Social Media Reacts to MSU's Exciting Win vs. Youngstown State

The Michigan State Spartans are 3-0 after a closer-than-expected victory over Youngstown State. What did the internet think?

Michigan State's quarterback Aiden Chiles runs for a gain against Youngstown State during the first quarter on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. | Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Michigan State Spartans are 3-0 after a victory over the Youngstown State Penguins, 41-24 .

MSU got a test from the Penguins in the first half, only leading 17-10 at the break. YSU did not go away for the entire game, never allowing the Spartans to pull away.

The Spartans can now look forward to their late-night matchup against USC next weekend, but this team has lots of work to do before taking on the Trojans.

Jonathan Smith is 3-0 for the second consecutive season, and he hopes that the rest of the season goes better than last year did. His team went 2-7 after a great start to his first campaign in 2024.

As always, social media was ablaze for MSU's third consecutive win. What did social media think of the Spartans' big victory?

Rodney Bullard's first touchdown

Michigan State's Rodney Bullard Jr., left, celebrates his touchdown with Luka Vincic during the first quarter in the game against Youngstown State on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. | Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Valdosta State transfer Rodney Bullard made an impact on this game in a big way.

He scored his first Spartan touchdown on a reverse play, shedding a tackler and finding space to score. Bullard is an explosive playmaker who should be more involved in the offense moving forward.

Fans were thrilled to see the electric Bullard get in on the action for MSU's first score of the day.

Rodney Bullard pic.twitter.com/RrpXmUs4ZD

— The Detroiter (@MSUFan313) September 13, 2025

Rodney Bullard Jr pic.twitter.com/urOpaNHHlT

— MSU Chief of Propaganda (@OdellBretthamJr) September 13, 2025

The defense's poor effort

Sep 13, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Youngstown State running back Jaden Gilbert (7) breaks a tackle against Michigan State in the second quarter at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images | Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images

Despite a win, fans were not thrilled with how the defense looked at times throughout the game.

The Spartans allowed several explosive plays and coverage busts that led to multiple Penguin scores. While not much of this is on Defensive Coordinator Joe Rossi, MSU fans turned their eyes to him for an answer.

Spartan Nation wants to see more from the defense's top coach moving forward as offenses get tougher.

Joe Rossi needs to figure it out. You have better athletes in all 11 positions. No excuses

— C (@Conor4ReaI) September 13, 2025

Joe Rossi cannot be serious with this defense

— Very Depressed Giants, Yankees, Nets, and MSU Fan (@WakaFlockaFleet) September 13, 2025

Joe Rossi can't even prepare against the FCS...

— Evan (@2020Sparty) September 13, 2025

A big Jack Velling performance

Sep 13, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State tight end Jack Velling (12) catches the ball in the second quarter against Youngstown State at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images | Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images

The Spartans' top tight end had a good day, putting together his biggest performance of the season.

Velling caught six passes for 70 yards, which are both season-highs. MSU needs more out of Velling moving forward, as Aidan Chiles will want to connect with a familiar face in Big Ten play.

MSU fans were excited to see Velling finally break through as a reliable receiving option and want to see more out of one of Jonathan Smith's Oregon State transfers.

Here's what Spartan Nation had to say:

the jack velling that was promised has arrived

— the red cedar tweeter (@AcctKyle) September 13, 2025

Feels good to see Jack Velling finally getting active

— Abel (Justin) (@AbelFromLetters) September 13, 2025

Jack Velling being involved in any way makes this offense so much more effective

— sarge (@sarge____) September 13, 2025

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