.

Illinois 3, Michigan State 3

Kevin Muma kicks off. Kick sails into the end zone for a touchback.

Illinois ball on its own 20 with 6:47 remaining.

1^st and 10 Illinois from its own 20: Ford rushes to the 22.

2^nd and 8 Illinois from its own 22: Scheelhaase complete to Eddie McGee for no gain.

3rd and 8 Illinois from its own 22: Penalty on Michigan State. Pass interference called on Eric Gordon. Illinois first down at the 25.

1^st and 10 Illinois from its own 25: Scheelhaase pass complete to Leshoure. Leshoure tackled in the backfield at the 23.

2^nd and 12 Illinois from its own 23: Leshoure rushes to the 25.

3^rd and 10 Illinois from its own 25: Scheelhaase scrambles to the 38.

1^st and 10 Illinois from its own 38: Pollard rushes to the 41.

2^nd and 7 Illinois from its own 41: Penalty on Illinois. False start on the offense. 5 yard penalty repeat 2^nd down.

2^nd and 12 Illinois from its own 36: Leshoure rushes to the 43.

3^rd and 5 Illinois from its own 43: Scheelhaase pass complete to McGee at the Michigan State 47.

1^st and 10 Illinois from the Michigan State 47: Scheelhaase throws pass away.

2^nd and 10 Illinois from the Michigan State 47: Scheelhaase pass incomplete to Jenkins.

3^rd and 10 Illinois from the Michigan State 47: Leshoure rushes to the 44.

4^th and 7 Illinois from the Michigan State 44: Santella punts to the Michigan State 15. Martin fumbles punt. Illinois recovers.

1^st and 10 Illinois from the Michigan State 15: Scheelhaase sacked at the Michigan State 16.

2^nd and 11 Illinois from the Michigan State 16: Dimke makes 33 yard field goal.

Illinois 6, Michigan State 3

Dimke squib kicks to the 28, returned to the 38 as time expires.

Thoughts at the half:

The Illinois offense continues to struggle, but the defense has been incredible. Michigan State’s high-powered offense has been held to just 77 total yards and 3 points. Illinois has silenced the homecoming crowd again and carries the momentum into the half. Illinois must continue to use the momentum and run down the clock with its drives. Illinois will likely need to score a few touchdowns in the second half to keep the lead, but for now Illinois should be very happy with how it has played.

3^rd Quarter

Muma kicks off to start the second half. Pollard returns to the Illinois 20.

Illinois ball on its own 20 with 14:50 remaining

1^st and 10 Illinois from its own 20: Leshoure rushes to the 23.

2^nd and 7 Illinois from its own 23: Scheelhaase pass complete to Fayson at the Illinois 35.

1^st and 10 Illinois from its own 35: Leshoure rushes to the 38.

2^nd and 7 Illinois from its own 38: Scheelhaase throws pass away.

3^rd and 7 Illinois from its own 38: Scheelhaase pass intercepted by Johnny Adams at the 47. Adams returns pick to the Illinois 16.

Michigan State ball on the Illinois 16 with 13:06 remaining.

1^st and 10 Michigan State from the Illinois 16: Larry Caper tackled in the backfield at the 17.

2^nd and 11 Michigan State from the Illinois 17: Cousins pass thrown away.

3^rd and 11 Michigan State from the Illinois 17: Cousins pass incomplete to Dell.

4^th and 11 Michigan State from the Illinois 17: Conroy makes 34 yard field goal.

Illinois 6, Michigan State 6

Muma kicks off. Kick sails into the end zone for a touchback.

Illinois ball on its own 20 with 12:14 remaining.

1^st and 10 Illinois from its own 20: Leshoure rushes to the 27.

2^nd and 3 Illinois from its own 27: Ford rushes to the 29.

3^rd and 1 Illinois form its own 27: Leshoure rushes for no gain.

4^th and 1 Illinois from its own 27: Santella punts to the Michigan State 23. Fair catch.

Michigan State ball on its own 23 with 10:15 remaining.

1^st and 10 Michigan State from its own 23: Cousins pass complete to Linthicum at the Michigan State 37.

1^st and 10 Michigan State from its own 37: Martin rushes to the 49.

1^st and 10 Michigan State from its own 49: Martin rushes to the Illinois 48.

2^nd and 7 Michigan State from the Illinois 48: Cousins pass complete to BJ Cunningham for a touchdown.

Michigan State 12, Illinois 6

Conroy makes PAT.

Michigan State 13, Illinois 6

Muma kicks off. Kick sails into the end zone for a touchback.

Illinois ball on its own 20 with 8:26 remaining.

1^st and 10 Illinois on its own 20: Scheelhaase pass complete to Jenkins at the Illinois 27.

2^nd and 3 Illinois from its own 27: Leshoure rushes to the 39.

1^st and 10 Illinois from its own 39: Leshoure rushes to the 41.

2^nd and 8 Illinois from its own 41: Scheelhaase pass complete to Jenkins at the 19. Jenkins fumbles the ball. Fumble recovered by Michigan State at the Michigan State 17.

Michigan State ball on its own 17 with 6:32 remaining.

1^st and 10 Michigan State from its own 17: Bell rushes to the 21.

2^nd and 6 Michigan State from its own 21: Martin rushes to the 24.

3^rd and 3 Michigan State from its own 24: Cousins pass complete to Cunningham at the Michigan State 44.

1^st and 10 Michigan State from its own 44: Penalty called on Illinois. Roughing the passer. Michigan State gains 15 yards, automatic first down.

1^st and 10 Michigan State from the Illinois 41: Bell rushes to the 35.

2^nd and 4 Michigan State from the Illinois 35: Cousins pass complete to Nichol at the Illinois 30.

1^st and 10 Michigan State from the Illinois 30: Cousins pass complete to Bell at the Illinois 16.

1^st and 10 Michigan State from the Illinois 16: Cousins pass incomplete to Nichol.

2^nd and 10 Michigan State from the Illinois 16: Bell rushes to the 15.

3^rd and 9 Michigan State from the Illinois 15: Cousins pass incomplete to Dell.

4^th and 9 Michigan State from the Illinois 15: Conroy makes 32 yard field goal.

Michigan State 16, Illinois 6

Muma kicks off. Kick sails into the end zone for a touchback.

Illinois ball at its own 20 with 1:57 remaining.

1^st and 10 Illinois from its own 20: Leshoure rushes for no gain.

2^nd and 10 Illinois from its own 20: Scheelhaase pass incomplete to Leshoure.

3^rd and 10 Illinois from its own 20: Scheelhaase throws ball away.

4^th and 10 Illinois from its own 20: Santella punts to the Michigan State 41. Returned to the Illinois 46.

Michigan State ball on the Illinois 46 with 0:57 remaining.

1^st and 10 Michigan State from the Illinois 46: Caper rushes to the 43.

2^nd and 7 Michigan State from the Illinois 43: Caper rushes to the 36. Penalty on Illinois. Facemask on the defense. Ball moved to the 27. Automatic 1^st down.

Thoughts after the 3^rd quarter:

Illinois is in trouble. Michigan State has stolen all of Illinois’ momentum with 2 turnovers and some huge plays on offense. The Spartans have scored 13 unanswered points and are poised to score again. The Illinois defense has still been solid for the most part but the offensive turnovers are really hurting the Illini. Illinois needs a big stop here and a scoring drive to get back in this game or it could get ugly.

4^th Quarter

1st and 10 Michigan State from the Illinois 27: Bell tackled in the backfield at the 32.

2^nd and 15 Michigan State from the Illinois 32: Caper rushes to the 21.

3^rd and 4 Michigan State from the Illinois 21: Cousins pass complete to caper at the Illinois 9.

1^st and goal Michigan State from the Illinois 9: Caper rushes to the 7.

2^nd and goal Michigan State from the Illinois 7: Cousins throws pass away.

3^rd and goal Michigan State from the Illinois 7: Caper rushes to the 1.

4^th and goal Michigan State from the Illinois 1: Conroy makes 18 yard field goal.

Michigan State 19, Illinois 6

Muma kicks off to the Illinois 2. Pollard returns kick to the Illinois 28.

Illinois ball on its own 28 with 11:33 remaining.

1^st and 10 Illinois from its own 28: Leshoure rushes to the 32.

2^nd and 6 Illinois from its own 32: Leshoure rushes to the 35.

3^rd and 3 Illinois from its own 35: Scheelhaase pass complete to Fayson at the Illinois 42.

1^st and 10 Illinois from its own 42: Ford rushes to the Michigan State 49.

2^nd and 1 Illinois from to Michigan State 49: Penalty on Illinois. Holding on offensive line. Lose 10 yards, repeat 2^nd down.

2^nd and 11 Illinois from its own 41: Scheelhaase sacked at the 34.

3^rd and 18 Illinois from its own 34: Penalty on Michigan State. Pass interference. Automatic first down at the Illinois 49.

1^st and 10 Illinois from its own 49: Scheelhaase pass intercepted by Trenton Robinson at the Michigan State 33. Robinson returns pick to the Michigan State 47.

Michigan State ball on its own 47 with 7:41 remaining.

1st and 10 Michigan State on its own 47:  Baker rushes to the 49.

2^nd and 8 Michigan State from its own 49: Nichol rushes to the Illini 38.

1^st and 10 Michigan State from the Illinois 38: Baker rushes to the 36.

2^nd and 8 Michigan State from the Illinois 36: Baker rushes to the 34.

3^rd and 6 Michigan State from the Illinois 34: Cousins pass complete to Cunningham at the Illinois 19.

1^st and 10 Michigan State from the Illinois 19: Baker rushes to the 17.

2^nd and 2 Michigan State from the Illinois 17: Baker rushes to the 15.

3^rd and 6 Michigan State from the Illinois 15: Caper rushes 15 yards for a touchdown.

Michigan State 25, Illinois 6

Conroy makes PAT.

Michigan State 26, Illinois 6

Muma kicks off to the Illinois 8. Pollard returns to the Illinois 29.

Illinois ball on its own 29 with 2:35 remaining.

1^st and 10 Illinois from its own 29: Scheelhaase passes to Fayson at the Michigan State 44.

1^st and 10 Illinois from the Michigan State 44: Scheelhaase pass complete to Leshoure at the Michigan State 39.

2^nd and 5 Illinois from the Michigan State 39: Scheelhaase pass complete to Fayson at the Michigan State 32.

1^st and 10 Illinois from the Michigan State 32: Scheelhaase pass complete to Leshoure at the Michigan State 25.

2^nd and 3 Illinois from the Michigan State 25: Scheelhaase throws ball away.

3^rd and 3 Illinois from the Michigan State 25: Scheelhaase scrambles for no gain.

4^th and 3 Illinois from the Michigan State 25: Miles Osei scrambles to the 20.

1^st and 10 Illinois from the Michigan State 20: Osei sacked at the 24.

2^nd and 14 Illinois from the Michigan State 24: Penalty on Michigan State. Roughing the passer on the defense.  1^st down on the 6 yard line.

1^st and goal Illinois from the Michigan State 6: Osei sacked at the 16 yard line.

2^nd and goal Illinois from the Michigan State 16: Osei sacked at the 24 yard line.

End of Game.

Final Score: Michigan State 26, Illinois 6

Illinois had a disappointing second half as it saw a huge potential upset slip trough their fingers. However, Illinois can be proud of its first half play and holding the Spartans to their lowest point and yard total of the season.

Illinois got the road win it needed at Penn State so the team should not get too down on itself for the loss.

Check back on Monday for a complete recap of the game.

Until then, have a great weekend!