It has been a little while since the Spartans crossed over to play Big Ten West opponent Illinois. The last meeting between the two schools was three years ago, with another three year gap in between the last matchup. So here are some things to know about MSU’s next opponent.
School: University of Illinois
Nickname: Fighting Illini
Conference: Big Ten (West Division)
Location: Urbana and Champaign, Illinois
Head Coach: Lovie Smith (4th season)
Record: 5-4 (3-3 in Big Ten)
Mascot: None (Formerly Chief Illiniwek)
All-Time Series: MSU leads 26-18-2, Illinois won last meeting
Lovie Smith is in the midst of a nice little run right now, one that might ultimately save his job, or at least keep him off the hot seat for a little while longer.