The Unsung Hero: Fullback Jay Coyne helps lift Michigan State to victory over Boston College

Who said the fullback position is obsolete in football?

Certainly not Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith, offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren and the rest of the Spartans' staff.

While fullback usage is becoming more and more rare in the college and professional games, MSU fullback Jay Coyne played a pivotal role in the Spartans' thrilling 42-40, double overtime victory to Boston College on Saturday night.

In the first overtime period, Michigan State started with the ball. Four plays later, the Spartans were at Boston College's 5-yard line. That was when Smith and Lindgren called Coye's number. On second-and-goal, MSU lined up in an offset I-formation, with Coyne leaking out, unnoticed by the defense, and finding the end zone to score six points.

Following the extra point, that gave the Spartans a 34-27 lead. Boston College quickly answered to tie things up at 34-34. The Eagles then started with the ball in the second overtime period and scored once again. However, Boston College dd not convert on its two-point attempt. As mentioned, MSU would go on to win the game, with quarterback Aidan Chiles rushing in a touchdown from three yards out and then finding wide receiver Omari Kelly for the game-winning two-point conversion.

Coyne — who joined the Spartans as a walk-on defensive end/linebacker in 2022 — was perhaps the unsung hero of the night.

"It was awesome," Coyne said about scoring the touchdown. "I'm so grateful to help the team win. And it makes me so happy just to see all our teammates after the game ... and I feel like I helped get us that win. And I'm just so happy for our team."