Illinois is already bowl eligible at 6-3 but has lost the past two games, against Oregon and Minnesota. Michigan State is on a two-game losing streak with losses to Michigan and Indiana to drop below .

Illinois is 6-3 and fell out of the top 25 after a home loss to Minnesota on Nov. 2. The Fighting Illini's 3-3 record in Big Ten play puts them one game up on Michigan State, who sits at 2-4 in a crowded middle of the conference. This is a prime opportunity for Michigan State to steal one on the road in its quest for a bowl berth.