There are three games left on the Michigan State football team’s calendar. It needs at least two if it wants to play a bowl game later in the year. This final stretch in November is crucial, having the potential to make or break the outcome of this season.

Coming out of its second bye week, the Spartans know the stakes.

“They understand we got a lot to play for this month,” Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith said. “And so I think they’re excited about that.”

Michigan State spent its bye week working on all the things it should have. Offensive finishing was a priority, trying to convert yardage into scores at a more consistent rate. So was defensive pressure, with a refresh of the four-man pass rush conducted in practice. And after some really poor performances from the punt unit, players got their reps in on special teams, too.

The key is for the progress in those areas to amount to something. For Michigan State to break through. After a 1-5 stretch the past six games, there’s still a sense that it can go to a bowl game in December. Belief is still there. Now, it’s all about making belief reality.

“You only can win one at a time,” Smith said. “… And I know our guys understand it’s not easy to win, but we have an opportunity in front of us to win more than we lose on the entirety of the season.”

The path there begins with Illinois this week, an opponent that has fizzled the past two games before its own bye week. Then, two should-win games versus Purdue and Rutgers come next. There’s a very real chance that despite how far the past eight or nine weeks have gone off the rails, Michigan State and its rebuilding year can get the checkmark of approval that a bowl game can offer.

While a bowl game isn’t the be-all, end-all for Michigan State, it’s the carrot on a stick to draw out a lot of internal development from this group. Despite a lot of injuries and despite some listless performances against overpowered foes, Michigan State can make something of its season if it plays to its ability the next three weeks.

The stakes are high. Well rested and refreshed, now Michigan State has to live up to them.

Injury report: Chiles probable

Michigan State left its 47-10 blowout loss to Indiana with four key players injured along the way. The bye week gave them time to heal up.

Smith said that he was “pretty confident” quarterback Aidan Chiles will be available against Illinois. Chiles was seen with tape on his right, throwing wrist after taking a hit in the third quarter against Indiana.

At defensive end, Smith is optimistic Anthony Jones will be able to play. Wide receiver Jaron Glover got limited reps in Sunday’s full practice. He’ll also be evaluated later in the week.

Defensive backs Malik Spencer and Charles Brantley will be evaluated later in the week, but the sentiment was they’re doubtful. Their injuries only further thin a secondary that’s already missing Chance Rucker and Dillon Tatum, both of whom are doubtful going forward.

The level to which that secondary is banged up creates a whole lot of problems. Not only are players slotted in increasingly difficult assignments relative to their place on the depth chart, but even some backups are out to boot. Michigan State is asking a lot of its available defensive backs.

“I’m not the only one standing up here,” Smith said.

“I think all coaches across the country are dealing with maybe a particular position group. And this is a physical, game, long season.”

Time off for Illini, too

Not only did Michigan State get some time to review its performances and address its issues. So did its opponent.

After two straight losses, Illinois is coming off its own bye week.

“Gives you a little bit more time to plan, maybe implement a new scheme or two,” Smith said. “And so we’re aware of that potential.”

Michigan State has prepared for Illinois in the film room with what already has been done this season, but that team isn’t exactly the one it’s going to play. It’s almost like a spot-the-difference puzzle, and Michigan State will have to see those changes on the fly.

“What we prepare for is what we see on tape,” Smith said.

“We’re not going to totally chase … that they potentially could do this or that.”

Michigan State has enough on its plate to go chasing changes. But the amount of time at both teams’ disposal — and both their needs to win this game as a get-right — should make for an intense matchup Saturday.