Wednesday, January 7, 2026

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Sports | Football

FOOTBALL

Dantonio previews Rutgers, addresses team concerns

MSU head coach Mark Dantonio took the podium on Tuesday in what he described as a “broken record” as the team has yet to improve upon the things he has consistently talked about during the Spartans seven game losing streak. The offense against Illinois was only able to generate nine points in their first six possessions, all which found their way into Illinois territory.

FOOTBALL

HALFTIME: MSU trails Illinois 7-6 despite defensive performance

The MSU football team (2-6, 0-5 Big Ten) traveled to Champaign, Ill. to battle the Illinois Fighting Illini (2-6, 1-4). The Spartans are still in search of their first conference win, and despite coming into the game with some confidence, trail the Illini 7-6 at the break. Illinois was able to get on the scoreboard with just 14 seconds left in the half following an 11-play, 73 yard drive capped off by a 19-yard touchdown run from Kendrick Foster. MSU had two drives successful scoring drives in the first half, but couldn’t find their way to the end zone.

FOOTBALL

VIDEO: Post-game analysis of No. 2 U-M at MSU

The State News football beat writers break down MSU's 32-23 loss to No. 2 U-M.