Michigan State at Illinois

Saturday, October 22, 1988

Michigan State beat Illinois 28–⁠21. It was their 28th meeting; after it, the series stood even at 13–⁠13–⁠2 as played.

AwayMichigan State6–⁠5–⁠1 in 1988
28
HomeIllinois6–⁠5–⁠1 in 1988
21

FinalHigh 55°F, low 36°FAttendance 65,771

Before kickoff

Our ratings going in

Our ratings (scores only)

Illinois 54% 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 22 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