EAST LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Snapping #16 Illinois’ six-game win streak and earning their first win over a ranked team this season, Michigan State received a boost of confidence in the 23-15 victory. The win was also the first road win of the year for MSU.

In a blustery day in Champaign, Ill., it was the defense that guided the Spartans. They stopped the Illini five times on fourth down in the game including a fourth-and-goal stand in the first quarter that became a big difference in the game. Three of the fourth down stops came in the red zone.

“I am really proud of the way our guys played today. Not just the way we played but also the way they prepared throughout the week. They were just very focused, very confident. Just very intentional and deliberate about everything we did this week in our preparation,” said head coach Mel Tucker.

Ameer Speed recorded a career-high 12 tackles as the defense continued to be the best in the nation with forced fumbles with one on the day. The defense also registered nine tackles for loss tying the most in a Big Ten game this season.

Tucker says, “I give Scottie and our defensive staff a lot of credit for continuing to develop our defensive players. Working through injuries, we have a next man up mentality. We continue to build on that every week. Next man up has been much needed. It’s been quite a bit different starting combinations and credit to our players for continuing to work to get better every day. Defensively, we’re playing at a high enough level to win.”

The offense produced 441 yards as Payton Thorne threw from 182 yards and one touchdown. Jalen Berger had 81 yards rushing and Jarek Broussard posted a rushing touchdown.

Illinois scored first and controlled the first quarter. With 8:03 on the clock, Tommy Devito had a 60-yard pass to Isaiah Williams for the 7-0 lead. Ben Patton then hit a 21-yard field goal to make it 7-3. Thorne collected a touchdown pass to Tre Mosley from just one yard out with 10:21 in the second quarter for a 9-7 lead.

MSU added 14 points in the third quarter on a Broussard 11-yard run and then a Jayden Reed 16-yard reception to go up 23-7. Illinois scored to start the fourth quarter pulling within eight. On their next drive, they went to the MSU 20-yard line where the Spartans stopped a fourth-and-two to end a threat for the tying touchdown. Illinois had one last chance to tie the game driving to the MSU 27-yard line with under a minute to play. The MSU defense came through again forcing a fumble at the 25-yard line to end the game.

The Spartans will host Rutgers on Saturday at 12:00 p.m. on the Big Ten Network.