Game 10: Illinois Football vs. Michigan State Spartans (Win – 38-17)
The homestretch of the 2024 campaign is going to be vitally important to whether or not Illinois makes a bowl game. Having Michigan State on the schedule at home is always a positive.
Pros
Michigan State was not a good team in 2023. They floundered to four wins, and they only return 60% of the production this season. On top of that, their starting quarterback has departed.
Luke Altmyer should be able to do some damage against Michigan State this season. They averaged giving up 248.7 yards per game through the air last season, which ranked No. 98 in the country. Look for Altmyer to have multiple touchdown passes.
The Spartans don’t have much in the way of a running game either. While Illinois’ defensive line is new, Michigan State running back Nate Carter didn’t get much going on the ground in 2023. He had 798 yards and four touchdowns but only averaged 4.3 yards per carry.
Cons
While there is a quarterback change at the top, this could end up being a good thing for Michigan State. Oregon State transfer Aidan Chiles is now the starter for the Spartans.
Chiles has thrown for 309 yards and four touchdowns in his career. He is a former four-star quarterback, so there is potential for Michigan State. The unknown is scary for the Illini.
Michigan State did hit the reload button too. While they only return 60% of the production from 2023, the Spartans went out and landed the No. 12 transfer portal recruiting class. That should give them a boost on the field.
Final
Michigan State has some nice new pieces, but they are still lacking defensively. I think Illinois can take advantage of a below-average Spartans defensive squad.
I fully expect this game to be one of the highlights of Altmyer’s season. He should be able to put up big numbers in a big conference win.