EAST LANSING– Michigan State Football narrowly held on to a 24-17 victory over the Purdue Boilermakers on Friday night.

Spartans’ sophomore quarterback Aidan Chiles wasn’t pleased with the level of play for his team.

“I’m not going to say what we played like, but we didn’t play good,” Chiles said.

The Spartans dominated the first half in all three phases of the game taking a 24-3 lead into half but the Boilermakers found a way to answer in the second half to make things competitive.

In the second half, the Spartans continued the trend of slipping up in the final 30 minutes. The Boilermakers outgained the Spartans 204-73. 

The Spartans controlled the trenches on both ends, rushing for 138 yards and holding the Boilermakers to -9 rushing yards.

When it came to the air attack, the Boilermakers were the much better team. The Spartans came into the game with a thin secondary due to injury and veteran Boilermakers quarterback Hudson Card took advantage throwing for 342 yards.

Late in the fourth quarter, Boilermakers wide receiver Jahmal Edrine dropped a wide-open pass which would have resulted in a tie game. 

“I’m glad he dropped it,” Spartans defensive back Nikai Martinez said.

Spartans head coach Jonathan Smith preached that playing a full 60 minutes is so important.

“College football is a long game there’s going to be some momentum swings, you don’t end the [game] at halftime,” 

Senior linebacker Jordan Turner contributed a clutch interception in the second half to give the Spartans momentum.

Turner was pleased with the defensive effort in the first half but disappointed with the second half.

“In the first half we got them off the field when we needed to…but we have to finish better in the second half,” Turner said.

Senior defensive lineman Quindarius Dunnigan also forced a Boilermakers fumble which the Spartans recovered. This was the Spartans’ first turnover forced since their victory over Iowa on Oct. 19. 

On the first offensive drive for the Spartans, tight end Jack Velling was stretchered off the field after taking a big hit. He signaled a thumbs up to the crowd while getting stretchered off and was taken to a local hospital to be further evaluated.

Chiles took the blame for throwing a dangerous pass to Velling over the middle.

“I felt like I set him up, wish I could get it back, but I truly do apologize,” Chiles said.

A positive for the Spartans was that they took care of the football, for a second straight game Chiles finished with two passing touchdowns and no interceptions. 

The Spartans advance to 5-6 with the chance to qualify for a bowl game on the line next week with a win. 

“We want to win six games, we want to get to a bowl game,” Chiles said.

The Spartans will host the Rutgers Scarlet Knights for Senior Day on Saturday, Nov. 30, at 3:30 p.m.