A year ago, Michigan State football was preparing for a huge battle with Boston College for their annual Red Bandana game, and it turned out to be a sloppy showing for both teams.
Boston College ended up winning on a late touchdown as the Spartan secondary got beat for a touchdown, but it felt like a game that should have been a win. Michigan State out-played Boston College for most of the game, but the Spartans just came up short.
Now, they're looking for revenge over Bill O'Brien and Co.
On Tuesday, O'Brien spoke to the media and revealed that his starting quarterback, Dylan Lonergan, was sitting out at practice to rest up and heal some ailments, but he "should be good to go" for Saturday's rematch in East Lansing.
O'Brien also spoke highly of Michigan State in his weekly presser, saying that the Spartans have one of the best defenses that they'll face all year, and that the team is coached extremely well.
Bill O'Brien on Michigan State:
— Trevor Hass (@TrevorHass) September 2, 2025
"They’re one of the best defenses we’ll face all year."
"You’re going to see something different on third down on Saturday."
"I think they’re one of the better-coached teams that we play."
That's some high praise from the former Penn State and NFL head coach. He believes that Michigan State will have one of the best defenses he'll see all year, and the Eagles will face teams like Clemson and Notre Dame. That's some elite company to be in.
Also, hearing a former NFL coach praise the coaching at Michigan State is a plus. This should make Spartan fans feel good about Jonathan Smith and Co.
O'Brien isn't taking this matchup lightly, as you can see, because he knows that Smith, Joe Rossi, and the rest of the Spartans will be ready for this rematch. It's been circled on the calendar since last season's heartbreaking loss, and he knows Michigan State is prepared.