EAST LANSING, Mich. – Aidan Chiles delivered an impressive performance, throwing for two touchdowns in the first half as Michigan State secured a 24-17 victory over Purdue on Friday night.
With this win, the Spartans improved to 5-6 overall and 3-5 in the Big Ten, moving one step closer to bowl eligibility under first-year coach Jonathan Smith. They have one final game against Rutgers at home, which will determine their postseason fate.
“It means a lot,” Chiles reflected on the victory, “We should’ve been in this place a long time ago.”
In contrast, Purdue’s struggles continued with this loss marking their tenth straight defeat. The Boilermakers, now 1-10 and 0-8 in the conference, are facing a daunting task against their rival, fifth-ranked Indiana, in their final game of the season. Head coach Ryan Walters acknowledged the pressures of the situation, stating, “It comes with the territory.”
The Spartans took an early lead, scoring three touchdowns and a field goal in the first half to establish a commanding 24-3 advantage. However, their performance tailed off in the second half, allowing Purdue to fight back. Chiles expressed disappointment, saying, “It’s kind of disappointing to come out hot and the next half look like we never played football before.”
Purdue had chances to tie the game late, highlighted by a missed opportunity when quarterback Hudson Card’s pass was intercepted by Spartan linebacker Jordan Turner. The Boilermakers also faced frustration on their next possession when a dropped pass led to turning the ball over on downs.
Chiles concluded the game with 159 passing yards, completing 15 of 31 attempts. His notable touchdown passes included a 7-yard throw to Montorie Foster and a 20-yard connection with Nate Carter at the end of the first half, who also contributed with a rushing touchdown.
On the other side, Card showcased his skills, completing 26 of 47 passes for a career-high 342 yards and one touchdown, while Klare led Purdue with seven receptions for 83 yards.
Looking ahead, Purdue will face Indiana in what will surely be a tough matchup, while Michigan State aims to secure a bowl game appearance with a victory against Rutgers.
This positive turn for Michigan State represents a significant improvement in their season and a chance for coach Smith to build momentum for the future. With determination and focus, both teams will head into their final games, each with something significant to play for.