Special Teams Summary: Week Two Vs Boston College

While special teams are often underestimated, the Michigan State Spartans had parts of their special teams entering week two that were poised to be MSU’s secret weapons.

As their revenge game against the Boston College Eagles played out to be a 42-40 victory, they proved to be just that; from punter to kicker or returner, the specialists balled out, and the stats show it.

MSU, Ryan Eckley — Michigan State's Ryan Eckley celebrates after a deep punt 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

The Punter

Spartans punter Ryan Eckley is one of the best in the nation, and he added to his resume against the Eagles.

He once again not only landed a punt within the 1-yard line once, but twice, making for a two-week streak with two points near the goal line.

Sep 6, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith walks across the field following a double-overtime victory over Boston College at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images | Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images

The second of them came at the best moment, which was near the end of the fourth quarter. The score was tied at 27-27 and MSU could not allow a score of any kind to force overtime.

That was the moment Eckley decided to pin it within the one-yard line, and it forced the first overtime of the game.

MSU, Martin Connington — Michigan State's Martin Connington kicks a 50-yard field goal against Boston College during the third quarter on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. | Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Kickers

Kickers Blake Sislo and Martin Connington combined their forces for ten points across regulation and overtime.

While Sislo mainly played during the first half, Connington took over during the second half and both overtimes.

Sislo also stayed on extra point attempts as his main focus, leaving Connington much of the longer distance work.

Even though Connington had just come off of an injury, he didn’t let it affect him. He made a 50-yard field goal in the third quarter and made another 39-yarder during the fourth.

MSU, Omari Kelly — Michigan State's Omari Kelly runs for a gain against Boston College during the first quarter on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. | Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Returners

The Spartans' return squad spoke little to the outcome other than two huge returns in the second quarter, both of which were from Alante Brown.

Unfortunately, neither came at a good time, because, when on touchdown drives, MSU’s returners almost always failed to make it past the 25-yard line.

Yet some of their players, namely Omari Kelly, were still inserted into the offense, making a major difference in the outcome of the game, especially in overtime.

Michigan State's receiver Omari Kelly catches a pass during football practice on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in East Lansing. | Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Because of their importance in both week one and two of the 2025 season, head coach Jonathan Smith’s special teams not only played a crucial role in MSU’s week two victory against Boston College, but also established themselves as a key piece moving forward.

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