From the get-go, Illinois and its offense controlled the game. Its ability to methodically roll down the field on multiple possessions kept the Spartans defense on the field. 

The longer a defense stays on the field, the more tired it gets. This is what Illinois was able to do to MSU, winning the time of possession battle with 31 minutes eclipsed and 369 total yards. 

The Illini went 8-for-15 on third-down conversions, extending drives which resulted in shifted momentum. 

While Illinois saw success on third downs, the Spartans struggled to fight back, going 2-for-14 on third-down conversions. When a team averages eight yards per third down like the Spartans did, it's hard to find success. 

On these third downs, MSU quarterback Aidan Chiles went 4-for-10 with only 21 yards to show for it. Chiles finished the night 23-for-40 with 256 yards and two touchdowns. He was also MSU's leader in rushing yards with 40. 

For the Spartans as a whole, complementary football could not be found at Memorial Field. Whether on offense, defense or special teams, a night of mistakes and missed opportunities plagued the green and white. 

MSU's struggle with penalties earlier in the season resurfaced Saturday. The Spartans totaled seven penalties for a loss of 73 yards. 

One of the bigger penalties of the day came early in the game on third down. On a third and four for MSU, an 11-yard pitch and catch from Chiles to wide receiver freshman Aziah Johnson was eliminated due to an offensive pass interference committed by freshman wide receiver Nick Marsh.

Instead of moving the chains and keeping the drive rolling, the Spartans had to punt the football after failing to convert a third and 17. 

Along with penalties, defensive miscommunications in the secondary let Illinois' passing game flourish. 

Some of these miscommunications were attributed to MSU defensive injuries. With starting cornerback Charles Brantley and safety Malik Spencer ruled out ahead of Saturday’s matchup, the Spartans had to rely on younger, more inexperienced faces to cover Illini wideouts. 

MSU gave up five plays through the air that resulted in 15 or more yards. To finish the game, Illinois junior quarterback Luke Altmyer went 19-for-32 with 231 and two touchdowns. His favorite target on the night – one the Spartans couldn't contain – was Illini wide receiver Pat Bryant, who reeled in four catches for 135 yards and one touchdown. 

The last time the Spartans suffered a losing streak to this magnitude, a bye week was the answer. This time around it, an off week didn't make a difference as the Spartans took a step backwards. 

Now on the fringe of being eliminated from bowl contention, the Spartans face Purdue on Nov. 22 and Rutgers on Nov. 30. Both will be played at Spartan Stadium.