It was a much-needed win but the lackluster second half is the lingering takeaway. Michigan State has a bowl game to play for while the Boilermakers are running out the clock in the Big Ten basement. The Spartans had a chance to put Purdue out of its misery but instead provided a second life.

Aidan Chiles threw for two scores in the first half to build a three-touchdown lead and Michigan State held on to beat Purdue 24-17 on Friday night.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.

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.”