Rain was absolutely dumping on Alumni Stadium. If you were there on September 21, 2024, you know the vibe. It was the Red Bandanna Game, an annual Boston College tradition honoring Welles Crowther, the former BC lacrosse player who saved over a dozen lives during 9/11. There’s always an extra layer of weight to these games, but adding a Big Ten opponent like Michigan State into the mix? That just cranked the volume.
The Spartans came into Chestnut Hill looking to spoil the party. Honestly, for about 58 minutes, it looked like they might actually do it. Michigan State’s kicker, Jonathan Kim, was having the game of his life, nailing four field goals, including a monster 51-yarder. But then Thomas Castellanos happened.
What Really Happened in the 2024 BC vs Michigan State Thriller
With just over four minutes left, Michigan State took a 19-16 lead. The stadium got a little quiet, save for the splashing of rain on those metal bleachers. Boston College needed a spark. Castellanos, who hadn’t been perfect all night—he only finished with 140 passing yards—found Lewis Bond for a 42-yard bomb that essentially broke the Spartans' backs.
Bond didn't just catch it; he out-maneuvered the secondary and glided into the end zone. 23-19.
But Michigan State didn't quit. Aidan Chiles, their young quarterback, marched them right back down the field. He had 241 passing yards on the night, but those three interceptions were the ultimate anchor. In the closing seconds, Chiles threw one last prayer toward the end zone. Max Tucker picked it off. Game over. Students stormed the field in a drenching downpour, and honestly, it’s one of those visuals that’ll be in the BC hype reels for a decade.
The Revenge Game: September 6, 2025
If you thought 2024 was wild, the 2025 rematch in East Lansing was pure chaos. This time, the roles flipped. Michigan State managed to pull off a 42-40 double-overtime win. It was a classic "revenge" narrative. Aidan Chiles looked like a completely different player compared to the kid who struggled in the rain a year prior. He threw for four touchdowns and scrambled for another in overtime.
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The game literally came down to a failed two-point conversion by BC in the second OT. It’s funny how these two programs, despite being in different conferences (ACC vs. Big Ten), have developed this weirdly intense, high-stakes rivalry over the last few years.
By the Numbers: How They Stack Up
You can't talk about BC vs Michigan State without looking at the history. Most people forget they played in the 2007 Champs Sports Bowl. That was Matt Ryan’s era. BC won that one 24-21.
Looking at the all-time series, it’s closer than you’d think.
Boston College holds a slight edge with 5 wins, 2 losses, and 1 tie (that tie goes way back to 1936 at Fenway Park, believe it or not).
In the 2024 matchup, Michigan State actually outgained BC in total yardage—368 to 292. Usually, when you outgain an opponent by almost 80 yards, you win the game. But the Spartans turned the ball over four times. You can’t do that on the road, especially in a hostile, emotional environment like the Red Bandanna Game.
Key Performers to Remember
- Thomas Castellanos (BC): The definition of a "clutch" player. He doesn't always have the prettiest stat line, but when the game is on the line, he makes the throw.
- Aidan Chiles (MSU): High ceiling, high risk. His 2024 performance was marred by mistakes, but his 2025 redemption showed why Spartan fans are so high on him.
- Treshaun Ward (BC): He was a workhorse in 2024, put up 102 yards on 14 carries. He gave the Eagles the balance they needed when the passing game was struggling in the rain.
- Jonathan Kim (MSU): Look, kickers are people too. Going 4-for-4 in a rainstorm is elite.
Why This Matchup Matters for the Future
College football is changing. Realignment is everywhere. But these non-conference "home-and-home" series are the lifeblood of the sport. They give us matchups we don't see every week.
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When BC plays Michigan State, you get a clash of styles. BC usually brings that "O'Brien-style" toughness—physical, tight-end heavy, gritty. Michigan State, under Jonathan Smith, is trying to build a balanced, high-IQ offensive system.
The 2024 and 2025 games proved that these two are perfectly matched. Neither team is a perennial Top 5 powerhouse right now, but they are both "program builders." They are teams that can ruin a season for a blue blood.
Common Misconceptions
A lot of people think Michigan State dominates this series because they're the "bigger" Big Ten brand. History says otherwise. BC has been a thorn in their side since the 1930s. Another mistake is assuming the 2024 game was a fluke because of the rain. Sure, the weather played a part, but BC’s defense forced those turnovers. That’s a scheme win, not just a "slippery ball" win.
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Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're following these two teams into the next season, here’s what you should be watching:
- Watch the Turnover Margin: In the last two meetings, the team that won the turnover battle won the game. It’s a cliché because it’s true.
- Monitor the QB Growth: Both Castellanos and Chiles are the "X-factors." If they play clean, their teams are dangerous.
- Appreciate the Traditions: If you ever get a chance to go to a Red Bandanna Game in Chestnut Hill, do it. It’s bigger than football.
The BC vs Michigan State saga is a reminder that you don't need a century-old rivalry to produce legendary games. Sometimes, you just need a little rain, a lot of heart, and a 42-yard pass at the end of the fourth quarter.
Next Steps for You
- Check the 2026 Schedule: See if another home-and-home is in the works, as these programs often schedule in blocks.
- Review the Stats: Take a closer look at Aidan Chiles' 2024 vs 2025 splits to see how much a young QB can improve in twelve months.
- Support the Cause: Learn more about the Welles Crowther Charitable Trust to understand why that 2024 game meant so much to the BC community.