Kendrick Jones was the most productive Illinois receiver last season, and he had a team-leading average of 40.7 yards per game in this season’s three non-conference contests.
But when Michigan State routed the Illini 61-14 Saturday, the senior was a missing ingredient.
Quarterback Tim Brasic took the blame, admitting, “I overthrew a couple balls to Kendrick.”
Inopportune penalties gave Michigan State significantly better field position after two punts by Steve Weatherford. In the first quarter a delayed-hit penalty charged to Jason Davis advanced the ball to the Spartans’ 48-yard line after a 50-yard punt by Weatherford. In the second quarter Charles Bailey was penalized for interference when Kyle Brown called a fair catch on Weatherford’s 38-yard punt; the 15-yard penalty moved the ball to the Michigan State 49. Both drives led to touchdowns.