The Illini finished 6-1 at home. It's the first time they've won six home games in a season since 2001 when they captured the Big Ten title and played in the 2002 Sugar Bowl.

The loss to Indiana dropped the Spartans' record to 4-5. In Year 1 of Jonathan Smith’s tenure, many had the goal of making a bowl game. In order for Michigan State to gain bowl eligibility, it needs to win two of its remaining three games.

Entering Saturday having dropped two games in a row and three of five, Illinois was determined, if not desperate, to rediscover the winning formula – and did just that with a 38-16 win over Michigan State to close out its 2024 home slate.