What a way to kick off the season! Michigan State battled fiercely against Western Michigan in a game packed with twists and turns. From stunning defensive plays to unexpected scoring, the Spartans kept us on the edge of our seats. But did they secure the victory everyone was hoping for? Find out all the thrilling details!
Michigan State football kicked off its highly anticipated 2025 season with an electric in-state showdown against Western Michigan. Under the leadership of second-year head coach Jonathan Smith, a palpable sense of renewed optimism surrounded the Spartans, as Smith has had crucial time to sculpt the roster and ingrain his cultural vision, promising a revitalized approach to college football.
The early stages of the game saw both teams vying for control, with the Spartans demonstrating defensive prowess. A critical Western Michigan drive was stifled by Wisconsin transfer Anelu Lafaele, whose game-changing forced fumble on quarterback Brady Jones halted their momentum and set the tone for Michigan State’s defensive unit.
Offensively, Michigan State capitalized on early opportunities. A significant breakthrough came when Nick Marsh hauled in his first touchdown of the season, a testament to an impressive pass from quarterback Aidan Chiles. This standout play marked a successful and confident drive for the Spartans, igniting the home crowd.
Special teams also played a pivotal role in the Spartans’ success. Ryan Eckley delivered a perfect punt, pinning Western Michigan deep in their territory and providing Michigan State with excellent field position. This strategic play paved the way for Aidan Chiles’ explosive 26-yard run, setting up Makhi Frazier for a 9-yard touchdown run, which Blake Sislo confidently converted with his third PAT of the game.
Despite moments of brilliance, the game was not without its challenges. After Western Michigan forced a three-and-out, Spartan linebacker Wayne Matthews III swiftly ended their subsequent drive with his first interception of the season, showcasing the defense’s ability to create turnovers. However, Michigan State’s kicking game faced setbacks due to injuries, leading punter Ryan Eckley to attempt a 46-yard field goal, which unfortunately missed wide left.
The defense continued to shine, proving resilient against Western Michigan’s drives. Air Force transfer David Santiago delivered two crucial plays, including the drive-ending tackle on a fourth-down attempt, thwarting Western Michigan’s scoring chances. Another masterful punt from Ryan Eckley once again pinned the Broncos near their goal line, culminating in a critical safety as Alex VanSumeren and Jalen Thompson stuffed Jalen Buckley in the end zone.
As the game progressed, Western Michigan managed some impressive chunk plays to push into scoring territory, yet the Michigan State defense consistently tightened up, forcing a long 46-yard field goal attempt that ultimately sailed wide. For much of the second half, the Spartans’ offense struggled to find a consistent rhythm, facing a determined Western Michigan defense.
In a dramatic turn late in the game, Michigan State was mounting a drive until quarterback Aidan Chiles was blindsided on a blitz, resulting in a costly fumble. Further late-game drama unfolded when Alessio Milivojevic entered the game for Chiles and immediately threw an interception for a touchdown to former MSU player Tate Hallock, though Western Michigan’s subsequent two-point conversion attempt failed.
Ultimately, Michigan State secured a hard-fought victory in their 2025 season opener against Western Michigan. This thrilling game recap highlighted both the promising aspects of Jonathan Smith’s Spartans, particularly their defensive resilience and special teams, as well as areas for improvement as they navigate the upcoming challenges of college football.
