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QB Turnover Key as MSU Battles Illinois
19 Aug
Summary
- Pat Fitzgerald begins his tenure as Michigan State's head coach.
- Michigan State aims to end a four-year bowl game drought.
- Former Spartan QB Katin Houser will start for Illinois.
Michigan State football is under new leadership as Pat Fitzgerald takes the helm for the 2026 season. The Spartans are striving to overcome a four-year bowl game drought and return to a winning tradition. Their schedule features a significant Big Ten conference game against Illinois on October 10, 2026, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan.
This matchup is particularly notable as Illinois will feature Katin Houser, a former Michigan State quarterback, starting for the Fighting Illini. Houser, who played for the Spartans from 2022 to 2023, transferred to Illinois after the previous season. Entering this game, Michigan State's predicted record is 3-2 overall and 1-1 in conference play.
The Spartans are expected to bounce back at home after a prior loss. If Illinois is undefeated entering this game, they would be in strong contention for a College Football Playoff spot. The prediction favors Michigan State with a 31-23 victory, contingent on crucial defensive turnovers, including a late-game interception of Houser, to secure the win.
