A year ago, Boston College handed Michigan State football its first loss of the Jonathan Smith era.
It wasn't because the Spartans were the clearly inferior team, but it was just a sloppy rain game filled with turnovers that happened to go Boston College's way in the final minute. Michigan State was leading for a good chunk of the game, but a late touchdown from Thomas Castellanos to Lewis Bond with 1:28 remaining was the difference.
Michigan State went on to lose three games in a row, and a once-promising season was essentially halted right there. Now the Spartans are out for revenge (although they won't say that openly).
If they're going to avenge last year's loss, they'll need to keep these three Boston College stars in check.
1. Lewis Bond, WR
A year ago, Lewis Bond gave Michigan State some problems, accounting for over 100 receiving yards, including the game-winning 42-yard touchdown with just over a minute left.
Bond is the Eagles' best receiver, and he gave the Spartan secondary problems last year. He's already off to a hot start in 2025 with 11 catches for 138 yards in the opener. The fact that he already has a great rapport with his new quarterback is a problem for the Michigan State defense.
2. Dylan Lonergan, QB
This was the most obvious pick for me because Michigan State's secondary wasn't exactly tested by elite quarterback play against Western Michigan. The Broncos did have some decent throws down the field, but they combined for under 200 yards and an interception on 16-of-33 passing.
Dylan Lonergan is not going to play that poorly. The Alabama transfer had a great first career start, albeit against Fordham, with 268 yards and four touchdowns. This could be a problem for an unproven secondary.
3. Quintayvious Hutchins, DE
Before the season, Quintayvious Hutchins was receiving a ton of attention, and he didn't quite live up to the hype in the opener, recording three tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss. Given the fact that the Spartans struggled with Nadame Tucker on the edge last week, I expect Hutchins to give the offensive line pass protection problems.
Hutchins was really good as a junior in 2024, and I think he might be the Eagles' best defensive player, especially after Donovan Ezeiruaku was the ACC Defensive Player of the Year.
Honorable mention: Turbo Richard, RB
Boston College fans were high on Turbo Richard before the season, and many considered him one of the Eagles' top breakout candidates, but he struggled in the opener because his offensive line didn't open many holes. He finished with 48 yards on 16 carries. He still has a chance to break out -- he has the talent -- so he's one to keep an eye on.