Aidan Chiles delivers against Boston College
When the Spartans needed him most, Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles delivered in the team's victory over Boston College.
When Michigan State needed him most, junior starting quarterback Aidan Chiles more than delivered in the Spartans' dramatic, double overtime victory over Boston College on Saturday. The Spartans defeated the Eagles by a final score of 42-40.
Chiles was efficient with the ball, and downright spectacular at time. He made plays with both his arm and his legs. Chiles completed 19 out of 29 passes (66%) for 231 passing yards and a career-high four touchdowns, with zero interceptions. He added 39 net rushing yards, including a long of 19 yards, and a game-tying touchdown run in the second overtime period. Chiles then found Omari Kelly for a game-winning two-point conversion after that touchdown.
While his performance was strong, it was Chiles' grit, determination and leadership that really stood out in Michigan State's thrilling win over Boston College. At the end of regulation, Chiles went down and was checked out. He walked off under his own power, with trainers by his side. Heading into the overtime period, backup quarterback Alessio Milivojevic was spotted warming up on the sideline.
However, Chiles wasn't coming out of the game. He was going to fight through the pain for his teammates.
"I was trying to waste time for my team," Chiles said about the minor injury. "I'm not soft. I'm good. That's really all I've got to say about that. I’m straight. I'll be back."
Under head coach Jonathan Smith, Michigan State has often struggled to produce points in the second half and has rarely outscored opponents in the final two quarters or beyond. Saturday night was different, as MSU outscored BC 13-6 in the second half and 15-13 in overtime — 28-19 after halftime.
In a back-and-forth game, Michigan State responded every time it needed to, and eventually won the game. According to Chiles, the Spartans were prepared for this moment.
"We wanted it," Chiles said. "We wanted that game. We needed that game. We faced adversity. I think it's a great football team we just played against, but they didn't have any adversity last week. So, it's just, you know, we just came out to see who's the toughest team, and today we were."
