S
Spartans Illustrated banner
Spartans Illustrated banner
S
Support PrivacyTerms
© 2026 Spartans Illustrated. All rights reserved.
© 2026 Spartans Illustrated. All rights reserved.
S
Support PrivacyTerms
S
ChatForum
Michigan State Football: Takeaways from the 42-40 win over Boston College article image from Spartans Illustrated
Michigan State running back Brandon Tullis. Credit: Marvin Hall/Spartans Illustrated

Michigan State Football: Takeaways from the 42-40 win over Boston College

The Spartans picked up a big win in week two, beating Boston College 42-40 in double overtime. What can we take away from the win?

By Colin Jankowski
Published on September 7, 2025

Michigan State is 2-0 for the second time under head coach Jonathan Smith, after picking up a big win over Boston College, 42-40, in double overtime in Week Two.

Quarterback Aidan Chiles had one of his best performances as a Spartan, throwing for 231 yards and four touchdowns, paired with another score on the ground--a performance that earned him offensive player of the game honors from the team and Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week accolades from the conference.

The Spartans also put some of their offensive woes from Week One behind them (although, it was far from perfect) on their way to the thrilling victory under the lights to get revenge after a disappointing loss against the Eagles in 2024 on the road. 

Before the focus shifts to Youngstown State, let’s take a look at some of the takeaways from MSU's win over BC.

 

Michigan State has taken a step forward

 

I know this was a battle of two unranked teams, but this was the type of game that the Spartans have lost plenty of times in recent years, including in 2024 in Smith's first year. Boston College stormed into control of the game in the second quarter and took a 21-14 lead into the locker room at halftime. It would’ve been easy for Michigan State to come out flat in the second half, which has happened often in the Smith era, and let Boston College sneak out of East Lansing with a win. But that didn’t happen because the team is growing.

S

In order to continue reading:

or

Spartans Illustrated banner