CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Former Illini and NFL defensive back Alan Ball will serve as the honorary captain when No. 14/16 Illinois hosts Michigan State on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT on Big Ten Network.

Ball was a 2007 NFL Draft pick after an impressive career in Champaign. He totaled 22 career pass breakups, finishing his career tied for eighth on Illinois' all-time passes broken up list, while his 12 pass breakups in 2006 ranked fifth on the single-season list when he left Champaign.

Ball was a 2006 team captain for the Fighting Illini and All-Big Ten honorable mention selection.

Limited tickets remain for Illinois' matchup against Michigan State.