State News football beat writer Nathaniel Bott breaks down MSU’s game plan and what to expect from Illinois this Saturday, as well as lists injury updates and gives his prediction for the contest.
INJURY REPORT
MSU
OUT: QB Brian Lewerke (leg), LB Jon Reschke (ankle)
QUESTIONABLE: S Grayson Miller (Undisclosed), CB Vayante Copeland (Undisclosed), DB Demetrious Cox (Leg), DE Evan Jones (Undisclosed)
PROBABLE: LB Byron Bullough (Shoulder), QB Damion Terry (Undisclosed)
ILLINOIS
OUT: QB Chayce Crouch (Shoulder), DB Caleb Day (ACL), RB Dre Brown (ACL), WR Mike Dudek (ACL), WR Dominic Thieman (Leg)
QUESTIONABLE: QB Wes Lunt (Back), WR Malik Turner (Concussion), RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn (Leg), DB Cameron Watkins (Undisclosed), RB Austin Roberts (Knee)
PROBABLE: WR Desmond Cain (Knee)
WHAT TO EXPECT
MSU OFFENSE
With Lewerke out for the season with a broken tibia, fifth-year senior Tyler O’Connor and Terry will be battling for the starting position this week.