WATCH: MSU's Courtney Hawkins Talks State of WR Room and More Heading into Week 12
EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Michigan State's Courtney Hawkins has produced some major talent in his time as the Spartans' wide receivers coach, and that has only continued this season.
His group, along with the entire Michigan State team, comes off a tough outing against Indiana but should be refreshed after the bye week. The goal the rest of the way will be a bowl bid, and that endeavor will begin with a showdown with Illinois in Champaign on Saturday.
Hawkins discussed the upcoming matchup, the state of his room and more when he addressed the media on Tuesday.
You can watch below:
Below is a transcript from Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith's opening statement from his press conference on Monday:
Smith: "Well, coming off the bye week, headed to play a good opponent. On Illinois' side, a guy that I really like and respect, Bret Bielema, and what he's done there and at some of the previous institutions. I really respect him [for what he has done for] college football -- being on committees, voice, advocating for the game, and so, like I said, I got a ton of respect for him and, really, his team, his current team. Good defense, veteran quarterback, creates some issues for you there. So, we know this is going to be a tough challenge that we're getting ready for. We practiced yesterday, full go, full pads, and I thought it was a really spirited, good practice. And then we're into our normal game week prep starting again tomorrow, getting ready for this one. Excited about these -- really, opportunity this month. We've got three in front of us, totally focused on the Illinois here, and I know our guys are excited about what we got to play for. Bye week, we got a lot done recruiting-wise toward the end of the week. Got a chance to enjoy the hockey game Saturday night. Awesome win. Adam's [Nightingale] got those guys going again. Best of luck with women's soccer in the NCAA Tournament. I think we'll find out today where they're headed and who they're playing. And so a lot of good going on. And I think you had just Coach [Tom] Izzo up here and big-time game [tomorrow]. And just getting started with basketball, hockey, all of it, a lot going on. It's great for Michigan State."
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