The Spartans had a history of failing after big wins and this situation seemed even more dangerous than most since the Spartans had Michigan on the schedule the following week.

There was nothing to worry about. Michigan State continued to dominate with an explosive offense. They embarrassed Illinois 61-14 as Drew Stanton was simply sensational once again. Stanton did his best Peyton Manning impersonation, completing 20-of-26 passes for 259 yards with five TDs and no interceptions.

While the Spartans passing game was piling up yards and points, the running game was just as devastating. The Spartans compiled 376 yards rushing and freshman Javon Ringer had 194 yards on 13 carries. The 705 total yards was a team record and the 61 points was a high for the Spartans in the three years they have been coached by John L. Smith.

The coach liked what he saw from his team against an Illinois team that had played well in its first three games. "I'm proud of our kids for the way they remained focused and the way they didn't listen to any of the media (saying) they're supposed to stumble and fall, and not be able to win after a big win," Smith said after the game. "Believe me, we rubbed that in all week long and let them know they didn't have enough character to get that done.

"It's about time we grew up and showed people we do have character -- that we can win (another) one after a big one, that we can remain focused, that we can take care of business. Now we have to start getting prepared (today) for what's coming up."

Michigan State's defense was also impressive, holding the Illini to 271 yards and just one meaningful touchdown. "We're happy with our performance, but we've got to move on," said MLB Kaleb Thornhill. "We came back from a win over a top-ranked team, and now we're just looking forward to next week and improving every aspect of our game."

If the Spartans continue to improve, Michigan could be in for a very long afternoon.

KEEP AN EYE ON: RB Javon Ringer -- Speed, explosiveness and big-play ability are the keys for the freshman. Ringer averaged a mind-blowing 14.3 yards per carry and picked up 194 yards against Illinois.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I keep telling you he's going to be special. He's a tough nut, has balance and good vision. You can't coach great vision." -- Head coach John L. Smith on freshman RB Javon Ringer, who rushed for 194 yards in the 61-14 rout of Illinois.

-- WR Kyle Brown set the tone for the Spartans offense when he streaked 75 yards for a TD early in the first quarter. Brown caught a swing pass underneath the coverage, got to the outside and raced past the slowish Illini defense.

-- WR Matt Trannon is QB Drew Stanton's go-to guy. He caught five passes for 75 yards and also caught a 29-yard TD pass that put the game away shortly before halftime.

-- LB Kaleb Thornhill had six tackles, one TFL and one fumble recovered in the overwhelming victory over the Illini.

STILL NEEDS SOME WORK: The only negative was a first-quarter goal-line stand by the Illini that forced the Spartans to settle for a John Goss 21-yard field goal. The Spartans then demonstrated that series was a fluke by putting 51 more points on the board in the last three quarters.

--RB Jason Teague, the hero against Notre Dame with the overtime TD run, may have to take a back seat to speedy freshman Javon Ringer. How will Teague deal? He had eight carries for 41 yards against Illinois.

ROSTER REPORT: OLB David Herron suffered a concussion early in the game and did not return.