Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, September 7, 2025
News Summary
In a nail-biting double overtime showdown, Michigan State overcame Boston College with a final score of 42-40 at Spartan Stadium. The Spartans sealed the victory with a late two-point conversion after both teams traded touchdowns in the first overtime. Despite a strong performance from BC quarterback Dylan Lonergan, who threw four touchdown passes, Michigan State’s Aidan Chiles led their comeback and ultimately secured the win, improving their record to 2-0.
East Lansing — Michigan State edged Boston College 42-40 in a dramatic double overtime victory Saturday night at Spartan Stadium, with a late two-point conversion sealing the win and lifting the Spartans to a 2-0 start to the season.
Quick take
The game’s deciding sequence came in the second overtime after both teams traded touchdowns in the first overtime. Michigan State tied the second overtime score on a 3-yard quarterback run and then completed a 2-point conversion pass to secure the 42-40 win. Boston College had taken the lead earlier in the second overtime on an 8-yard touchdown by Turbo Richard but failed to complete a 2-point attempt that would have forced a longer continuation.
Game summary
Boston College led 21-14 at halftime, powered by a strong first half from quarterback Dylan Lonergan, who threw three touchdown passes before the break. The Eagles opened scoring in the first quarter after Michigan State struck first on an 11-yard touchdown pass from Aidan Chiles to Nick Marsh. BC answered and then extended its lead in the second quarter with touchdown passes of 12 yards and 14 yards to Jaedn Skeete and Reed Harris, respectively.
Michigan State fought back after halftime. Chiles connected on a 41-yard touchdown pass to Marsh to pull the Spartans even, and kicker Martin Connington kicked a 50-yard field goal in the third quarter to put Michigan State ahead. Connington later added a 39-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter to keep the game tied at 27-27 at the end of regulation.
In the first overtime, Michigan State scored on a 5-yard pass from Chiles to tight end Jay Coyne. Boston College matched with a 6-yard touchdown pass from Lonergan to Jeremiah Franklin, sending the contest into a second overtime where the back-and-forth drama concluded in Michigan State’s favor.
Key players and statistics
– Dylan Lonergan (Boston College): Completed 34 of 45 passes for 390 yards and 4 touchdowns, leading the Eagles’ offense and accounting for most of BC’s production through the air.
– Aidan Chiles (Michigan State): Finished 19 of 29 for 231 yards, with 4 passing touchdowns and 1 rushing touchdown, including the crucial 3-yard run in the second overtime.
– Martin Connington (Michigan State): Converted a 50-yard field goal and a 39-yard field goal, both important in keeping the Spartans within striking distance during the second half.
Other scoring highlights included an early 8-yard touchdown from Lonergan to Turbo Richard, and Michigan State’s third-quarter momentum swing after tying plays and a long field goal gave them the capacity to remain competitive heading into overtime.
Coach and team context
Boston College coach Bill O’Brien acknowledged that the team had both positives and negatives to take away from the game, indicating that the loss came down to having fewer positive plays than Michigan State over the full contest. For Michigan State, the victory represented a strong step in recovering from a difficult previous season and provided an early-season morale boost.
Implications and next steps
– Michigan State improved to 2-0 for the season.
– Boston College dropped to 1-1 and will look to regroup ahead of its next matchup against Stanford in Atlantic Coast Conference play.
The game served as a rematch of last season’s meeting, when Boston College won 23-19, underlining the competitiveness and changing dynamics between the two programs.
Background
This meeting continued a recent series of closely contested games between the schools. The combination of a high-volume passing performance by Lonergan and a multi-touchdown, dual-threat effort by Chiles made the game a back-and-forth contest that required extra periods to determine a winner. Special teams also played a pivotal role, with long field goals keeping Michigan State in the game while late two-point conversion execution determined the final outcome.
Game timeline (selected)
– First quarter: MSU 11-yard TD pass (Chiles to Marsh). BC 8-yard TD pass (Lonergan to Turbo Richard).
– Second quarter: BC 12-yard TD (Lonergan to Skeete); BC 14-yard TD (Lonergan to Reed Harris). Halftime score: BC 21-14.
– Third quarter: MSU 41-yard TD pass (Chiles to Marsh); MSU 50-yard FG (Connington).
– Fourth quarter: MSU 39-yard FG (Connington). End of regulation: 27-27.
– Overtime 1: MSU 5-yard TD (Chiles to Jay Coyne); BC 6-yard TD (Lonergan to Jeremiah Franklin).
– Overtime 2: BC 8-yard TD (Turbo Richard) — failed 2-point attempt; MSU 3-yard QB run (Chiles) + successful 2-point pass (Chiles to Omari Kelly).
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score and where was the game played?
The final score was Michigan State 42, Boston College 40. The game was played at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.
Who were the key performers?
Boston College quarterback Dylan Lonergan completed 34 of 45 passes for 390 yards and 4 touchdowns. Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles completed 19 of 29 passes for 231 yards with 4 passing touchdowns and added a rushing touchdown. Kicker Martin Connington made 50- and 39-yard field goals for Michigan State.
How did the game end?
After both teams scored in the first overtime, the game went to a second overtime. Boston College scored a touchdown but failed on a two-point try. Michigan State then scored on a 3-yard run and completed a two-point pass to win the game.
How does the result affect season records?
Michigan State improved to 2-0, while Boston College fell to 1-1.
What is next for Boston College?
Boston College’s next game will be against Stanford in Atlantic Coast Conference play.
Quick reference table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Final score | Michigan State 42 — Boston College 40 |
| Location | Spartan Stadium, East Lansing |
| Game date | Saturday night (season opener context) |
| Michigan State record | 2-0 |
| Boston College record | 1-1 |
| BC quarterback | Dylan Lonergan — 34/45, 390 yards, 4 TDs |
| MSU quarterback | Aidan Chiles — 19/29, 231 yards, 4 passing TDs, 1 rushing TD |
| Notable special teams | Martin Connington — 50- and 39-yard field goals for MSU |
| Next notable matchup | Boston College vs Stanford (ACC) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Lansing State Journal
- Detroit Free Press
- 247 Sports
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Michigan State University
- Google News: Michigan State Football
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