CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Tyler O’Connor was knocked out of the game. LJ Scott fumbled and was benched. Miguel Machado and Thiyo Lukusa played musical chairs at right tackle.
Malik McDowell left the game with a foot injury. Montae Nicholson didn’t play. Vayante Copeland stayed home.
Michigan State was reeling. In a bad way. Its defense drained, its offense flailing.
Damion Terry entered at quarterback and nearly end the Spartans’ misery.
Then cornerback Tyson Smith committed two pass interference penalties and linebacker Chris Frey blew coverage as Illinois’ Jeff George Jr. threw an 16-yard touchdown pass to Sam Mays with 1:35 to play.