Thursday, December 18, 2025

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Sports

FOOTBALL

Spartans gear up for test against Nebraska’s rising star quarterback

In the sea of red where the sold out Nebraska football crowd promises stimulating energy, the Spartans take on a sophomore quarterback by the name of Dylan Raiola, a confident and NFL-caliber player that could give MSU some fits defensively. To stop Raiola and his Cornhusker squad, the Spartans must play better defense, which means tackle, generate pressure, communicate, cover, play attack coverage, win one-on-one’s and have success in the small details..

FOOTBALL

Redshirt freshman Rustin Young fills key role on MSU offensive line

When redshirt sophomore Stanton Ramil left Michigan State’s Sept. 20 matchup against USC with an injury, redshirt freshman Rustin Young was thrust into the spotlight. The little-known offensive lineman played 51 of 60 snaps, more than his entire career to that point, and held his own against a Trojan pass rush averaging nearly five sacks per game. Once a four-star recruit from Hawaii who followed head coach Jonathan Smith from Oregon State, Young now finds himself in line for a bigger role as the Spartans battle mounting injuries on the offensive line. With Nebraska’s less disruptive pass rush on deck, Saturday could mark Young’s first career start — and an opportunity to solidify himself as a key piece of MSU’s future.

FOOTBALL

The blueprint behind Aidan Chiles’ transformation from 2024 to 2025

Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles entered 2025 with questions swirling after an up-and-down debut season in East Lansing. A year ago, he threw 11 interceptions and struggled with consistency, but through four games this fall he has led the Spartans to a 3-1 start with 868 yards passing, nine touchdowns and just one interception. Beyond the stat sheet, Chiles’ improved pocket presence and decision-making have transformed MSU’s offense, which has nearly doubled its scoring output from 2024. With his playmaking instincts intact and his efficiency on the rise, Chiles is emerging as the leader of a unit poised for more growth as Big Ten play continues.

FOOTBALL

USC’s dominance on third down drives Spartans to loss

Michigan State dropped its first Big Ten matchup against USC, 45-31, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Spartans pulled within one score early in the fourth quarter but couldn’t slow the Trojans’ offense, which converted 8 of 11 third downs and one fourth down to extend drives. Missed defensive stops and injuries on linebackers loomed large, though quarterback Aidan Chiles and the MSU offense showed promise against one of the nation's top offenses.

FOOTBALL

Injuries limit MSU’s abilities in 45-31 loss to No. 25 USC

Michigan State football suffered a high-scoring 31-45 loss to USC in its Big Ten home opener, marking back-to-back defeats and its first home loss of the season. Despite key injuries and the ejection of defensive leader Jordan Hall for targeting, the Spartans remained competitive but ultimately couldn’t overcome the Trojans’ late offensive surge.