Week 7: Michigan State Hands Illinois Its First Loss
Jarin Mock accounts for four touchdowns as the Spartans improve to 5-2 with their second consecutive victory.
EAST LANSING, MI — Michigan State defeated Illinois 41-31 on Saturday, handing the Fighting Illini their first loss of the season. Sophomore quarterback Jarin Mock accounted for four touchdowns to lead the Spartans to their second consecutive victory.
Mock completed 71.4% of his passes for 293 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He also rushed for 32 yards and two scores, continuing a consistent season in which he had thrown at least two touchdown passes in every game.
Michigan State's leading receiver, Terry Bourne, remained Mock's primary target, finishing with 89 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Illinois quarterback Quincy Bellows delivered a strong performance despite the loss, rushing for 100 yards and two touchdowns on eight carries. His 12.5 yards per carry highlighted his effectiveness on the ground. Receiver Nas Rankin added 47 receiving yards and two touchdowns, but Illinois could not keep pace with the Spartans.
MEDIA RANKINGS TOP 10
- Ohio State (5-1)
- Miami (6-1)
- Boise State (6-0)
- USC (5-1)
- BYU (5-1)
- Tennessee (4-2)
- Alabama (4-2)
- Memphis (6-1)
- Northwestern (4-2)
- Georgia (5-1)
The loss dropped Illinois to 5-1 and marked the first defeat of the season for coach Lashlee and the Fighting Illini. Illinois had also allowed more points over its previous two games than it had in its first four contests combined.
“Nobody goes undefeated by accident, and nobody stays down after one loss unless they choose to.” Lashlee said after the game.
Michigan State improved to 5-2 with back-to-back victories as Big Ten play continued.
Illinois will host Rutgers at 6 p.m. Saturday, while Michigan State will face conference opponent Iowa at 12:30 p.m.
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