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.

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.

Michigan State football went on the road to Illinois on Saturday afternoon, dropping a game to the Illini, 38-16. The game was one that the Spartans could have had a better outcome, but things ultimately did not go the Spartans way on both sides of the ball.

The Michigan State Spartans suffered a major defeat to the Illinois Fighting Illini, 38-16, and Spartan Nation has some thoughts.