CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. — Michigan State football faced a tough battle from the start. Injuries along the offensive line, missing wide receivers, and harsh weather conditions all contributed to the challenge Saturday at Alumni Stadium.
Adding to the difficulty was a formidable Boston College defense and the continued development of sophomore quarterback Aidan Chiles, who showed both flashes of brilliance and moments of struggle.
Despite these obstacles, MSU’s defense stepped up but couldn’t hold off a late-game Boston College comeback. With just 1:28 remaining, Eagles quarterback Thomas Castellanos threw a 42-yard touchdown pass over MSU’s Angelo Grose, sealing a 23-19 defeat for the Spartans — their first loss of the season.
Chiles had one last opportunity to lead MSU to victory, pushing the offense to Boston College’s 36-yard line with three quick passes to tight end Jack Velling. However, his deep ball to Montorie Foster Jr. was intercepted in the end zone, marking his third interception of the game and seventh of the season.
Next up for MSU (3-1, 1-0 Big Ten) is a tough conference matchup against No. 3 Ohio State on Saturday at 7 p.m., followed by a Friday night game against No. 6 Oregon.
Despite outgaining the Eagles 368-292, Chiles struggled with turnovers, finishing 17-for-35 for 241 passing yards and no touchdowns, while adding 57 rushing yards and a score. Jack Velling led MSU with six catches for 77 yards, and Foster added four grabs for 87 yards.
Chiles: Flashes of brilliance and mistakes
Chiles showcased his potential despite the absence of key players on offense. On the first drive, he connected with Velling to set up a 41-yard field goal from Jonathan Smith, giving MSU an early 3-0 lead.
However, the offensive line, reshuffled due to injuries, struggled to establish the run. Chiles’ mobility helped MSU gain momentum in the second quarter. A 40-yard pass to Foster set up a 1-yard rushing touchdown by Chiles, giving MSU a 10-6 lead. Another quick drive extended the lead to 13-6 at halftime, despite Chiles throwing an interception late in the half.
Costly second-half mistakes
The second half began with MSU fumbling the kickoff, allowing Boston College to recover at the 5-yard line. The defense held the Eagles to a field goal, but another interception by Chiles set up a 36-yard touchdown run by Boston College’s Turbo Richard, giving the Eagles a 16-13 lead.
The Spartans fought back, with Chiles leading an 89-yard drive that resulted in another field goal, reclaiming the lead 19-16. However, Boston College’s late-game touchdown sealed MSU’s fate.
Despite holding Castellanos to just 15 rushing yards and sacking him four times, the Spartans couldn’t stop the Eagles when it mattered most. MSU now faces tougher challenges as they prepare for Ohio State and Oregon.
