Since Michigan State won 11 games and downed Pittsburgh in the 2021 Peach Bowl, it’s been tough sledding for the once college football juggernaut. Over the past three seasons, the Spartans boast a combined 14-22 record and have missed three consecutive bowl games for the first time since 2004-06 (the three seasons prior to Mark Dantonio‘s arrival).

The Spartans went just 5-7 last season, but could have squeaked into a bowl game with a win over Boston College on Sept. 21. The Eagles however converted on a 42-yard passing touchdown with 1:28 remaining, sending State and quarterback Aidan Chiles home with the loss.

Chiles, who passed for just 241 yards and threw three interceptions in the loss, discussed how excited he is for the rematch this season.

“I’m so excited man,” Chiles said. “You know, last year we didn’t get the result we wanted but at the end of the day we can’t dwell on that too much. To get another opportunity to play the team that — you know, I don’t think — I’m gonna be quiet. But um, yeah. I love seeing them on the schedule and getting a chance to get back and stuff like that. It’s a very competitive game and I’m truly excited to play them.”

Trailing by four, Chiles actually led the Spartans to the Boston College 20-yard line with 36 seconds remaining but threw a game-ending interception.

“For sure,” Chiles responded when asked if the loss still sticks with him. “It’s for sure a chip on my shoulder. I feel like we could have won every game but we didn’t do the things that we had to do. It’s just the little things that count and I’m just excited to play them.”

Chiles transferred to Michigan State from Oregon State along with new head coach Jonathan Smith prior to the 2024 season. The Long Beach native passed for 2,415 yards, 13 touchdowns and 11 interceptions on 322 attempts last season.

“Too many,” he continued when asked how many times he has replayed the loss to BC in his head. “It’s been a lot of learning and digesting the film. I just keep diving into the film. It was a lot of fun but going back and seeing over and over and the mistakes and the fumbles, it was just like ‘what could I do different?’ So I’ve been studying it and trying to see what we could do next year and come back stronger. Next year is here, so we’re excited.”

The two programs will clash once again this season on Sept. 6 in East Lansing. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM on NBC/Peacock.