Spartans QB Connor Cook shines in the spotlight
 

http://www.detroitnews.com/story/spo...ight/74024162/

East Lansing — Connor Cook relishes the big stage.

The fifth-year senior quarterback has made his name in the spotlight, and he’ll have a chance to do that again Saturday when No. 7 Michigan State travels to Ann Arbor to take on No. 12 Michigan.

“Connor Cook does a great job,” Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio said. “He’s been in big games before, he’s excelled in big games before.”

It’s something that has been in the works since Cook set foot on the field for the Spartans. The first signal of his flair for the dramatic came in the 2012 Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl when, as a redshirt freshman, he took over for junior Andrew Maxwell and led the Spartans on the winning drive.

It was a sign of things to come as Cook wrestled the starting job from Maxwell the next fall and carried the Spartans on a journey that continues today.


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The past couple seasons, Cook has led Michigan State to two straight bowl victories as a starter — beating Stanford in the 2014 Rose Bowl and Baylor in last season’s Cotton Bowl.

In 2013 alone, a season he started as Maxwell’s backup, Cook was at his best in Michigan State’s biggest games. He was named MVP of the Big Ten championship game when Michigan State handed Ohio State coach Urban Meyer his only loss to a conference opponent, and was Offensive MVP of the Rose Bowl.

He continued that success last season as Michigan State had its most prolific offensive run in history. Cook threw for 3,214 yards and 24 touchdowns while the Spartans set records for points (559), total offense (6,510) offensive touchdowns (70) and scoring average (43 points).

His best games came in Michigan State’s losses — 343 yards and two touchdowns against Oregon and 358 yards and two touchdowns against Ohio State.

But, he closed with another classic.

Michigan State trailed Baylor, 41-21, in the fourth quarter of the Cotton Bowl, only to come storming back with three unanswered touchdowns, the last a 10-yard strike from Cook to Keith Mumphery with 17 seconds left. It left Cook in tears on the sidelines as he overcame two interceptions to throw for 314 yards and two touchdowns.

Now the winningest quarterback in Michigan State history at 29-3, Cook is looking forward to that next big game, and loves the idea of playing in front of a hostile crowd.

“In an environment like that as soon as Michigan makes one big play, the stadium is going to erupt,” Cook said. “But we’ve just got to continue to fight forward and fight to the end.”

Back in rhythm

It’s something Cook and the Spartans have grown accustomed to the past two seasons. Cook’s numbers prove that, as does the fact Michigan State has won 32 of its last 35 games, including 10 straight Big Ten road games.

That seasoning in difficult environments is something Cook believes will pay off at Michigan Stadium, the only Big Ten venue where the senior class has not won.


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“Playing in stadiums like Iowa, in stadiums like Nebraska, playing at the Rose Bowl and playing Ohio State at Indianapolis when 75-80 percent of the people there were rooting for Ohio State (prepares you),” Cook said. “We’ve played in loud environments before, playing at Oregon, so obviously playing in those type of venues will have me ready for a venue like this.”

And it doesn’t hurt that Cook appears to be finding his rhythm after a bit of a sluggish start.

Cook had a career-high 367 yards in last week’s victory over Rutgers. But it was the way he threw the ball under pressure that was impressive. With the game on the line, he threaded a pass to R.J. Shelton for 29 yards on third down as the Spartans marched for the winning score.

It certainly drew the attention of the Wolverines.

“Outstanding quarterback,” Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said. “The record speaks for itself: 29-3. ... And the most outstanding wide receivers that we’ve played against, or may ever. This is an explosive, talented group of eligible receivers.”

Cook spread the ball around last week as Aaron Burbridge had 10 catches for 156 yards and Macgarrett Kings Jr. and DeAnthony Arnett had touchdown receptions. It was the type of play many expected when Cook’s name was mentioned in the Heisman race before the season. And it was one his coaches knew was possible if they opened up the offense.

“He’s performed real well,” co-offensive coordinator Dave Warner said before last week’s game. “He’s thrown the ball well, higher percentage, which is one thing we talked about going into this season.

“At the same time we need to start expanding his role a little bit maybe and throw it around a little bit more.”

Stiff test anticipated

Cook’s 39 attempts last week were a season high, and that could continue this week against Michigan’s defense, which is allowing fewer points (6.3) than any team in the nation.

The Wolverines also are coming off three straight shutouts and have the No. 2 total defense in the country, but that won’t force Cook to shy away.

In fact, he’s embracing another opportunity to shine in a big game.

“For them to pitch three straight shutouts, that’s hard to do in college football, doesn’t matter who you are, doesn’t matter who you are playing,” Cook said. “To shut out the opponent, that’s hard to do, and they have a great defense.

“So me as a quarterback, us as an offense, and us as a team, we’re looking forward to going into there and playing against a defense like that because you want to play against the best, and you want to play against the top-ranked teams, top-ranked defenses.”


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I don't know why the media is hyping goff for the 1st QB picked and not this guy.

Yes please. No doubt better than anyone we have. He would be my choice and he could be ours if we can just loose out.

Doesn't look like a 1st round QB imo. He didn't even complete 50% of his passes last night and is a career sub 60% passer. His highlights has some nice throws and some really ugly ones too. He's far from a clean prospect. He's big and Mobile....so that's nice.


Not that it matters. He won't be a Chief.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap300...qb-connor-cook

Ask 5: What's best player comp for MSU QB Connor Cook?

Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook is generating plenty of buzz within scouting circles as he prepares for a big test against Oregon this week. The Spartans' signal-caller has even drawn a comparison to Patriots QB Tom Brady (from a Ducks assistant coach). I asked five NFL personnel executives to give me the best player comparison for Cook. Here are their answers.


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Executive 1: Chad Pennington
"I see similarities to Pennington. He's smooth and has a good-not-great arm. He shows poise in the pocket and makes good decisions."

Executive 2: Nick Foles
"I still need to do a lot of work on him, but if I had to make a call now, I'd say Nick Foles. They both have good size. Smart, average athletes with good-not-great arm strength."

Executive 3: Blake Bortles
"Based on what I've seen so far, I'll go with Bortles. Talented guy with inconsistent arm strength and inconsistent decision making. They each have great size and sneaky athleticism."

Executive 4: Andy Dalton
"I think he's Andy Dalton with a stronger arm."

Executive 5: Carson Palmer
"Maybe Carson Palmer in some ways. Tons of arm talent, real good size, a good athlete, but moments of inconsistency that give you pause."

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Verdict: It's a mixed bag, with five different players receiving a vote.

Conclusion: Cook is one of the most intriguing players to monitor during the college season. He has a lot of tools to work with, but it's tough to find a clear-cut comparison for him at the NFL level. The executives I surveyed offered a broad range of comps. Personally, I see him as Carson Palmer without the top-shelf arm strength. He is similar to Palmer in size, athletic ability and demeanor. This week's game against Oregon will be heavily attended by NFL scouts and I'm anxious to see how Cook performs on that stage.


I think he look's a'lot like Dalton as well.

He is definitely raw but I think a year on the bench and he could really be something special he doesn't panic when behind.

One play will be a nice throw, the next one looks like a pop-gun wobble launcher. These problems generally get worse in the pros, not better.

I liked the Bortles/Foley comparisons in your post.

Dalton? Brady? Pfffff.....i don't see that at all.

I'm not sure if Connor Cook is the right choice, but I do know that forums poster stevieray can suck my dick.

No, no time on the bench.

Play, play, play.

BTW, Cook's my guy at this point. I think he's a cross between Dalton and Palmer.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Connor Cook kinda reminds me of Andy Dalton with better size and a touch better arm. Right now I don&#39;t see top QB potential.</p>&mdash; Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) <a href="https://twitter.com/nfldraftscout/status/642442955995877378">September 11, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I liked Dalton a lot, but I also learned a lot about evaluating QBs from that class. As far as Cook goes, he&#39;s the girlfriend not the wife.</p>&mdash; Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) <a href="https://twitter.com/nfldraftscout/status/642443722882465794">September 11, 2015</a></blockquote>
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At this point I would rather have a raw Andy Dalton to build on then Goff.

I agree with you 100% comparison on the Dalton/Palmer I just think he might be a bit raw if he starts day one.

From Peter King's SI column today:

http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2015/10/19/n...olts-fake-punt

Seems to be making an issue out of nothing IMO.

Maybe they all avoided his 21st birthday celebration as well

:p

Too risky

Boykin is better.

A'lot of Payton's team mates hated him could not care less.

Speed test and and and and the other side of things to that you no fast and furious with with my family is a great way to to be in the the same other than that to be me and my mom is out there. I have an the in the same the the other hand day, and and furious. I Don't know how it goes to well as over and furious. Someone to the other same time time for I have have a good your day going going

Scott Frost was better than Peyton Manning in college as well.

Hope we trade for Brian Drew!

<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=21mhg2c" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.tinypic.com/21mhg2c.gif" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>

The guy who wrote that movie did he his research having the chiefs trying to trade for a backup QB

Bo Callahan killed three hookers while he was at Wisconsin.

Boykin is better than both of them too.

I like him to. Sign me up for anyone with talent and young.

Goff no problem
Cook no problem
Boykin no problem.

Cook seems like a Big Ben type.
Boykin is a play maker
Goff is somewhere in the middle but ball out at times.

None them are Alex and not another's team trash. That is the whole point.

That's only half of the hookers Craig James killed at SMU.

and a dog.

Craig James killed 5. So 3 is more than half.

do you even maths bro?

The 26-27-60 rule.

26 wonderlic, 27 starts, 60% completion percentage.

Cook and Hackenberg both fail at this point in time.

Only Jared Goff meets the criteria (assuming he's not a reerun that can't get a 26 on the wonderlic).

Failing that you're looking at Dak Prescott or Trevone Boykin and I don't think either are worth 1.1.

Paxton Lynch.

Easy choice

Meets the criteria.

Dude, you haven't watched him yet? He exploded a fat load on an sec defense saturday.

He's big Ben part deaux

I watched some clips/highlights on YouTube of all the early top QB's this weekend, and Paxton Lynch and Goff were easily the most impressive. I think people are letting one bad game cloud their judgement with Goff.

Yes I caught that part of that game. Love this throw:

https://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/uploads/cho...96/memtd.0.gif

And this one:

https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fJ0...56/tdmem.0.gif

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townn...review-620.jpg

Through October 19, 2015:

31 starts, 62.9% completion percentage (71.4% so far in 2015), 44 TD's to 20 Int with a 172.9 QBR in 2015.

He could clean up his throwing motion a touch, but that should come with adding strength to his frame.

He threw a 23 yard deep out that was beautiful.

Lynch has also improved ever year he's been in college.

**** Hackenberg and cook.

They're all 2nd rnd + QB's

Trevone Boykin

44 games (3 years a starter)
61.1% Completion
Better than all the others listed so far.

I guarantee you lynch goes top 5.

I'll leave forever if he doesnt. If he isn't a chief, **** it, I'm out too.

Someone mark this page

Boykin is Tahj Boyd 2.0


No

Your laughing gas canister must have a leak.

That, or you started smoking crack recently.

Man, it's actually looking like most of these QBs are going to go well after 1.1

Maybe losing is going to **** us this time. :facepalm:

I'd rather the Chiefs pick 10, get a QB, than pick 1st and feel pressured into "value" picking a LT.

This time 3 years ago, we thought it was a shoe in a qb was going 1st overall.

Be patient. It's gonna happen

http://a1.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img...ocation=origin

Through October 19, 2015:

41 starts, 65.3% completion percentage, 60 TD's to 24 Ints., with a 170.8 QBR in 2015.

Both Lynch and Hogan are also averaging over 9 yards per attempt and over 10 yards per attempt adjusted (yards +20 per TD and -45 per Int).

Jesus Clay, for being the guy squealing about drafting a QB the loudest, you haven't paid much attention to any of these guys.

I'm not as confident as you are, but there isn't a clear cut #1 overall prospect for this draft at the moment, so I believe Lynch could claim that spot if he keeps it up.

Hogan has as well.

And I'm not going to immediately dismiss Hackenberg. He played hard against the Buckeyes. He's just surrounded by crap and in the wrong system. But he's got some excellent tools.

Boykin
80 TDs and 32 interceptions
180.7 QBR
and still better than everyone else

If you haven't seen the Cincinatti/Memphis game from this year, you are missing out on one of the greatest QB duels I've ever seen.

Boykin you say?

Who does he play for?

Is he any good?

Do you think he'll be available if the Chiefs have the first pick in the draft?

And the fact that saccoshit doesn't like Boykin pretty much guarantees that he will be an all time great.

I'd rather kick the tires on RG3 then spend a top 3 round pick on Boykin. He's just another spread QB. He lacks the accuracy to be an NFL QB

Oh god. Please.. oh god no. I can't take another LT pick.

Prepare for it. Unless we sign an OT in FA, I'm 100% sure that will be the pick.

While I wouldn't mind him, I'm not taking him over a 6-foot-7 classic pocket passer.

Ah yes the typical Chiefs True Fan Approach to QB Cultivation... don't dare "risk" drafting a QB, go with a veteran retread instead.

Pretty sure this dude doesn't make reads and runs the scripted spread offense

This franchise will probably draft Ronnie ****ing Stanley

Awesome. ROFL

I never said I didn't like Boykin.

Great college QB.

But he's short, small, doesn't have a big arm and not hyper fast/quick. He's not going to be drafted in the first four rounds.

And, to tell you the truth, the Chiefs already have a similar guy on the roster in Aaron Murray. It would be a bit redundant to draft Boykin if they plan on keeping Murray in any capacity.

This is what happens when my phone goes full reerun. Never go full reerun

I'm 100% into drafting a first round QB. Was just speaking on how I view Boykin. He will be a WR at the NFL level

I'm a ND homer and I'll ****ing HATE that pick.

Boykin just seems like discount RGIII.

No thankyou.

Hogan could be a ****ing beast.

Say what you will about Sacc, but he's nailed the two best this year, assuming Lynch declares.

http://33.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mb...uo1_r3_500.gif

For some reason, I'm just thinking that a big dude with an arm cannon seems like a good thing for this franchise.

ROFL

I want the ****ing prototype. I want a big-assed Son Of Rapeliss.

I can't wait for this franchise to draft a top flight quarterback.

****, even if the team sucks, it would at least be fun watching the kid develop and grow.

Finally we agree on something. That's why I say start Murray the rest of the season. At least we'll have a reason to watch this dumpster fire.

I agree. He's an undersized QB on a team that is stacked with talent. Connor Cook makes chicken salad out of chicken shit and is the clear cut favorite, in my book and it's not even close.

Boykin makes reads. He checks out of plays that are called on a regular basis. He's more than just a system QB.

lolz no.

That's because you have a low football IQ.

Paxton is a CP enigma and is laughable to suggest taking with the first overall pick. Memphis the collegiate powerhouse. Good Lord.

LMAO

So much wrong, same ole sacco.

It's Connor Cook. Period. Boykin and Paxton are big time reaches.

The opinion of anyone living in Fort Worth, TX over a TCU QB is pretty much not objective.

He'll be a fine QB for Houston or Cleveland

You might check the latest football polls. Down around the 17/18 range.

He's more durable, has better numbers, and actually makes reads. He's a premium RG3.