- Matchup: Illinois Fighting Illini vs Michigan State Spartans
- Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
- Venue: Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI
- Broadcast: FS1
- Betting Odds: Spartans (+2.5)
- Over-Under Total: 49
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The Michigan State Spartans (2-3) are set to face off against the Illinois Fighting Illini (2-3) at Spartan Stadium on Saturday, October 10, 2026. The Spartans begin as 2.5-point underdogs according to betting lines, with the total set at 49 points.
The Illinois Fighting Illini enter this contest with a current season record of 2-3. In their most recent game, they fell short against the Purdue Boilermakers, losing 24-17. The Fighting Illini executed 27 rushing plays, gaining 120 yards at an average of 4.4 yards per attempt. Overall, they ran 64 plays for a total of 345 yards. On defense, they allowed 18 completions on 27 attempts, yielding 255 passing yards with a completion rate of 66.7%. Against the run, they gave up 90 yards on 33 carries, averaging 2.7 yards per attempt.
Defensively, the Fighting Illini rank 95th in the nation, allowing 26.0 points per game. Opponents average 3.6 yards per carry, totaling 126.8 rushing yards per game against them. Overall, they’ve relinquished 634 rushing yards over 5 games. In terms of passing yards, Illinois has surrendered 1,275 yards, ranking 116th nationally, with an average of 255.0 passing yards allowed per game and a completion percentage of 63.3%. This season, they have yielded an average of 381.8 total yards per game, placing them 99th in Division 1, allowing 10 passing touchdowns and 5 rushing touchdowns.
The Michigan State Spartans arrive at this matchup also holding a 2-3 record for the season. In their latest contest, they suffered a significant defeat to the Wisconsin Badgers, losing 31-3. The Spartans allowed 42 rushing attempts totaling 228 yards (5.4 yards per carry). In passing defense, Michigan State permitted a 45.0% completion rate, yielding 145 yards on 9 of 20 passing attempts. Offensively, they managed 235 yards on 79 plays, averaging 3.0 yards per play, and gained 127 rushing yards on 45 attempts, averaging 2.8 yards per carry.
The Michigan State Spartans average 305.6 total yards per game, ranking 126th in the country. They have accumulated 170 yards in penalties from 16 infractions, ranking 136th in the nation for penalties. The Spartans average 123.6 rushing yards per game, totaling 618 rushing yards this season. They have thrown 4 interceptions and lost 2 fumbles, while earning 102 first downs. They currently sit at 125th in scoring with an average of 18.2 points per game, having thrown for 910 yards and averaging 182.0 passing yards per game, ranking 110th in college football.
Defensively, the Spartans are allowing 23.2 points per game, positioning them 66th in Division 1. They have given up a total of 724 rushing yards (144.8 yards per contest) and 8 rushing touchdowns this season. In the passing game, they’ve allowed 7 touchdowns and 181.0 yards per game, ranking 38th in Division 1. The Spartans’ defense has participated in 290 plays, which ranks 41st nationally. This season, they have one fumble recovery and one interception, having conceded a total of 116 points.
Who will emerge victorious in tonight’s Fighting Illini vs. Spartans game against the spread?
Recommendation: Bet on the Fighting Illini -2.5
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