Small slips start big fall

After the Illini offense went three-and-out and had to punt, it took Michigan State just four plays to take the lead for good. On second-and-7 from the Illini 48, Cunningham ran down the middle of the field and gathered in a long pass from Cousins, breezing into the end zone while safety Tavon Wilson and middle linebacker Martez Wilson jawed while trying to sort out the confusion.

"Just a blown coverage between me and the safety," Wilson said. "We have to communicate better. I should have run with (Cunningham), but your safety gives you help over the top. It was miscommunication."

Tupper