Michigan State football clawed back from a brutal 17-point deficit on Saturday afternoon, fighting like hell to force overtime against Illinois, only to fall agonizingly short on a two-point conversion and lose 38-37. It was a gut punch, no doubt, but the message from the Spartans’ locker room after the game was clear: this team is far from broken. Defenders Kenny Soares Jr. and Eli Coenen spoke out, not only dissecting the game but staunchly defending their head coach.
No Moral Victories, Just Opportunities Ahead
Soares Jr. didn’t mince words after the heartbreaking defeat. “At the end of the day, it’s a loss. There’s no moral victories over here,” he stated. That’s the kind of mentality you need when things don’t go your way, right? He quickly shifted focus, reminding everyone, “We got six more games, six more opportunities. That’s the way I see it.” That’s the mindset of a team that isn’t throwing in the towel. Soares Jr. also made it clear what kind of teammates they demand: “We don’t want to play with people who put their head down when they’re losing.” Meanwhile, Coenen chimed in with a strong message for the younger players on the squad, especially given that “a lot of guys” had gone down. “You have to prepare like a starter,” he emphasized. It’s all about stepping up when your number is called, no excuses.
“They Punched Us, We Respond” and Undying Loyalty
The game itself was a battle, and Soares Jr. acknowledged it head-on. “They came out and they punched us. We just got to be able to respond.” And respond they did, forcing that overtime. But the real headline after the game was the unwavering support for their head coach. Coenen kept it simple and powerful: “I trust our head coach. That’s all I can say.” Soares Jr. doubled down on that sentiment, declaring, “I got coach’s back ten-fold.” He even spoke about the long-standing trust he has, recalling a specific moment: “I’ve known coach Fitz for a very long time, the fire you saw? (After the onside kick) That is why I’m back here with him.” That’s a serious vote of confidence from a leader on the field.
So, the Spartans lost in a thriller, giving up a 17-point comeback only to lose it on the final play. But with six more games on the schedule, it’s clear this team, and especially its defense, is still looking forward. They’re ready to get back to work.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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