CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — In a compelling performance, Josh McCray scored three touchdowns and Luke Altmyer contributed with two touchdown passes, helping Illinois secure a 38-16 victory against Michigan State on Saturday.
McCray showcased his skills with nine rushes for 61 yards, while Altmyer completed 19 of his 32 attempts for a total of 231 yards. Pat Bryant also made a significant impact, achieving a career-high 135 yards with four receptions, including a touchdown, in what was his final game at home for the Illini (7-3, 4-3 Big Ten), effectively ending their two-game losing streak.
For Michigan State (4-6, 2-5), Aidan Chiles completed 23 of 40 passes for 256 yards and two touchdowns. His targets, Aziah Johnson and Nate Carter, each caught touchdown passes, but the Spartans continued to struggle, having lost six of their last seven games. Notably, Michigan State has now gone five games without securing a sack, while Illinois managed to bring down Chiles five times.
The Illini made their mark at home this season, boasting a 6-1 record—this is the first occasion since 2001 that they have achieved six home wins in a season, a year that culminated in their Big Ten championship and appearance in the 2002 Sugar Bowl.
After trailing 21-9 at halftime, Michigan State fought back to close the gap to 21-16, thanks to a 5-yard passing touchdown from Chiles to Carter. Nonetheless, Illinois responded effectively when David Alano kicked a 37-yard field goal in the third quarter. McCray later added two 1-yard rushing touchdowns in the final quarter.
Earlier in the game, Altmyer connected with Bryant on a 57-yard touchdown pass, and also found Zakhari Franklin for a 4-yard touchdown. McCray had opened the scoring for Illinois with an 11-yard run in the first half. Bryant’s eighth touchdown reception of the season marked both a personal best length for his catch and for Altmyer in terms of pass completion.
The Spartans managed to score first, with a 52-yard touchdown pass from Chiles to Johnson in the opening quarter, followed by a 38-yard field goal from Jonathan Kim just before halftime. Significantly, this was the first missed PAT of Kim’s collegiate career, having gone a perfect 3 for 3 at North Carolina and hitting 34 of 35 attempts at Michigan State.
For Illinois, their upcoming schedule sees them heading on the road to face Rutgers and Northwestern in their remaining regular-season games. They currently sit at 1-2 when playing away from home, having faced ranked opponents in all three contests. Securing victories in both remaining matches could lead Illinois to finish with a strong 9-3 record and potentially earn a spot in a major bowl game.
On the other hand, Michigan State’s pathway to bowl eligibility is narrow. Under new head coach Jonathan Smith, the Spartans must win both of their upcoming regular-season matches against Purdue and Rutgers, both set to be played at home.
Looking ahead, Illinois prepares to take on Rutgers next Saturday, while Michigan State will host Purdue on Friday.