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.

Michigan State senior wide receiver Montorie Foster Jr. did what he could to try to keep the Spartans in the game on Saturday, but ultimately, they were unable to go the distance with the Illini.

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.