Illinois makes a stop on Michigan State's 2-point conversion attempt in OT, holds on for 38-37 win

East Lansing, Mich. (AP) — In overtime, Michael Clayton connected with Hudson Clement on a 25-yard touchdown pass to give Illinois a 38-37 victory over Michigan State on Saturday. The Fighting Illini (3-3, 1-2 Big Ten) dominated the first five drives, taking a 16-point lead before the third quarter. Michigan State coach Bret Bielema opted for a fourth-and-1 play, which backfired as Clayton was unsuccessful, giving the Spartans the ball with 3:27 remaining.

Jaziun Patterson scored a touchdown in overtime, making it 31-all with 1:17 left. Patterson added a third score, and coach Pat Fitzgerald opted for two-point conversion to secure the win. Michigan State lined up in a wildcat formation, attempting to pass to quarterback Alessio Milivojevic, but the play fell short. Illinois quarterback Katin Houser, who previously played for Michigan State, sustained an injury to his left hand during a tackle and was unable to return.

Clayton, making his first career passes, threw for a touchdown and a rushing score, leading Illinois to a 14-point advantage. Houser completed 20 of 29 passes for 194 yards with a touchdown, interception, and rushing score in his brief career. Illinois will face No. 13 Oregon in a home game on October 24. Michigan State will host Northwestern, Fitzgerald's former team, on Saturday.