Michigan State at Illinois

Saturday, October 18, 1986

Michigan State beat Illinois 29–⁠21. It was their 26th meeting; after it, Illinois led the series 13–⁠12–⁠1 as played.

AwayMichigan State6–⁠5 in 1986
29
HomeIllinois4–⁠7 in 1986
21

FinalHigh 63°F, low 37°FAttendance 75,083

Before kickoff

Our ratings going in

Our ratings (scores only)

Illinois 53% to win. Michigan State won as Elo’s underdog.

Officially, Michigan State leads 26–⁠21–⁠2; as played, 27–⁠21–⁠2 in 50 meetings, counting the 24 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