Mark Dantonio reacts to Michigan State's incredible collapse to Illinois in a 37-34 loss at Spartan Stadium, Nov. 9, 2019. Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press
EAST LANSING — There was no Joe Bachie. At the end, there was no Josiah Scott.
Yet Michigan State’s defensive collapse Saturday — allowing 27 fourth-quarter points in a 37-34 loss to Illinois — follows the same pattern that has plagued the once-vaunted unit for the past two seasons.
The Spartans’ offense fails to move the ball in final 15 minutes. Their defense wears down as the production withers. Only this time against the Illini, turnovers on offense, busted coverages on defense and pass interference penalties on both sides exacerbated the issues further.