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Illinois Seniors Lead the Way in Senior Day Victory Over Michigan State

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois Football’s senior players shone brightly during their Senior Day celebration, propelling the team to a 38-16 win over Michigan State. The victory improves Illinois to 7-3 (4-3 Big Ten), placing the program two wins away from its first nine-win season since 2007. Meanwhile, the Spartans (4-6, 2-5 Big Ten) face an uphill battle to achieve bowl eligibility.

On a chilly, overcast afternoon, Illinois’ offense started hot, scoring touchdowns on two of its first three drives. However, consistency wavered as they punted on four of their next six possessions. Offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr.’s unit showed flashes of brilliance but struggled to maintain momentum, with five drives totaling just four plays.

Head coach Bret Bielema emphasized core principles like field position, time of possession, and winning at the line of scrimmage—hallmarks of his tenure. His strategy paid dividends, with Michigan State managing only six plays in Illinois territory during the first half. Sophomore quarterback Aidan Chiles’ rushing ability kept the Spartans competitive, but Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer delivered with 145 passing yards in the first half, including a 57-yard touchdown to senior receiver Pat Bryant.

Bryant’s impressive day featured four catches for 135 yards and a score, while fellow senior Zakhari Franklin also contributed a toe-tapping four-yard touchdown catch. Bielema, who has a history of grooming NFL talent, praised Bryant’s versatility and intelligence, encouraging scouts to take note.

Defensively, Illinois’ seniors stepped up as well. Alec Bryant and Seth Coleman combined for nine tackles, with the defense sacking Chiles five times for 31 yards. Coleman reflected on his growth since his freshman year, expressing pride in the strides he has made in learning the game.

Non-seniors also played key roles, with junior running back Josh McCray scoring twice and sophomore defensive backs Mac Resetich and Matthew Bailey tallying a combined 11 tackles. The defense sealed the game by stifling Michigan State’s final drives, setting up the offense to run out the clock.

After the game, Bielema remained focused on incremental progress rather than broader milestones. “Our expectation is to try and go 1-0 every week,” he said, emphasizing the team’s commitment to steady improvement.

Next Up:
Illinois travels to Piscataway, New Jersey, to face Rutgers (5-4, 2-4 Big Ten) next week. The game kicks off at 11 a.m. and will be broadcast on Peacock.