FOOTBALL

Gallery from Michigan State Football Vs. Illinois on Homecoming

Published

14 seconds ago

October 13, 2026

Photo by Nolan Gerou, Spartan Shadows

On Saturday, Michigan State football faced off with Illinois to celebrate homecoming for the Spartans. MSU rallied from being down 17 in the first half and 16 in the second half to force overtime, but a two-point conversion did not fall the Spartans’ way, as they lost 38-37.

Spartan Shadows had photographer Nolan Gerou on hand, and here are his best stills from the game. For those that like his work, check him out @nolangerouphotography on Instagram.

: A view of the picturesque sky as the sun goes down by Spartan Stadium. Nolan Gerou, Spartan Shadows

: Jayden Savoury lies on the turf after the overtime pass was knocked away from him when going for the game-winning score. Nolan Gerou, Spartan Shadows

: Hudson Clement holds his finger to his lips as he silences the crowd on the first play of overtime. Nolan Gerou, Spartan Shadows

: Pat Fitzgerald looks on as the Spartans rally against Illinois. Nolan Gerou, Spartan Shadows

: Jaziun Patterson (4) celebrates his touchdown against Illinois. Nolan Gerou, Spartan Shadows

: Bryson Williams highpoints a football on the Spartans’ final scoring drive in regulation. Nolan Gerou, Spartan Shadows

: KJ Deriso celebrates in the fourth quarter against Illinois. Nolan Gerou, Spartan Shadows

: DiMari Malone celebrates after a play for Michigan State football. Nolan Gerou, Spartan Shadows

: DiMari Malone prepares to celebrate. Nolan Gerou, Spartan Shadows

: Fred Moore tacks on yards after the catch against Illinois. Nolan Gerou, Spartan Shadows

: Ben Roberts walks off the field following the loss. Nolan Gerou, Spartan Shadows

: Michael Clayton gets love from his teammates after winning over Michigan State football. Nolan Gerou, Spartan Shadows

: Brayden Trimble celebrates the overtime win over Michigan State football. Nolan Gerou, Spartan Shadows

: Tre Bell walks off the field following the brutal loss. Nolan Gerou, Spartan Shadows

: The Spartans celebrate points. Nolan Gerou, Spartan Shadows

: Sparty claps in the end zone. Nolan Gerou, Spartan Shadows

: Katin Houser throws a pass for Illinois. Nolan Gerou, Spartan Shadows

: Katin Houser heads to the field at halftime. Nolan Gerou, Spartan Shadows

: Jace Clarizio heads to the locker room at halftime. Nolan Gerou, Spartan Shadows

: Kenny Soares Jr. walks off the field after a rough first half. Nolan Gerou, Spartan Shadows

: Collin Campell walks off the field after going down 20-7 in the first half against Illinois. Nolan Gerou, Spartan Shadows

: Aidan Boehle heads to the locker room. Nolan Gerou, Spartan Shadows

: Alessio Milivojevic is sacked on a flea flicker. Nolan Gerou, Spartan Shadows

: Trey Lisle III walks off the field against Illinois. Nolan Gerou, Spartan Shadows

: Trey Lisle III walks off the field against Illinois. Nolan Gerou, Spartan Shadows

: Kayd Coffman stays loose in a media timeout. Nolan Gerou, Spartan Shadows

: Michael Richard celebrates a big play for the Spartans. Nolan Gerou, Spartan Shadows

: Brady Pretzlaff dives for Katin Houser’s legs on a scramble. Nolan Gerou, Spartan Shadows

: The captains shake hands pre-coin toss to begin festivities. Nolan Gerou, Spartan Shadows

: Pat Fitzgerald runs out of the tunnel for Michigan State football. Nolan Gerou, Spartan Shadows

Emmett Matasovsky

Michigan State Media and Information Management Class of '22. Emmett covers primarily football, recruiting, and basketball for Spartan Shadows, alongside writing for Detroit Lions on SI. He has also written for Spartan Avenue, Basic Blues, and Hail WV.