Michigan State football picked up a program win on Saturday night over Boston College under the lights at Spartan Stadium. The Spartans are now 2-0 and look to continue their winning streak against FCS foe Youngstown State this Saturday.
After two weeks, Michigan State has shown plenty of improvement compared to last season, when the Spartans only racked up five wins. Jonathan Smith raved in his post-game press conference about the resilience his team showed against Boston College.
They played hard for four quarters (and two overtimes) and came away with a win.
With all the buzz the Michigan State football program has created, let's take a look at three key stats that Spartan fans should take note of.
1. Just 2.0 yards per carry allowed
The Michigan State defense has been absolutely stout against the run this year, holding opponents to 2.0 yards per carry is pure dominance. Ben Roberts and Alex VanSumeren have been monsters in the middle, eating up space and causing havoc. The rotating group of defensive ends has also been a major contributor, and of course, the linebackers are cleaning up what gets past the defensive line.
This number puts the Spartans at 10th in the nation, meaning they are in elite company right now. Who knows if it will stay this way over the course of an entire season, but this has been an encouraging start.
With Michigan State traveling to a pair of tough Big Ten stadiums soon (USC and Nebraska), the run defense needs to remain in top form.
Joe Rossi deserves a pat on the back for continuously improving the defense.
2. Aidan Chiles has 0 interceptions
The biggest question mark heading into the season for Michigan State was its young signal-caller and if he was going to take that next step. It's quite clear that Aidan Chiles has taken that step. He can now be entered in the conversation as one of the best quarterbacks in the Big Ten.
Chiles has been very smart with the football thus far. He's been taking what the defense gives him and is taking the easy completions. When there isn't anything there, Chiles has thrown the ball away instead of forcing a ball into a window that makes a turnover likely.
The junior dual-threat has been a major upgrade at quarterback this season compared to last year. His raw talent and improving football IQ have helped put the offense on his shoulders. If he keeps playing this well, the sky is the limit for the Spartans.
3. An insane 52.4 yards per punt
Ryan Eckley is a star on special teams for Michigan State. Not only is he elite, but he has some of the best celebrations I've ever seen from a punter. Eckley's mark of 52.4 yards per punt puts him third in the nation in that category.
The ability to flip the field Eckley brings is a total game-changer. He pinned Boston College last week on the 1-yard-line two different times. The advantage this brings to Michigan State is massive in the third phase of the game.
Eckley is an early frontrunner for the Ray Guy Award, which is given to the nation's most outstanding punter. His elite play has given Michigan State a major edge that will be needed as we approach Big Ten play.