MSU Safeties Coach James Adams Talks 'Weathering the Storm'

The Spartans' safeties coach talked about emphasizing the next play and opportunity after his unit had some struggles against Boston College.
Michigan State safeties coach James Adams
Michigan State safeties coach James Adams | Jacob Cotsonika, Michigan State Spartans on SI

EAST LANSING, Mich. --- Michigan State's secondary had some struggles last Saturday against Boston College, allowing Eagles quarterback Dylan Lonergan to throw for 390 yards and four touchdowns.

In fairness, the Spartan pass rush didn't generate a sack, starting safety Nikai Martinez was out, and Malik Spencer also was also playing through injury during the later portion of the game.

MSU safeties coach James Adams talked on Wednesday about the emphasis there is on the next opportunity and also "weathering the storm." Video of his press conference can be found below.

Watch James Adams here:

Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith also spoke on Monday. Below is a partial transcript of his opening statement from that day.

Jonathan Smith

Jonathan Smit
Aug 29, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Jonathan Smith reacts to a play in the third quarter at Spartan Stadium. | Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images

“OK, like a typical Monday, just kind of recapping a few things after digesting the film. Obviously, finishing the game we did, well fought. 

“I thought it after the game and then watching the tape; great college football game, atmosphere, both teams making plays, responding, obviously came down to the wire. 

“I feel like it could be a growth game for us to be able to finish the game we did against a quality opponent. I mean, that quarterback (Dylan Lonergan) was playing at a really high level.

Dylan Lonergan
Sep 6, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Boston College quarterback Dylan Lonergan (9) warms up before a game against Michigan State at Spartan Stadium. | Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images

“They happened to respond in the second overtime, away, all of that. So, we're trying to grow off of being able to finish that way. Because a lot of these games, they come down to the wire like that, and we've got to gain some confidence and continue to move forward from the game.

“Offensively, you know, felt a lot to like with Aidan (Chiles) in regards to his effort, quarterback play, decision making, even some of the small stuff that you don't totally see during the game. Checked the ball down, protections (weren't) clean a couple of times and got us out of that. It was pretty good. 

“I thought multiple receivers were making some plays there. 

“We've got to get better. Two-minute (drill) at the end of the game, got an opportunity with the ball on the 42, two timeouts, game's close to 50 seconds left. We go backwards there. 

“We need to tighten up some of our hands in the run game. Holding calls in the red zone backed us up a couple of times. Short yardage, getting stopped. So, there's plenty to improve on.

Chrishon McCra
Michigan State's Chrishon McCray runs after a catch against Boston College during the fourth quarter on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. | Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

“Defensively --- Boston College, Coach O'Brien, the quarterback, they made it hard schematically. Felt like after the game we needed to be able to make the quarterback more uncomfortable.

“He (Lonergan) did a great job getting the ball out pretty quickly. There wasn't a lot of times he was just sit there, patting the ball, patting the ball. This thing is coming out pretty quick.”

James Adam
Michigan State safeties coach James Adams works with players during football practice on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in East Lansing. | Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Jacob Cotsonika
JACOB COTSONIKA

A 2025 graduate from Michigan State University, Cotsonika brings a wealth of experience covering the Spartans from Rivals and On3 to his role as Michigan State Spartans Beat Writer on SI. At Michigan State, he was also a member of the world-renowned Spartan marching band for two seasons.

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