▶ Records: Illinois 6-3 (3-3 Big Ten); Michigan State 4-5 (2-4 Big Ten) Connor Earegood of The Detroit News breaks down Michigan State's Week 12 matchup against Illinois. Big Ten football almost always comes down to the trenches. That’s going to be especially true in this game.

After suffering back-to-back losses for the first time this season, Illinois (6-3, 3-3 Big Ten) limped into the bye week in hopes of healing injuries and getting its mind right. On Saturday, we'll find out whether the Illini got themselves patched up when they welcome Michigan State (4-5,