Michigan State football cruised to a Week 1 victory, but their Week 2 victory was more hard fought.
The Spartans (2-0) beat the Boston College Eagles 42-40 in double overtime on Saturday, Sept. 6 at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles scored the game-tying touchdown on a designed run play in the second overtime period, and then sealed the win with a two-point conversion pass to transfer wide receiver Omari Kelly.
Chiles finished the game with four touchdown passes, two to sophomore wide receiver Nick Marsh, who has registered his first multi-touchdown game of his career.
Michigan State is coming off a 23-6 Week 1 victory over Western Michigan last week to open their 2025 season, playing a near-perfect first half and an offensively-challenged second half.
The Spartans are now 2-5 all-time against the Eagles, avenging a 23-19 road loss in the early part of the 2024 season.
Here are our updates as the game progressed.
FINAL: MSU 42, BC 40. Aidan Chiles wins it with his legs and arm.
A big run from sophomore running back Makhi Frazier brought the Spartans to the 3-yard line with four chances to punch it in.
They only needed one, however, with quarterback Aidan Chiles taking the draw up the middle for the game-tying touchdown. Chiles followed up with a two-point conversion to transfer wideout Omari Kelly for the game-sealing score. Michigan State wins.
2OT: BC 40, MSU 34, Boston College touchdown, no two-point conversion
Boston College started with the ball in the second overtime period and scored a touchdown in just two plays.
Running back Turbo Richards scored on an 8-yard scamper up the middle to give the Eagles the lead. BC did not convert the necessary two-point conversion, however, giving the Spartans an opportunity to win with a touchdown and two-point conversion on their next possession.
OT: MSU 34, BC 34, Eagles respond with touchdown
Boston College quarterback Dylan Lonergan found senior tight end Jeremiah Franklin for a six-yard touchdown, Lonergan’s fourth of the game.
We’re going to a second overtime.
OT: MSU 34, BC 27, Aidan Chiles records fourth TD pass
Michigan State scored a touchdown on the first possession of the overtime period on a 5-yard pass from quarterback Aidan Chiles to tight end Jay Coyne.
Boston College now has an opportunity to respond from the MSU 25. They need 7 points for the game to continue.
OT: Boston College wins toss, MSU will start with ball
Michigan State will begin the overtime period with the ball after Boston College won the coin toss and chose to defend.
It appears as if Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles is re-entering the game after exiting near the end of regulation after appearing to hurt his knee.
End 4Q: Overtime
Boston College runs out the clock deep into their own territory with the game tied at 27-27. We’re heading into overtime.
Michigan State backup quarterback Alessio Milivojevic is warming up currently, but it is unclear whether he will enter to replace Chiles.
4Q, 0:27: Aidan Chiles appears to hurt knee
Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles appeared to hurt his left knee on a third-and-long with less than a minute left in regulation. He is being helped off the field.
The extent of his condition is unclear.
4Q, 1:16: MSU 27, BC 27, Luca Lombardo ties up game
Luca Lombardo hits his second field goal of the game for Boston College, tying up the game at 27.
The Spartans have two timeouts and a little over a minute to score, with a kicker who has already nailed a 50-yarder this game.
4Q, 4:08: MSU 27, BC 24, MSU takes late lead
A 7-yard touchdown run from MSU senior running back Elijah Tau-Tolliver was negated on a holding penalty called on sophomore offensive lineman Stanton Ramil. Michigan State fans might have a reason to be upset by the call, which looked a bit questionable live.
A sack on Michigan State quarterback Aiden Chiles on third-and-goal turned a chip-shot field goal into a 39-yard attempt, but kicker Martin Connington nailed it, anyway, to once again give the Spartans the lead.
The MSU defense has four minutes left in the game to make a stand. Remember: Boston College won last season’s meetup on a go-ahead touchdown with a little over one minute left in the game.
4Q, 11:24: MSU punts, but Chrishon McCray has a nice catch
Michigan State had an opportunity to take the lead with the opening possession of the fourth quarter, but stalled in their own territory.
There was a higlight one-handed catch from MSU transfer wide receiver Chrishon McCray on the drive, however. Check it out:
After a beautiful 63-yard punt from Ryan Eckley, Boston College starts inside its own 1-yard line.
End 3Q: MSU 24, BC 24
It’s a nail-biter!
Michigan State forces a punt from Boston College to end the quarter, with punt returner Omari Kelly making a risky attempt on the ball in traffic on the return (after having already fumbled one punt return so far this game).
MSU has the ball deep in their own territory to start the fourth quarter.
3Q, 2:17: MSU 24, BC 24, Martin Connington nails first-career field goal
An impressive 19-yard scramble from MSU quarterback Aidan Chiles looked to be another sparkling play from the sophomore quarterback.
MSU’s offense stalled in Boston College territory, however, setting up a 50-yard field goal attempt for freshman kicker Martin Connington. And on his first-career attempt, the redshirt freshman split the uprights with plenty of room to spare, tying the game once again for the Spartans.
3Q, 7:00: BC 24, MSU 21, Boston College tacks on a field goal
Boston College, who only attempted five field goals during the entire 2024 season, nails a 37-yard field goal from junior Luca Lombardo to retake the lead against Michigan State.
The Eagles looked to go for it on a 4th-and-4 from the MSU 14-yard line, but a false start penalty pushed them back out of a comfortable range to attempt the play, leading to the kick.
3Q, 7:12: Anelu Lafaele appears injured
Michigan State redshirt freshman edge rusher Anelu Lafaele appeared to suffer a leg injury midway through the third quarter. The details of his condition are not yet clear, and we await updates.
3Q, 12:50: MSU 21, BC 21, Aidan Chiles finds Nick Marsh again
It didn’t take long for Michigan State to tie the game out of the halftime break.
MSU quarterback Aidan Chiles found Omari Kelly on an impressive 30-yard pass, registering the longest play from scrimmage for MSU’s offense of the season. But Chiles broke that record on the very next play, finding sophomore receiver Nick Marsh in the end zone on a 41-yard touchdown pass.
It’s Marsh’s first multi-touchdown game of his career.
End 2Q: BC 21, MSU 14
Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles has yet to make much of a mark, going 6-for-9 on pass attempts with 47 yards and a touchdown, adding 13 yards on the ground.
He’s been thoroughly outplayed by Boston College quarterback Dylan Lonergan, who is 18-of-22 on pass attempts for 217 yards, averaging nearly 10 yards per attempt (almost twice as many as Chiles). He is carving up the Spartans’ secondary, stopped only when MSU can effectively get pressure on the quarterback.
It’s only a one-score game, however, and MSU gets the ball to begin the second half.
2Q, 0:31: BC 21, MSU 14, Dylan Lonergan gets third TD pass of half
The Spartans forced Boston College into a fourth down earlier in the drive, but a roughing the passer penalty gave the Eagles a first down and kept the drive alive.
Boston College quarterback Dylan Lonergan stayed composed, methodically driving the Eagles down into MSU territory and finishing with an 8-yard touchdown pass, his third of the half.
2Q, 5:40: MSU 14, BC 14, TE Michael Masunas catches 3-yd TD
With the ball on the 3-yard line, Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles faked the handoff, faked the end-around and floated the ball to an open Michael Masunas in the end zone, giving the tight end his first career touchdown.
The Spartans make sure not to waste another good return on the game-tying drive.
2Q, 7:30: Alante Brown with 63-yard return
Michigan State kick returner Alante Brown already had a kick return of 37 yards earlier in the quarter, and he outdid himself the next time out.
After bobbling the kick, Brown recovered and scampered 63 yards down the field, setting up MSU deep into BC territory. He now has 100 total return yards on two kick returns.
2Q, 7:45: BC 14, MSU 7, Dylan Lonergan throws 2nd TD pass
Boston College quarterback Dylan Lonergan found wide receiver Jaedn Skeete for a 12-yard touchdown midway through the second quarter.
Michigan State’s defense, which played so effectively through most of the first quarter, is starting to show some confusion in its secondary giving up touchdowns on back-to-back possessions.
2Q, 8:01: Wayne Matthews III appears hurt
Michigan State linebacker Wayne Matthews III appeared hurt on a play in the middle of the second quarter. An injury time out was called, though it’s not yet clear if Matthews is actually injured.
2Q, 10:57: MSU turnover on downs
On a fourth-and-1 near midfield, Michigan State decided to go for it with quarterback Aidan Chiles lining up on the outside and running back Brandon Tullis taking the snap out of the wildcat formation.
Tullis was stuffed near the line of scrimmage, however, and the Spartans turn it over. They are now 1-for-2 on fourth down opportunities in the game after Chiles successfully completed a quarterback sneak on an earlier possession in the first quarter.
2Q, 12:50: MSU 7, BC 7, Eagles tie game on 8-yard TD pass
Boston College quarterback Dylan Lonergan is so far outdeueling MSU quarterback Aidan Chiles, so far going 9-of-10 on passes for 131 yards and a touchdown.
That score came on an 8-yard pass early in the second quarter to running back Turbo Richard, who made his way into the end zone after fumbling a potential touchdown opportunity in the first quarter. The extra point went through, and the game is tied.
End 1Q: MSU 7, BC 0
Michigan State’s rushing attack has so far produced 41 rushing yards, with Makhi Frazier leading all ballcariers with 22 yards on four rushes.
Wide receiver Nick Marsh has looked strong in gaining yards after the catch, but transfer receiver Omari Kelly has fumbled the ball on both of his touches, losing one turnover on a punt return.
MSU’s defense looked stout in a shutout quarter, but just gave up its biggest play of the game on a 56-yard pass from quarterback Dylan Lonergan to receiver VJ Wilkins right before the quarter ended. Boston College is driving.
1Q, 4:27: MSU safety Malik Spencer appears injured
Michigan State senior safety Malik Spencer appears to have injured his right leg and is being attended to by team trainers. The cause and extent of his condition is unknown, and we await updates.
This could exacerbate an already problematic situation in the secondary for the Spartans.
1Q, 5:23: MSU 7, BC 0, Nick Marsh scores 11-yard TD
The Spartans covered 80 yards on seven plays in their opening possession, scoring on an 11-yard touchdown from quarterback Aidan Chiles to wide receiver Nick Marsh.
Marsh caught the ball on a 3rd-and-goal around the 6-yard line, with BC defenders crashing down and looking like they had forced a fourth down. However, Marsh kept on his feet and piled through defenders, eventually landing in the end zone for six points and his second touchdown of the season.
1Q, 11:16: BC RB Turbo Richard fumbles at 1-yard line, Jordan Hall strips ball
Boston College took immediate advantage of their fumble recovery and marched deep into Spartans’ territory looking to score the game’s opening points.
Sophomore running back Turbo Richard was looking to do just that racing 22 yards towards the end zone, but Richard fumbled the ball before crossing the end zone. Spartans linebacker Jordan Hall caused the fumble that led to an MSU touchback, though Hall also left the field clutching his chest, appearing hurt.
MSU begins their first offensive possession from their own 20-yard line.
1Q, 13:30: MSU punt returner Omari Kelly fumbles return
Michigan State’s defense forced a three-and-out on Boston College’s opening possession, punctuated by a sack on edge rusher Anelu Lafaele to force a punt.
However, Spartans’ punt returner Omari Kelly fumbled the punt return, and the BC special teams recovered, giving their offense the ball on MSU’s 39-yard line.
Boston College QB Dylan Lonergan to play against Spartans
In a pregame interview on NBC, Boston College coach Bill O’Brien said that starting quarterback Dylan Lonergan is “ready to go” for the Eagles’ game against Michigan State.
Lonergan, a transfer from Alabama, threw four touchdowns in Boston College’s season opener against Fordham. He spent some time in a hospital this past week with an unspecified ailment, but O’Brien has downplayed the issue throughout the week.
MSU QB Aidan Chiles warming up
Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles is looking to build on a sparkling first half against Western Michigan in Week 1 in tonight’s Week 2 matchup against Boston College.
Michigan State special helmet stickers
In recognition of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Michigan State will be wearing special helment stickers to support the Gregory H. Montgomery Jr. Foundation for tonight’s game against Boston College.
The foundation is named after former MSU punter Greg Montgomery, who had a nine-year NFL career from 1988-97 and died by suicide on Aug. 23, 2020. According to the foundation’s official website, the foundation “raises awareness and funds for mental health education, resources and suicide prevention for schools and communities.”
Michigan State RB Jace Clarizio likely out
Per our Chris Solari, Michigan State freshman running back Jace Clarizio will likely not play in Saturday’s game against Boston College. He also missed the first game against Western Michigan.
Clarizio is a freshman out of East Lansing High School and was rated the No. 1 running back recruit out of Michigan for the class of 2025. Clarizio initially committed to Alabama before switching his commitment to Michigan State in December of 2024.
Spartan Walk before Boston College game
Michigan State football does its second Spartan Walk of the 2025 season as they prepare to host the Boston College Eagles.
Michigan State injury report
A total of six players are listed as out on MSU’s injury report.
How to watch Michigan State vs Boston College
Saturday’s Michigan State game will be broadcasted on NBC, with streaming available on Fubo and Peacock.
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET.
Channel: NBC.
Streaming: On Fubo (free trial) and Peacock.
Radio: WJR-AM 760 (Detroit; see MSU affiliates).
Stream Michigan State vs Boston College on Peacock
Michigan State vs Boston College TV announcers
Play-by-play: Noah Eagle.
Color: Todd Blackledge.
After calling last week’s Michigan vs New Mexico game, Noah Eagle and Todd Blackledge will be staying in the state to call the Michigan State game against Boston College.
Michigan State vs Boston College betting odds
Spread: MSU by 3½.
Over/under total: 45½.
Moneyline: MSU -170, Boston College +140.
All odds are courtesy of BetMGM as of Saturday evening
Chris Solari’s Michigan State prediction vs Boston College
Chiles and the offense open things up more in the passing game, but the Eagles’ defense proves stout against the run for much of the evening. MSU gets key defensive stops again against QB Dylan Lonergan, and Makhi Frazier and Brandon Tullis help to grind out a revenge win in the fourth quarter as the offensive line flexes its improved depth and strength. The pick: MSU 20, Boston College 14.
Michigan State football schedule 2025
You can reach Christian at cromo@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan State beats Boston College 42-40 in 2OT: How Aidan Chiles saved Spartans
Reporting by Christian Romo, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
