Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith on building confidence after win over Boston College

The postgame press conference made clear just how much this win meant for Michigan State. Players were visibly energized, carrying a sense of accomplishment and validation that’s been missing around the program for quite some time. Head coach Jonathan Smith, meanwhile, stayed calm and composed, even as he notched perhaps his biggest victory yet as a Spartan. His role demands a quick pivot to the next challenge each week, but there’s no question this one mattered to him.

The Spartans outlasted Boston College Saturday night in a 42-40 thriller that really felt like a flip of a coin from the beginning. It was a big game for both programs with second year head coaches looking to make an early season statement and set up a trail of confidence going into conference play. It was also a redemption opportunity for the Spartans, who fell to the Eagles a year ago in what felt like a let down finish, and they wanted to capture this opportunity. 

“I think it’s a step forward,” Smith said after the game. “There’s a lot of players in that locker room that have been working, and it hasn’t always gone their way. We’re going to grow stronger from it.”

This matchup has been on their radar ever since last year’s crushing 23-19 loss in Chestnut Hill. The way that game ended seemed to leave a lingering impact on the team’s confidence as the season went on. Regaining the win in the manner the team did this time could spark a renewed sense of belief that was missing for much of last year—and that’s exactly what Smith is hoping for.

“Confidence can come from a displayed performance and these guys did it tonight," Smith stated. "Hopefully their confidence continues to grow."

Two players who may not lack confidence in any way already are quarterback Aidan Chiles and receiver Nick Marsh. Both players seemed to be in lockstep throughout the night. Chiles finished the contest with five total touchdowns (four passing, one running) in what may have been his best performance as a Spartan so far. Marsh had his first multi-touchdown game and collected 68 yards, showing a little bit of everything throughout the night. 

Chiles went down towards the end of regulation, shaken up with an apparent leg injury and less than a minutes of regulation time remaining until overtime. Once the trainers ruled out any chances of a serious injury, it wasn’t a thought of who’d take the first snap after regulation ended. 

“I think the kid’s really tough,” Smith said about Chiles. “Mentally, all of it. With how competitive he is out there – he’s running, giving so much effort outside of the pocket… I know the kid’s tough.”

Marsh, who shined in the first half with a touchdown catch where he powered through several Eagles defenders ...