Illinois at Michigan State

Saturday, September 8, 1979

No. 10 Michigan State beat Illinois 33–⁠16. It was their 19th meeting; after it, Michigan State led the series 11–⁠7–⁠1 as played.

AwayIllinois2–⁠8–⁠1 in 1979
16
Home10Michigan State5–⁠6 in 1979
33

FinalHigh 64°F, low 38°FAttendance 71,125

Before kickoff

Our ratings going in

Our ratings (scores only)

Michigan State 83% to win. Elo’s favorite won.

Officially, Michigan State leads 26–⁠21–⁠2; as played, 27–⁠21–⁠2 in 50 meetings, counting the 31 since this game.

Recent meetings
2026Illinois 38, Michigan State 37
2024Illinois 38, Michigan State 16
2022Michigan State 23, Illinois 15
2019Illinois 37, Michigan State 34
2016Illinois 31, Michigan State 27
2013Michigan State 42, Illinois 3

Around this game