Michigan State vs Boston College Preview 2025
🏈 Michigan State vs Boston College Preview: Spartans Seek Revenge in East Lansing (2025)
Last year’s matchup in Chestnut Hill is still fresh in Michigan State minds. Playing in a rain-soaked Red Bandanna Game, the Spartans led 19–16 late before Boston College stunned them with a 42-yard touchdown pass from Thomas Castellanos to Lewis Bond with just 1:28 left. An interception in the end zone sealed MSU’s 23–19 defeat.
It wasn’t a collapse — it was a hard-fought, back-and-forth game — but let’s face it, this one stung bad. Allowing the game to slip away has fueled the offseason. Now, in 2025, the rematch shifts to East Lansing, where Jonathan Smith’s Spartans look to flip the script.
What Happened Last Year
Michigan State outgained Boston College 368–292 and saw kicker Jonathan Kim nail four field goals, including a career-long 51-yarder. Aidan Chiles threw for 241 yards but was picked off three times, and turnovers were the deciding factor.
The Eagles struck with explosive plays, including a 36-yard touchdown run by Treshaun Ward, and Castellanos’ late strike to Bond remains the highlight. MSU’s defense delivered stops — including a fourth-down stand at the 1-yard line — but the miscues were too costly.
Spartans’ 2025 Opener
MSU started this season with a comfortable 23–6 win over Western Michigan. Running backs Makhi Frazier (103 yards, TD) and Brandon Tullis (52 yards, TD) provided balance. The defense was ferocious, tallying four sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and allowing only 29 rushing yards.
Linebacker Jordan Hall, who had eight tackles and a sack, continues to emerge as a defensive anchor. Coach Smith praised the effort but warned that sloppy special teams and turnovers need cleaning up before facing tougher opponents.
Chiles missed a a few long-balls that could have really helped to put away Western.
Eagles’ 2025 Opener
Boston College looked explosive in a 66–10 rout of Fordham. Sophomore quarterback Dylan Lonergan threw for 268 yards and four touchdowns, connecting with Bond (again) for 11 catches and 138 yards. Wideouts Jaedn Skeete and Jordan McDonald also found the end zone.
The Eagles piled up 556 total yards and showed they’re capable of quick strikes — a challenge for MSU’s secondary.
Keys to the Rematch
Ball Security
Turnovers were the undoing in 2024. Chiles’ three interceptions and a fumble gave BC too many chances. MSU must protect the ball.
Explosive Plays
The Spartan defense can win the trenches, but big lapses — like the 42-yard game-winner last year — swing games. Lonergan and Bond will look to exploit any cracks. Chiles needs to connect on deep passes when his receivers beat their defenders.
Controlling Tempo
MSU’s run game with Frazier and Tullis is designed to eat clock and keep BC’s playmakers on the sideline. Long drives and red-zone efficiency will be critical.
Prediction
This feels like another nail-biter. MSU’s defense is stronger than a year ago, and the home-field advantage at Spartan Stadium could tip the balance.
Final score prediction: Michigan State 27, Boston College 23. The Spartans avenge last year’s heartbreak by finishing strong in the fourth quarter — the mantra Coach Smith has preached since he arrived.
