The 18-yard touchdown pass from Scott to Stanton gave MSU a rare commanding lead early in the game. On the extra point try, sophomore punter and holder Brandon Fields fumbled the snap, which led to a safety. The Spartans led, 13-2, with about four minutes left in the first quarter.

MSU's 13 first-quarter points were the most points it has scored in the opening quarter this season. The Spartans' early lead proved valuable when Illinois closed the gap later in the game. Ultimately, MSU prevailed for the 38-25 win.

The decision to call the trick play showed the coaches' determination to get the team out to a fast start, Scott said. MSU did not score any first-quarter points in the two games before it played Illinois. MSU beat Indiana after getting shut out in the first quarter but lost to Iowa after falling behind, 14-0, in the first.

"All the other games we came out real slow," Scott said. "That's one of the reasons why we lost all those other games, so we knew we had to come out fast."

Scott's trickery didn't end with his pass to Stanton. He passed to junior tight end Ryan Woods on a similar play in the second quarter. Scott again lined up in the backfield before the snap, took the pitch from Stanton and looked to pass. The pass to Woods connected for 17 yards.

Scott finished 2-of-2 passing for 35 yards and the touchdown. The sophomore had never thrown a pass in college before Saturday, but said he threw two touchdowns in high school on halfback option plays.

MSU began working on the Scott-to-Stanton play in the most recent week of practice, Scott said.

When junior running back Jason Teague had trouble making the throw, the coaches approached Scott.

"I tried it out, I was good, so they kept me back there," Scott said.

The trick plays were only one way MSU kept Illinois' defense off-balance on its way to 487 yards of total offense.

Stanton didn't match the gaudy rushing numbers he posted the last two games, but he was a threat to run and finished with 37 rushing yards to go with 199 passing yards and three touchdown passes.

Stanton and the Spartans' running-back-by-committee attack rushed for 253 yards. Each back used his unique style to carve up the Fighting Illini's defense.

Teague's combination of determination and agility kept the ball moving early, senior DeAndra Cobb used his speed to outrun defenders, and redshirt freshman Jehuu Caulcrick got the bulk of his carries in the fourth quarter. Caulcrick ate up yards and clock time with his power running to seal the win. Cobb led the team in rushing, with 93 yards and a touchdown.

MSU's receivers cured their case of the drops for at least one game. Against Iowa, MSU head coach John L. Smith estimated eight or nine drops. MSU didn't drop a pass on Saturday and 11 players caught at least one pass.

"They've got a lot of weapons. We knew that coming in," Illinois head coach Ron Turner said.

"Since they put Stanton in at quarterback, they've settled in on what they want to do. He's given them a huge boost of confidence."