Boston College is coming off a tough loss to the Missouri Tigers. They played very well, but a few costly turnovers were the difference in a game decided by a touchdown. Back at home the Eagles now face an easier matchup, but one that is by no means easy.
The Michigan State Spartans are off to a hot start, going 3-0 so far and look like a tough team. That said, BC is still favored in this game with the spread at -6.5. So far, Boston College has beaten the spread in every game, and they look to continue that again. If they want any hope of salvaging their college playoff chances they will need to come out and make a statement this week.
Boston College vs. Michigan State Match History
BC and Michigan State have played six times in their long history. The Eagles are 4-1-1 against the Spartans, last playing in 2007 when Matt Ryan and BC edged out the Brian Hoyer-led Spartans 24-21. While Tommy Castellanos and Aidan Chiles are no Ryan and Hoyer (yet anyway), this game should be similarly exciting.
As always, head coach Bill O’Brien is taking the assignment seriously. When asked about the Michigan State team O’Brien only gave glowing reviews.
“Well, it’s a really well-coached team and it has a lot of things that we believe in,” began O’Brien. “I don’t really know their coaching staff really that well, but we have a lot of respect for them, because they play the game, they coach the game very similar to the way we do and, so I think it is going to be a good, it should be a good football game”
Michigan State is also aware that they have a battle in front of them. Nate Carter, the Spartans junior running back, remarked that the team was “getting ready to have a four quarter fight”, addressing the physicality this game is expected to bring.
Key Players for Boston College
The Entire Offensive Line
This game is going to come down to fighting in the trenches. BC has one of the top O-Lines in the country right now but Michigan State has a defensive line to match.
When discussing the challenge the Michigan State D-Line poses Coach Bill O’Brien stated that he “[thinks] that we have to cover them up up front. They do a really good job. They’re good on defense, they do a really good job of playing technique, but also they can stunt, they can bring pressure and we’ve got to do a great job of communication and being on the right people.”
Going up against such a tough defensive line, the Eagles O-Line is going to have to bring their A-game. If they don’t give Tommy a chance to read the defense and find lanes as a runner, the offense will be hard pressed to move the sticks in this game.
Tommy Castellanos – Quarterback
Speaking of Tommy, last week was hot and cold. Castellanos threw his first and second interceptions of the year while completing under 60 percent of his passes. However, he also had three touchdown passes while challenging a great Mizzou team. Mizzou also stifled his legs, preventing him from running anywhere on the field.
Michigan State will pose similar issues for Castellanos if they have their way. Castellanos needs to show consistency as a passer and find a way to make an impact on the ground. If he does that BC should easily win this game. If not it’s going to be a slow-moving fight to the very end.
Key Players for Michigan State
Nick Marsh – Wide Receiver
Starting on the offensive side of the ball, Nick Marsh is going to be the catalyst for the Spartans. The 6 foot 3 inch, 210-pound true freshman has exploded onto the scene this year with 11 receptions for 232 yards and a touchdown. Almost all of that production came against the Maryland Terrapins going eight for 194 yards and a touchdown in that game. Chiles, the Spartans quarterback, has been very shaky so far.
Working through the team’s best weapon might allow Michigan State to get a few explosive plays against a tough BC defense. This is not a game Michigan State will want to try and grind out unless Castellanos does not have it on Saturday. They need to get the upper hand first and Marsh is the guy to give them that edge.
Jordan Turner – Linebacker
Jordan Turner has been the key player early for this tough Spartans defense. After transferring from Wisconsin this last portal cycle, Turner has established himself as a defensive leader. In his first three games, Turner has amassed 19 tackles including a Big-Ten-leading five for loss, along with two sacks.
Turner is a do-it-all all-linebacker who has helped the Spartans impose their will on opposing offensive lines and running backs alike while striking fear in opposing quarterbacks. If Turner can disrupt the O-Line the way he has been Michigan State will find themselves in control of the pace of play more often than not.
Key “Matchup”: The Refs
These two teams are polar opposites in terms of play discipline. BC only averages 21.5 penalty yards per game, seventh-best in the country. On the other hand, Michigan State averages a whopping 120 penalty yards per game, 134th in the country.
The discrepancy could play a major factor in swinging momentum and create a few cheap point chances for BC that Michigan State simply will not have. This storyline might be the secret player that can win BC the game, or more accurately lose Michigan State this game.
How Boston College Wins This Football Game
Boston College will win this football game if they can win the battle up front and play consistent offense. BC has the better football team, but coming off a close loss can result in lost focus.
While Bill O’Brien is sure to lead his team forward, BC has to keep the fire they had in their first three games and bring it to this game. Not letting a tough Spartans defense get in their head is going to be key. Assuming they play their game: steady, smart, and safe football, the Eagles should win.
Spencer Buckley
Hi Everyone! I'm happy you read this far to see my bio. I am a full time football and baseball enthusiast who would have "100% made the show if I didn't get injured...". Also do some Lawyer stuff in my free time.