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Defense carried Michigan State in its opener against Western Michigan, and it’ll need to show up again when Boston College comes to town Saturday night.
The Spartans were one of just three Big Ten teams to keep an opponent’s offense out of the end zone in Week 1, joining Wisconsin and Purdue. The only points Michigan State allowed came on a late pick-six, and Jonathan Smith’s defense otherwise controlled the game in a 23-6 win.
Western Michigan managed just over 200 total yards, and the Spartans’ front held the Broncos to 29 rushing yards on 24 carries. Star back Jalen Buckley was limited to 21 yards on nine attempts. An early fourth-down pass breakup from Ade Willie set the tone, and from there, MSU never let WMU’s run game get going.
That defensive strength will be tested differently in Week 2. Boston College threw for nearly 500 yards in its opener against Fordham, but the Eagles mustered only 98 yards on the ground at 2.6 yards per carry. Facing a Michigan State defense that just shut down the run, the matchup looks favorable for the Spartans.
Stakes Are High
Friday’s win was a solid start, but Saturday is the first real measuring stick for Smith’s team. Non-conference games like this are exactly where Michigan State has stumbled in recent years, losing its top matchup outside the Big Ten three straight seasons, including last year’s 23-19 loss at BC.
This time, the game comes under the lights in East Lansing with a national audience watching on NBC. It’s the Spartans’ lone scheduled primetime slot on a major network, the kind of stage that can reshape perception around the program. Wins like this have mattered before—think back to 2021, when a victory at Miami launched MSU toward an 11-win season.
Recruiting is also part of the picture. A night game against a respectable ACC opponent provides the perfect showcase for prospects visiting campus. A win would allow Smith to sell momentum; another loss would feel like more of the same.
Chiles’ Chance at Redemption
Quarterback Aidan Chiles will be at the center of that storyline. His game at Boston College last year was one to forget: 241 yards, three interceptions, no touchdowns, and the decisive pick in the final minutes. To his credit, conditions were tough—rain, a hostile road crowd, and a depleted receiving corps—but he knows this is a chance to flip the script.
The supporting cast is stronger now. Nick Marsh and Omari Kelly give the Spartans upgraded weapons, and Chrishon McCray adds another reliable option. Chiles has also matured after a year as the starter, showing better poise in Week 1 despite uneven moments. The offensive line still has to improve, but it’s unlikely Chiles repeats last year’s struggles.
The Eagles Under O’Brien
Boston College is now led by Bill O’Brien, whose NFL and college experience makes him one of the sharper offensive minds in the game. His offense exploded for 66 points against Fordham, with new quarterback Dylan Lonergan distributing the ball all over the field. Receiver Lewis Bond is the primary threat, fresh off an 11-catch, 138-yard performance.
Still, BC is not without its flaws. The ground game remains inconsistent, and going against Michigan State’s front seven could make them one-dimensional. If the Spartans force Lonergan into predictable passing downs, their defense has the chance to dictate the game.
What’s at Stake
With Youngstown State up next, Saturday represents MSU’s one true swing before Big Ten play. A win means the Spartans only need three conference victories to reach bowl eligibility. A loss, and the margin for error shrinks significantly.
Smith said it best when asked what he learned from last year’s matchup: “You’ve got to play for four quarters. These games are won in the fourth quarter.” That was the difference in Chestnut Hill. Now it’s Michigan State’s turn to prove it has grown.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. on NBC.
About the Author
Dalton Tinklenberg is the Founder and Media Director of The Scouting Depot, where he leads comprehensive coverage of college and professional football. He is an active member of some of the most respected organizations in sports journalism, including the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA), Maxwell Football Club, Online News Association (ONA), National Football Foundation (NFF), and the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE).
Before launching The Scouting Depot, Dalton worked with Blue HQ Media, where he covered major sporting events such as the Indianapolis 500, the College Football Playoff, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Through his professional affiliations and on-the-ground experience, Dalton combines deep knowledge of the game with recognized standards of storytelling, editorial excellence, and authenticity in sports coverage.
