Then-freshman wide receiver Julian Barnett (2) runs upfield during the game against Illinois on Nov. 9, 2019, at Spartan Stadium.
Michigan State lost its fourth straight game this afternoon to Illinois, 37-34. After scoring 27 points in the fourth quarter alone, Illinois had a monumental comeback. Although the game showcased the Spartans' inability to finish plays and not turn the ball over, it also highlighted some fresh young talent.
"I thought our guys played pretty well, our younger players, in a big moment," Head Coach Mark Dantonio said.
Holes in the MSU roster opened doors for inexperienced players to step up. Due to several players out with injuries like senior Darrell Stewart and sophomore wide receivers C.J. Hayes and Jalen Nailor, the Spartans had to give rookies the opportunity to step up.
“We’ve got good players,” Dantonio said at last Tuesday’s press conference. “Though they are young, those players now have an opportunity to step up and play and that's exciting. Sort of sets the tone.”
The tone was energetic, at least in the first half. After an 18 yard push down the field, quarterback Brian Lewerke was able to connect on a pass to Tre Mosley for his first Spartan touchdown. Mosely, a wide receiver and true freshman, ended the evening with three receptions for 32 yards.
“Coming into this week, I knew (Mosley) was going to be a big piece,” Lewerke said.
Although not up against a top-ten team, Michigan State's offense showed potential. With nationally ranked wide receiver Stewart out with an injury, freshman running back Elijah Collins grabbed the spotlight.
Collins was able to find holes in the Fighting Illini defense and abuse the flaws in their line. He ended the game with two touchdowns and 170 rushing yards.
“We were moving the ball really well, running it, passing it well," Lewerke said.
Freshmen players like running backs Anthony Williams Jr., Brandon Wright and Julian Barnett were able to capitalize on their increase in playing time. Williams, freshman running back, and an Illinois native snagged his first appearance and finished the night with 19 rushing yards.
The Spartans were also down a captain in middle linebacker Joe Bachie. Bachie was recently suspended after testing positive for performance enhancing drugs. In his place, sophomore Noah Harvey make his mark today. He provided the team with momentous stops that helped the Spartans stay in the game. But his nine tackles, three solos and 1.5 sacks were not enough.
“I was proud of all our linebackers,” senior linebacker Raequan Williams said. “I feel like all of them stepped up.”
Looking ahead, Michigan State will take on its rival, Michigan, in Ann Arbor next Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for noon.
“How strong are we?” Lewerke said. “Are we going to back down and let our situation affect us, or are we going to rise up?”
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