Photo: Ron Johnson ~ IMAGN IMAGES
EAST LANSING, November 16, 2024 ~ Michigan State football (4-6) fell 38-16 on the road against Illinois (7-3) Saturday afternoon. Even though sophomore quarterback Aidan Chiles had a rather clean game for the Spartans, committing no turnovers, the offense was not able to keep up with the Fighting Illini’s five total touchdowns.
A 50-yard penalty differential between the two teams in favor of the Illini kept MSU at bay on multiple drives. Michigan State also was not able to convert efficiently on third down, only recording two first downs out of 15 opportunities.
On the positive side for the green and white offense, sophomore wide receiver Aziah Johnson and redshirt junior running back Nate Carter scored their touchdowns through the air for the only six point scores of the afternoon. The first touchdown to Johnson, going for more than 50 yards, marked the second longest of the season for the team.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
AIDAN TO AZ FOR SIX @ai6an_ x @AziahJohnson_1 pic.twitter.com/LtrgRvX0r0
— Michigan State Football (@MSU_Football) November 16, 2024
(CONTINUED) Sixth year kicker Jonathan Kim continued his strong year, drilling a 38-yard field goal for his 18th of the season.
For the sixth week in the row, the Michigan State defense failed to record a sack, keeping up the longest streak in the FBS since 2005. The failure to record pressure opened up multiple deep throws leading to momentum shifting plays for the Big Ten opponent.
MSU will head back to East Lansing for a Friday night matchup against Purdue, who is still winless in the conference. The Spartans will look to break their second three loss streak of the year to help push them closer to bowl eligibility against the Boilermakers.
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