The No. 13 Spartans (6-0 overall, 2-0 Big Ten) will offer a much tougher challenge to the Fighting Illini than Penn State. The Spartans rank in the top 40 in several statistical categories, but the upset-minded Fighting Illinihave surprised many.

Their passing game ranks 114th nationally, but the 19th-rated running game has kept them in games.

Illinois’ losses against No. 1 Ohio State and Missouri were both nail-biters, and it appears the Fighting Illini (3-2, 1-1) possess a legitimate chance at making a bowl game and finishing in the upper part of the Big Ten this year.

The Spartans are looking to start 7-0 for the first time since 1966.

Here are four key matchups in Saturday’s game …

Illinois running back Mikel Leshoure vs. MSU front seven

After back-to-back stout performances against good rushing offenses in No. 18 Wisconsin and Michigan, MSU would appear to be ready for whatever rushing attack came at it.

However, the Fighting Illini have put up very good numbers the past two weeks against the Buckeyes and Nittany Lions, totaling 401 yards in the two games.

Leshoure has averaged more than 4 yards per carry in all five games and has gone for more than 100 yards in every game except the loss against Ohio State. He possesses good size for a running back and is difficult to bring down.

This will be another test for senior linebacker Greg Jones and the MSU defense, but after bringing down John Clay and Denard Robinson the past two weeks, the Spartans are hard to pick against.
Edge: Even

MSU quarterback Kirk Cousins vs. Illinois pass defense

The Fighting Illini are giving up only 187.8 yards per game in the air, which is better than most of the opponents MSU has faced.

Illinois’ defense will be prepared for the Spartans’ balanced attack, as its run defense has held opponents to 117.0 yards per game.

The Fighting Illini have taken a step in the right direction from improving last year’s total defense that gave up 403.2 yards per game.

This year they rank 21st in scoring defense, allowing just 17.0 points per game. Linebacker Martez Wilson is their leading tackler with 46 tackles and two sacks.

The junior quarterback Cousins is coming off one of his top performances of the season, going 18-for-25 for 284 yards and a touchdown in a 34-17 win against Michigan.

MSU will use its depth at the receiver positions — six different receivers and two running backs caught passes in last week’s win — in this matchup.
Edge: MSU

MSU coaching staff vs. Illinois head coach Ron Zook

Dantonio and his staff have called excellent games the past two weeks, and coordinators Pat Narduzzi and Don Treadwell have won National Coordinator of the Week honors from Rivals.com for their respective roles in wins against U-M and Wisconsin.

Dantonio said he was unsure if he’d be on the sidelines against the Fighting Illini.

Illinois has fought hard in every game this year, finally earning a big win against Penn State.

It’s hard to see who has the edge here, but expect Dantonio to stress to his team the dangers in looking ahead and Zook likely will be aggressive with a real opportunity for an upset.
Edge: Even

Illinois quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase vs. MSU pass defense

Not having senior cornerback Chris L. Rucker, who is suspended for the game because of an OWI charge, will test a defensive backfield that has risen to the occasion this year.

The secondary hasn’t been just respectable, it’s been surprisingly good as MSU’s held Wisconsin and U-M to an average of 171 net yards per game through the air.

Scheelhaase, who has rushed for 60 or more yards in three games, is a dual-threat, but the MSU defense is not allowing big plays right now.
Edge: MSU