The ESPN SP+ model just dropped its prediction for Michigan State versus Illinois, and it ain’t pretty for the Spartans. Bill Connelly’s weekly projections are out, and the model has Illinois beating Michigan State by a final score of 30-24. If that holds, Michigan State’s season is essentially done, and frankly, that’s a tough pill to swallow for anyone hoping for a turnaround.
Spartans Are in a Death Spiral, and the Computers Agree
Seriously, where do you even begin with Michigan State right now? This is a must-win game for them, a homecoming matchup, no less, and the computers are saying they’re gonna choke it away. The Spartans are sitting at a dismal 2-3 overall, and worse, they’re 0-2 in Big Ten play. We’ve seen them drop three straight, and get this, all of those losses were by more than 17 points! That’s not just losing, that’s getting absolutely pummeled. If they lose to Illinois, the talk of reaching a bowl game is pretty much dead in the water. That’s a brutal reality for a team that desperately needs a win.
Illinois Isn’t Exactly Flying High Either, But They’re Favored
Now, Illinois isn’t exactly lighting the world on fire either. They’re in the same boat as Michigan State, 2-3 overall and 0-2 in Big Ten play. The Fighting Illini even got upset by Purdue last week. They’re chasing their first conference win, just like MSU. So, it’s not like Michigan State is facing a juggernaut. That said, the analyst’s take on the SP+ prediction suggests a six-point Illinois victory “seems about right” based on what we’ve seen lately. The one real question mark for the SP+, according to Connelly, is whether Michigan State’s offense can actually manage to put up 24 points, even against what’s described as a “rather bad Illinois defense.” That’s a rough assessment of your offense, man.
This critical matchup kicks off Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET from Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich. You can catch all the action on FS1. Can Michigan State defy the odds and prove the computers wrong, or is the SP+ model about to deliver the final nail in their bowl game coffin? It’s do or die for the Spartans.
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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