UCLA delivered a statement performance in the first half, dominating Aidan Chiles’ Michigan State 24–7 at halftime in East Lansing. The Bruins fell behind early but quickly found their rhythm, piling on 24 unanswered points to take full control of the game.
Every drive seemed to expose new cracks in the Spartans’ defense, while their own offense sputtered under mounting pressure. Michigan State’s quarterback Aidan Chiles struggled to find rhythm against UCLA’s relentless pass rush.
With UCLA cruising and Michigan State visibly shaken, attention turned toward the quarterback situation. Fans began calling for a change under center as Chiles’ struggles became impossible to ignore.
“If Smith wants any chance of coaching here next season he will bench Chiles for Alessio,” a fan WROTE.
If Smith wants any chance of coaching here next season he will bench Chiles for Alessio
— Wylie (@WylieOstrowski) October 11, 2025
“Bench Chiles!” a fan wrote.
Bench Chiles!
— SVN (@Stormin6060) October 11, 2025
“BENCH AIDEN CHILES! He isn’t a B1G QB,” a fan wrote.
“Bench Chiles. He doesn’t deserve to play a single snap,” a fan wrote.
“Bench Chiles right f**king now and send Smith to the lockerroom, this sh*t is unacceptable,” a fan wrote.
“End the Chiles experiment already he’s awful and cost us one of the best receivers in the big 10,” a fan wrote.
Quarterback Nico Iamaleava led the charge for UCLA with efficient passing and sharp decision-making. He connected on two touchdown throws in the second quarter. UCLA’s defense matched the offense’s energy, closing gaps quickly and keeping Michigan State off balance.
This performance isn’t indicative of the Spartans season so far. They started the season with three consecutive wins and looked comfortable. But over the last two weeks, their tone has changed drastically.
The Bruins, on the other hand, have turned things around for good. They lost the first four games of the season and then a win against Penn State has injected new confidence in them.
Jonathan Smith’s Situation at Michigan State
Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith stepped into one of the toughest jobs in the Big Ten. He brought a reputation for discipline and structure from his time at Oregon State, but early struggles have intensified pressure from fans.
Smith’s long-term security, however, is protected by one of the most expensive buyouts in college football. If Michigan State were to dismiss him without cause before February 2026, the school would owe more than $30 million.
That figure drops gradually in later years, but it still represents a massive financial commitment that likely keeps Smith safe from any immediate firing talks. The buyout was structured to provide stability and avoid another coaching overhaul.
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