Wrap Up: MSU vs. Illinois

Gerard Butler (a.k.a King Leonidas) was in attendance.  I believe in this pic he is saying "SPARTANS! WHERE IS YOUR PERCUSSION?!?!"

Well, what started off as a defensive battle that had people yawning blew up at the end.  MSU has fallen victim to the post-Michigan hangover before, but improved to 4-0 after the Michigan game under Mark Dantonio.  Main point to take away from this game: the Illinois defense is good.  Real good.  Also, Kirk Cousins can carry the team if needed - he hasn't been a big gamechanger all season but he came through in a big way.

If it seemed like the team was playing terrible on offense in the first half, give credit to Illinois.  I'd be amazed if Martez Wilson (LB) and Corey Liuget (DT) don't get drafted for the NFL.  Those guys have now given MSU and Ohio State all they can handle.  Here's the stats from the MSU RB Stable:

Caper: 7 carries, 37 yards (5.3 average)
Baker: 8 carries, 23 yards (2.9 average)
Martin: 3 carries, 18 yards (6.0 average)
Bell: 10 carries, 13 yards (1.3 average)

Illinois denied MSU any sort of running game - expect Illinois' run defense to be that good for the rest of the season.  Coach Ron Zook called MSU "the best team we've played so far."  That statement includes Ohio State...hmm...

The biggest story, in my opinion, was the play of Freshman Darqueze Dennard, who was starting in place of drinking enthusiast Chris L. Rucker.  Dennard made two GREAT plays throughout the game:

1. Longest Illini pass of the day that put them in the red zone.  As the WR was getting tackled, Dennard swiped at the ball, knocking it loose, then recovered the fumble.  The play was reviewed - on TV, it could've gone either way.  His knee hit the ground at the same time the ball popped out, it looked like.  Since the call on the field was fumble, it stood.

2. Late in the game, Dennard lost a step on his assignment and the ball was thrown.  He caught up without turning to look at the ball and put his hand between the receiver's hand and knocked it away.  Pass Interference.  On TV, there was hardly any contact and was clearly not interference.  A great leadership moment happened directly after, as Greg Jones went straight to him, calmed him down and basically told him that was one great defensive play.

Lastly, three main points going into next week:
1. Spartans are 7-0 for the first time since 1966.  Projected to be in the Top Ten of the BCS rankings when they are released tonight.
2. MSU defense has recorded 12 interceptions in 7 games.  They had 6 all of last year.  There's still 6 more games to play.
3. Greg Jones has 419 tackles in his career.  With 2 more, he moves into 3rd place in all-time MSU tackles leaders.

The Spartans will leave the state of Michigan for the first time this year as they take a visit to Evanston to battle Northwestern.  Noon on ESPN.  Go Green!