Defense: B-Minus

Boston College's final touchdown has to be left out, largely because defensive backs Malik Spencer and Angelo Grose took a hit after briefly leaving the field with injuries. The Spartans dominated the Eagles and largely neutralized Thomas Castellanos, holding the speedy QB to just 15 rushing yards on 15 attempts and under 100 passing yards until the final 42-yard touchdown pushed him to 140 yards on 10 of 16 passing. It was a team defensive effort, as MSU sacked him four times and maintained gap integrity to prevent big runs by Castellanos, while BC managed just 292 yards on offense — 6 fewer than the Eagles managed last week against No. 8 Missouri. The Spartans settled down for the final three quarters after allowing six 10-yard carries to start, despite Turbo Richard's 36-yard touchdown run after Lynch-Adams' fumble on the kickoff return and Chiles' interception early in the second half.

Special teams: C-plus

Lynch-Adams' fumble quickly changed the game after halftime, and his decision not to attempt a touchback on that kickoff was equally puzzling. It undermined the outstanding performances of kicker Jonathan Kim and punter Ryan Eckley, especially in heavy rain and wind. Kim made all four of his field goals, including one from 51 and one from 41 yards. Eckley was a solid holder on those kicks (kudos to long snapper Kaden Schickel), completing two punts of 50 and 48 yards, one from his own end zone.