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Michigan State

V-Cast: Breaking down a Michigan State thriller, and why this one mattered so much

On3 imageby: Paul Konyndyk09/07/25PKonyndyk
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EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State wants to prove that it is significantly better this season than it was a year ago, and the Spartans took a step in showing that to indeed be the case with a dramatic 42-40 win over Boston College in double overtime.

While the victory over Bill O’Brien’s ballclub has no bearing on how the Spartans will stack up against conference opponents when Big Ten play begins two weekends from now, the win over a quality non-conference opponent like Boston College should help gain Michigan State much-needed credibility with its fanbase.

After Michigan State’s double overtime victory, SpartanMag staffers Jim Comparoni and Paul Konyndyk checked in from the press box at Spartan Stadium with the news, notes, and analysis in the latest V-Cast.

V-CAST TOPICS

Aidan Chiles: The second-year Michigan State starting quarterback was not perfect in this game, but he was effective, while showing a willingness to put his body on the line for his teammates. Dinged up during his team’s last offensive possession in regulation, Chiles limped to the sideline before returning to the offensive huddle for overtime in which the strong-armed junior engineered two touchdown drives, as well as the game-winning two-point conversion pass to veteran wide receiver Omari Kelly. Chiles accounted for five touchdowns in this game. Four of those touchdowns came via the pass, while Chiles also scored a rushing touchdown. Chiles did not throw an interception against the Eagles which is a significant improvement from his performance at Boston College last season. In that game, Chiles threw three interceptions.

Difficult day for the Michigan State defense: Chiles wasn’t the only quarterback that played well in this game. Boston College quarterback Dylan Lonergan was efficient in the passing game against the Spartans, throwing for 390 yards with four touchdowns in the loss. Lonergan, an Alabama transfer, got rid of the ball quickly and threw ball with impressive accuracy, allowing Boston College pass catchers to generate a decent amount of yards after the catch. Poor defensive communication due to crowd noise appears was occasionally a problem for the Spartans on defense against Boston College. That, however, was not as big of a problem as an anemic Michigan State pass rush.

Special on special teams: Michigan State was outstanding on special teams in this game with the exception of a completely avoidable fumbled punt return in the first quarter. Aside that miscue, the Spartans enjoyed a substantial advantage over Boston College in special teams. The biggest development on special teams for the Spartans was the debut of field-goal kicker Martin Connington, who made both of his field-goal tries. His first was 50-yarder, which he followed up with a 38-yarder. Connington did not kick for the Spartans in Week 1 due to a groin injury that sidelined him for all of training camp. Connington’s effectiveness kicking field goals was a godsend for the Spartans. Punter Ryan Eckley was masterful for the second week in a row. He showed massive leg strength against BC and amazing touch while doing so. Elsewhere, Alante Brown made a significant impact as a kick returner for the Spartans, totaling 100 yards in kick returns on two tries.

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