WATCH: MSU's Smith Breaks Down 42-40 Victory Over Boston College

EAST LANSING, Mich. --- Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith picked up what was perhaps his biggest win at the helm of the Spartans, as his team was able to take down Boston College 42-40 in double overtime.

Per usual, Smith spoke publicly after the result.

You can watch it here:

Below is a partial transcript of Smith's press conference, as well.

Opening Statement

“That was a beautiful football game, really by both teams, I thought. Going back and forth, competing, obviously into double overtime.

“I appreciate the crowd, I thought it made a difference. That was an electric atmosphere. Student section, yes, but the whole place (was great).

Michigan State football head coach Jonathan Smith looks on during practice on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, in East Lansing. | Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

“It was a beautiful football game and it was a beautiful locker room after that. Really proud of the guys to just continue to fight and find a way. Especially thinking about the second half, coming out and getting that early score, getting some momentum going.

“But they (Boston College) played well too. I thought both quarterbacks played really, really well tonight. And it came down to us getting a stop on a two-point conversion and us executing to finish the deal. So I'm really proud of the guys.”

On Armorion Smith breaking up the two-point attempt from Boston College

“Yeah, it means a lot, especially for that guy. The quality of man that he is, the effort, football means a lot to him. I think he was a part of that early fumble recovery, and then to have the breakup on the two-point play, it's just awesome.”

Q: What about this team got them to victory that might not have been there in the past?

“Yeah, I think there's been growth. There's a closeness, a bond, that we've got to do this thing together. Experience, we've got some more experience.

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. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images | Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images

“I mean, I go back to playing these guys last year and that experience. We need to learn from every game and that kind of thing. But I do think the confidence grew offensively in the second half, that you could continue to go. And, again, the defense holding them to six (in double OT).

"I think there was some confidence there.

“And these guys are aware — these are long football games. There's going to be momentum swings, going back and forth. Just really proud of the toughness they showed for more than 60 minutes.”

Michigan State's Jay Coyne, right, and Charlie Baker celebrate MSU's win over Boston College on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. | Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Q: What does this win mean?

“Yeah, I think it's a step forward — that, yeah, we found a way to win it like this. Again, this is game two and we're hoping to play a lot more games, beyond just 12-type thing.

So it's early. But, again, we talked about confidence can come from displayed performance, and these guys did it tonight and hopefully their confidence continues to grow from it.”

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