COL FB: Michigan State 26, Illinois 6

Kirk Cousins threw for 201 yards with a touchdown and Dan Conroy kicked four field goals for the Spartans (7-0, 3-0 Big Ten), who are off to their best start since 1966.

Michigan State trailed 6-3 at halftime but B.J. Cunningham broke a 6-6 tie with a 48-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter. Larry Caper added 15-yard TD run in the fourth for Michigan State, which outscored Illinois 23-0 in the second half.

Illinois quarterback Nate Scheelhaase was 15-of-27 passes for 141 yards, but was intercepted three times. Mike Leshoure carried the ball 23 times for 83 yards for the Illini (3-3, 1-2) and Derek Dimke connected on two field goal tries.

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