0:33 2Q: Illinois' final drive of the first half came to a halt at the Michigan State 34, forcing the Illini to go for it on fourth down and long instead of attempting a 50-yard field goal into the strong wind. The Spartans ran out the clock to take the halftime lead.
5:30 2Q: MSU's offense couldn't get anything going after a sack put them behind the chains early. Bryce Baringer had a 69-yard punt to back Illinois up inside its own 10-yard line.
7:19 2Q: Xavier Henderson, the captain and heart of the defense, came through in a massive way and forced a fumble with a big hit to stop an Illinois drive.