Northwestern beats Michigan State in final seconds

No. 25 Northwestern defeated Michigan State 24-21 on Saturday with a 34-yard field goal with two seconds remaining, securing its first Big Ten road victory of the season. The win prevented Michigan State head coach Pat Fitzgerald from claiming his first conference victory since taking the job, leaving the Spartans with a 0-4 record in Big Ten play.

The game featured a dramatic late sequence after Northwestern coach David Braun opted for a fourth-down pass attempt with under three minutes left. The play fell incomplete, allowing Michigan State to take possession in field-goal range. Northwestern defensive lineman Brendan Flakes blocked the subsequent 33-yard field goal attempt, setting the stage for a decisive drive.

Northwestern quarterback Aidan Chiles, a senior who transferred from Michigan State this offseason, completed all five passes on the final drive and added a rushing touchdown. The Wildcats overcame a 21-13 deficit in the fourth quarter to close out the game, marking a significant milestone for Braun’s tenure as head coach.

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