Sweet Victory - Illini Beat MSU
October 1, 2006 8:20 PM
Illinois' stunning 23-20 victory at Michigan State Saturday ended so many ugly streaks for the Illini football program.
First Big Ten victory since 2004. First road victory since 2002. First win against MSU since 1992.
First win at MSU since 1989 (Jeff George!). Most who follow the team believe this win could be the
spark toward (dare we say it) bowl eligibility.
Illinois outgained MSU 252 - 82 on the ground; Pierre Thomas and Juice Williams each had over 100 yards rushing. Jacob Willis caught 2 TD passes and Kyle Hudson had 3 clutch catches on the final game-winning drive. The much-maligned defense racked up 6 sacks, and appeared to force a huge turnover in the 4th quarter until replay reversed the call. When it looked as if the Spartans had the momentum and surged to tie the game late in the 4th, Juice Williams drove the Illini 58 yards to setup Jason Reda's 39 yard game-winning field goal with 0:06 left.
The Spartans—still reeling from blowing a 16-point 4th quarter lead to Notre Dame last week—next enjoy a trip to Ann Arbor and a visit from #1 Ohio St. Up next for Illinois: Homecoming against Indiana.
- Illinois at Michigan State
[Illinois Loyalty Forums] - What a Rush
[herald-review.com] - Illini Stun Michigan State 23-20
[illinois.scout.com] - Pix from the MSU game...
[illinois.scout.com] - Illini vs MSU Pics
[illinois.scout.com] - Went to MSU game? See if you're in this picture
[illinois.scout.com] - Illini FB wallpaper (Juice added)...
[illinois.scout.com] - Williams, Thomas Push Illini Past Spartans
[fightingillini.com]
