Fed-up Michigan State fans ready to move on from Aidan Chiles after brutal first half

When Jonathan Smith came to East Lansing from Corvallis, the former Oregon State head coach brought a talented young quarterback with him to be a foundational piece of the rebuild at Michigan State. However, through the first five-and-a-half games of Aidan Chiles's sophomore season, his first as a Spartan, many members of his team’s fanbase are ready to give up on him. 

Through Week 5, the 2023 four-star quarterback recruit has completed 56.3% of his passes for 1,058 yards, but with just five touchdowns to his eight interceptions. Chiles has struggled with turnovers and sacks which have routinely set the Spartans back. Smith believes in Chiles as the future of the program, but not everyone watching Michigan State shares that opinion. 

After his defense forced a punt, Chiles opened Week 6 against No. 6 Oregon in Eugene with an eight-play 65-yard drive but ended it with a fumble just short of the goal line. Still, Michigan State has forced Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel into two red zone turnovers of his own, but Chiles has struggled to get traction. 

Chiles has been sacked three times in the first half by Oregon’s dominant defensive line and the Spartans, despite winning the turnover battle with Chiles at quarterback, still trail 21-0 at Autzen Stadium. 

It may not be so frustrating for Michigan State fans if Chiles didn’t show the talent that made him a four-star recruit and a coveted piece of Smith’s rebuild in East Lansing. 

Even with the flashes of brilliance from the 6-foot-3 217-pound 19-year-old, many Michigan State fans are done with the Chiles roller-coaster ride and are ready to get off in Week 6. 

Smith likely doesn’t intend to bench his starting quarterback, but if the turnover continues to pile up, he could be forced to make a tough decision.