MSU sixth year running-back Kay'ron Lynch-Adams (15) finds a gap in the defense for a lofty gain at Spartan Stadium on Sept. 14, 2024.
Throughout history, Boston College has been an up-and-down college football program. Many remember the Eagles' golden years under quarterbacks Doug Flutie and Matt Ryan. Others may know BC for its mediocre 66-62 record over the past decade.
This fall, a new era of Boston College football has unfolded, one featuring a shifty quarterback and ex-NFL head coach in Bill O’Brien that may pose a challenge to the Spartans this Saturday under the lights.
Kickoff at Alumni Stadium Saturday is scheduled for 8 p.m. ACC Network will air the game.
O’Brien, in his first year as BC's head coach, has led to Eagles to an encouraging start. BC is 2-1 and has beaten Florida State by two scores and lost 27-21 against No. 7 Missouri.
The early-season tests for O'Brien and Boston College continue as they welcome the undefeated Spartans in an important ACC-Big Ten battle.
Saturday will mark the first time MSU head coach Jonathan Smith and O’Brien will face off against one other.
"A big-time coaching staff where we're headed to, a place that I'm sure it's going to be full with some energy and things," Smith said. "So we got a big-time challenge this weekend."
In a battle under the lights, Michigan State is set for its biggest matchup so far this season with a chance to go 4-0 and possibly be ranked in the Top 25, and to prove that competitive football is the new norm in East Lansing.
For Boston College, similar stakes are on the line. Saturday will mark the eleventh annual Red Bandana Game in a sold-out show.
Both teams are eager to prove themselves on the field as the season heats up. With home field advantage, Boston College is looking to sneak up the national rankings.
The Spartans are looking to keep their up their confidence after a 40-0 win against Prairie View A&M last week.
Boston College presents a number of challenges for Michigan State with a crafty offense and hostile environment, particularly for the Red Bandana game.
Containing BC's stars
BC will have the best offense Michigan State has faced so far this season. There are three players the Spartan defense will have to keep their eyes on for all 60 minutes: junior quarterback Thomas Castellanos, junior wide receiver Lewis Bond and senior defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku.
Castellanos is the leader of the offense and player who may give the Spartans the most trouble defensively. The 5-foot-9 quarterback is a nifty player, posing a threat to MSU.
Castellanos is a scrambling quarterback, but one with an accurate arm. Last season on the ground, he ran for 1,113 yards and 13 touchdowns. This season, he’s showcased more of his arm, going 35-for-54 for 589 passing yards and nine touchdowns, posting the sixth-best quarterback rating in college football thus far.
"It really starts with their quarterback." Smith said. "He can beat you in multiple ways, throwing it, obviously running it, and then they run a game that attaches to his skillset is tough to defend."
While he will be the best quarterback the Spartans have faced this season, Castellanos’ nifty scrambling is something MSU is familiar with.
Against Florida Atlantic and Maryland, quarterbacks Cam Fancher and Billy Edwards Jr. combined for 31 rushes for 80 yards and one touchdown. The Spartans have seen quarterbacks who are willing runners and shown they have the ability to slow them down.
Bond isn’t a deep threat, but can hurt teams on intermediate pass plays, averaging 15.6 yards per catch. His ability to find holes in coverage, make catches and break tackles while having the speed to burn defensive backs makes him a threat to Michigan State.
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This season, Bond has 10 receptions for 156 yards and one touchdown.
Ezeiruaku, BC's speedy edge rusher, has shown up when it's mattered most. Against Florida State, he recorded two sacks. Against a strong Missouri offensive line, he recorded one.
With an injured front five for MSU, slowing down Ezeiruaku may be a challenge.
Robust D the key for MSU
BC’s offense may present obstacles for MSU, but the Spartans' total defense is ranked No. 15 in the nation. Their red zone defense is ranked No. 14 in the nation.
Additionally, Michigan State leads the Big Ten with 27 tackles for loss in three games. The Spartans also rank second in the Big Ten and tied for fifth in the nation with 11 sacks.
Michigan State also has a strong rushing defense ranked 23rd in the nation, and could present a test of Castellanos' skill.
"Our original goal is just to go out there and play Michigan State football," senior defensive end Khris Bogle said Wednesday. "Fast, physical, play with how, play with toughness. They're a physical team. We've seen it on film, so we just go out there to play Michigan State football at the end of the day and show the world what we're really about."
If Michigan State can execute to the best of its ability and clean up its technique, the Spartans have a chance to stay undefeated.
