The Spartans are in a classic sandwich situation.

They open the Big Ten season at Illinois, a team that is expected to be at or near the bottom of the conference standings when the season comes to a conclusion.

Michigan State comes into this game after a thrilling, nerve-wracking and exhausting 44-41 overtime win at Notre Dame. The week after the trip to Champaign, the Spartans host archrival Michigan.

Can anyone say letdown?

Head coach John L. Smith knows all too well that the Spartans usually follow big-time victories over top-level opponents with angst-ridden losses to average opponents. Zip back to last November, when the Spartans overwhelmed Wisconsin 49-14 when the Badgers were the fourth-ranked team in the nation. The following week, Michigan State got bounced 37-14 by Penn State.

"The week leading up to it, I remember it just never felt like we had really good practices," guard Gordon Niebylski told the Detroit Free Press. "I remember coach (offensive line coach Jeff) Stoutland basically saying we better never have a week of practice like that again, especially when the outcome was a very bad loss that ruined our bowl hopes."

If the Spartans can keep their minds on their business, they should be able to go on the road and handle the assignment. Michigan State is the top-rated offense in the Big Ten and the fourth-rated unit in the nation, averaging 557.3 yards per game. The key is QB Drew Stanton, who has thrown for 925 yards and completed eight TD passes. His 194 passer rating leads the Big Ten.

Illinois head coach Ron Zook has recognized the Spartans' offensive capabilities, but also realizes that his offense may be able to move the ball quite well against the Michigan State defense, which gave up 594 yards to Notre Dame, including 487 yards through the air to Irish QB Brady Quinn.

Illinois QB Tim Brasic may not be at that level, but he is capable of leading the Illini and putting points on the board against a vulnerable defense.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: The Spartans have been an offensive machine through three games, as Drew Stanton has been a superb leader and passer. He leads the conference in total offense with an average of 345.3 yards per game and is capable of dominating with his arm or legs. RB Jehuu Caulcrick is a sledgehammer of a running back who is averaging six yards per carry. Jason Teague scored the game-winning OT touchdown at Notre Dame and has the speed to make big plays from anywhere on the field.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: There's much to prove here after giving up 594 yards at Notre Dame. However, Michigan State has also made its share of big plays. None were bigger than the 30-yard interception return for a touchdown by SirDarean Adams. A few momentum-changing plays like that against Illinois will almost certainly bring about a win in the Big Ten opener.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "We played by no means our best game. Part of that is who we were playing against. But we made mistakes." -- Head coach John L. Smith on the epic 44-41 Spartan overtime win over Notre Dame.

THIS WEEK'S GAME: at Illinois, Sept. 24 -- Will the Spartans be prepared or will they be looking ahead to Michigan? In the past, the Spartans have had difficulty following up big victories with consistent games the following week. After the emotional 44-41 win over Notre Dame, the Spartans could be ripe for an upset against Illinois.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB Drew Stanton -- He may be the best player in the Big Ten. Stanton has completed 59-of-82 passes for 925 yards through the first three games and has a Big Ten-best passer rating of 194. He also runs well, but he has shown significant improvement this year because he is willing to sit in the pocket longer before taking off.

WR Matt Trannon -- He was an explosive weapon against Notre Dame, catching five passes for 136 yards and two TDs. For the season, Trannon has caught 11-226-3.

WR Kyle Brown -- He is the Spartans' leading receiver with 15 catches for 172 yards and a score. Brown is big and athletic at 6-1 and 207 pounds and he is not afraid to go over the middle.

LB Eric Smith -- He is the team's leading tackler with 25 stops. He also has two QB hurries and two passes defensed in addition to an interception.

ROSTER REPORT: Cornerback Ashton Watson is expected to play this weekend. Achilles tendinitis limited his playing time at Notre Dame, but head coach John L. Smith said he should be ready at Illinois.