The Spartans (5-6, 3-5 Big Ten) are a win away from being eligible for a bowl with first-year coach Jonathan Smith and they play Rutgers at home in the final regular-season game. “It means a lot,” Chiles said. “We should’ve been in this place a long time ago.”

Michigan State finally picked up a win, its first one since Week 8 when it defeated Iowa at home.While it may seem like the Spartans' season has been on a decline, even with this win, Michigan State is still just a win away from earning a trip to a bowl game.

Michigan State football held on by the skin of their teeth in a must-win situation against Purdue on Friday night. The Spartans dominated the Boilermakers in the first half, but needed some key defensive plays late to hold on to the 24-17 victory.