Michigan State vs Illinois prediction & betting tips - Nov. 16 | College Football Week 12

The Michigan State Spartans go on the road to play the Illinois Fighting Illini on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 2:30 p.m. ET. The game can be seen on FS1.

Michigan State (4-5, 2-4 Big Ten) is coming off its bye week and before that, lost to Indiana 47-10. Illinois (6-3, 3-3 Big Ten) is coming off its bye week too, and before that, they lost 25-17 to Minnesota.

Michigan State vs Illinois: Preview

Michigan State is a 2.5-point underdog with the over/under set at 47.5 points.

The Spartans will likely have Aidan Chiles back at quarterback after he was injured against Indiana.

"Aidan was able to go (Sunday), so we feel pretty confident on him," MSU head coach Jonathan Smith said Monday, via 247Sports. "We'll see what Chuck and Malik look like at the end of the week. Anthony Jones, I'm optimistic on him."

Michigan State is led by Chiles who's thrown for 1,850 yards, eight touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Kay'Ron Lynch-Adams has rushed for 469 yards and two touchdowns, while Nick Marsh has caught 33 passes for 553 yards and three touchdowns.

Defensively, the Spartans are led by Charles Brantley, who has three interceptions, and Jordan Turner, who has three sacks and 51 tackles.

Illinois, meanwhile, is coming off back-to-back losses as the bye week came at a good time. The Fighting Illini started the year 6-1 but have struggled as of late and now play a Michigan State team that needs to win to get bowl-eligible.

In Illinois' last game, the Fighting Illini lost to Minnesota in controversial fashion as coach Brett Bielema was frustrated with the officials.

"Yeah, I was tired of that. It's really a clown show, in regards to certain things," Bielema said of the officiating, via SI. "To lose Miles Scott for the rest of this game and the first half of the next game is ludicrous. ... If he targeted him, he targeted him – but that's just ridiculous."

Illinois is led by Luke Altmyer who has thrown for 1,893 yards, 16 touchdowns and three interceptions. Pat Bryant has caught 39 passes for 582 yards and seven touchdowns.

Defensively, the Fighting Illini is led by Xavier Scott who has three interceptions, Gabe Jacas has 6.5 sacks, and Dylan Rosiek has 60 tackles.

Michigan State and Illinois have both struggled as of late, but this is a good spot for the Fighting Illini to return to the win column at home.

Chiles will likely turn the ball over, which will give Illinois a good field position as the Fighting Illini will score. That is likely to be the difference.

Prediction: Illinois 27, Michigan State 24

Michigan State vs Illinois: Betting Tips

Tip 1: Illinois -2.5 (-112)

Tip 2: Over 47.5 (-112)

Tip 3: Illinois first half -0.5 (-115)