It was a game that wasn't supposed to be close.
MSU was expected to put up big offensive numbers against Illinois Saturday, answering any questions about the lingering effects of the Notre Dame collapse.
But after a disappointing 23-20 loss, the Spartans failed to respond to that question and raised many more about an offense that put up just 259 total yards.
"We should be able to put up 40 points on Illinois," senior center Kyle Cook said. "We just did not get it done as an offense."
The Spartans struggled to get into a rhythm in both the running and passing games. They came into the game averaging more than 255 yards on the ground, but were held to just 82 yards on 32 attempts Saturday.
"We just didn't execute, and that's the biggest thing," said junior running back Jehuu Caulcrick, who had 13 carries for 35 yards. "We didn't do what we're coached to do."
Much of the trouble could be attributed to an injury-filled offensive line that struggled to open holes and protect the quarterback. The Spartans were forced to start third-string left guard Daniel Zynn for the second straight game because of injuries to starter Pete Clifford and backup Kenny Shane. But when Zynn injured his ankle in the first quarter, MSU was forced to bring in Clifford, who's not fully recovered from a knee injury.
Because Clifford wasn't 100 percent, Cook eventually shifted to left guard and backup John Masters came in at center.
The patchwork offensive line failed to protect senior quarterback Drew Stanton, who was sacked five times — more sacks than Illinois had in its first four games combined. MSU's vertical passing game also was almost nonexistent as a result of defensive pressure. Stanton failed to throw a touchdown pass for the first time since 2004, and his longest completion was a 21-yard pass to freshman wide receiver T.J. Williams.
Outside of a 21-yard run, Stanton was able to rush for just 13 yards on 12 carries.
"It's the worst loss for us because look at the offense — we didn't do anything," Cook said.
The Spartans must now recover to face No. 6 Michigan on Saturday, and they might have to do so without some of their best offensive weapons.
Stanton left the game midway through the fourth quarter with an apparent rib injury after trying to recover his own fumble. Sophomore running back Javon Ringer had just one carry before sustaining a right knee injury after catching a pass. Neither player returned to the game. Senior wide receiver Matt Trannon suffered a hamstring injury earlier in the week and was used sparingly.
Head coach John L. Smith was unsure of each player's condition after the game, but said more should be known at today's press conference.
"That hurt us, losing those guys," head coach Smith said. "But we still have to play better than that."
Adding insult to injury
Illinois' post-game celebration Saturday probably looked very familiar to the Spartans. After the game ended, several Illinois players tried to run their flag to midfield and plant it on the Spartan "S."
After its 44-41 win in South Bend, Ind., last year, MSU players did a similar thing to Notre Dame's turf. Despite that, some Spartans took offense to the Illini's celebration, and some pushing and shoving ensued. Punches were thrown before the teams were separated.
"It's part of learning how to win," Illinois coach Ron Zook said. "You have to act like you've been there before."
While most MSU players were quick to dismiss the incident or say they were defending their home field, junior linebacker Kaleb Thornhill had a different answer.
"They won, and whatever they do, we can't control," he said. "We have to control the game so that doesn't happen."
