Chiefs Spartans QB Connor Cook shines in the spotlight - Page 6

oaklandhater · 10-19-2015, 02:53 PM

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.

DETROIT NEWS
Michigan vs. MSU: Who has the edge

“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.”

BigChiefFan · 10-19-2015, 07:31 PM

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

Hammock Parties · 10-19-2015, 07:31 PM

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

ILChief · 10-19-2015, 07:34 PM

He'll be a fine QB for Houston or Cleveland

Coogs · 10-19-2015, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigChiefFan

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

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

KC native · 10-19-2015, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stop, Chiefs

Boykin just seems like discount RGIII.

No thankyou.

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

KC native · 10-19-2015, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stop, Chiefs

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

I can be subjective and right at the same time.

BigChiefFan · 10-19-2015, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coogs

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

Fair enough. I just don't have him graded as a first round talent. For his career he has a 2 TDs to 1 INT ratio and averages 200 yards passing per game. I don't consider that top talent.

pugsnotdrugs19 · 10-19-2015, 08:01 PM

These game-manager comparisons with Cook scare me. It's simply too far away to say if a guy can do it at this level. Everyone wanted Geno's ass during October of 2012, don't lie.

pugsnotdrugs19 · 10-19-2015, 08:08 PM

We as a fan base need to cross our fingers that MSU can get in the playoff. Then let's see what he can do.

BeMyValentine · 10-19-2015, 08:17 PM

He is a Joe Flaco

BryanBusby · 10-19-2015, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC native

I can be subjective and right at the same time.

You're not right tho. That's the thing.

Never draft a Big XII QB.

Saccopoo · 10-19-2015, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigChiefFan

Fair enough. I just don't have him graded as a first round talent. For his career he has a 2 TDs to 1 INT ratio and averages 200 yards passing per game. I don't consider that top talent.

What do you consider a guy who has a 13 TD to 1 Int ratio, averaging 368.2 yards per game on 9.64 ypa with a 73.6% completion percentage and a 172.9 QBR?

Oh, and who is 6'7", 245 lb. and mobile?

Because that's what Lynch is putting up this year.

He's made significant progress every year in every measurable category.

Frsh/Soph:
Games: 12/13
Yds: 2056/3031
Att: 349/413
Comp: 203/239
A/C %: 58.2/62.73.6
TDs: 9/22
Int: 10/9
QBR: 110.4/137.6

That's developing, progressing at a remarkable rate. And his explosion this season shows that he's still moving upwards. Huge ceiling that keeps rising.

You are including his freshman stats and using that as a negative. I think that looking at his freshman to sophomore to junior stats shows a huge plus.

Reerun_KC · 10-19-2015, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pugsnotdrugs19

We as a fan base need to cross our fingers that MSU can get in the playoff. Then let's see what he can do.

Huh? How does that translate to the NFL?

pugsnotdrugs19 · 10-19-2015, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reerun_KC

Huh? How does that translate to the NFL?

He's already in a pro style system + biggest games in college football against some of the best teams. Could be a good test tape wise, as good as it gets.

BigChiefFan · 10-19-2015, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saccopoo

What do you consider a guy who has a 13 TD to 1 Int ratio, averaging 368.2 yards per game on 9.64 ypa with a 73.6% completion percentage and a 172.9 QBR?

Oh, and who is 6'7", 245 lb. and mobile?

Because that's what Lynch is putting up this year.

He's made significant progress every year in every measurable category.

Frsh/Soph:
Games: 12/13
Yds: 2056/3031
Att: 349/413
Comp: 203/239
A/C %: 58.2/62.73.6
TDs: 9/22
Int: 10/9
QBR: 110.4/137.6

That's developing, progressing at a remarkable rate. And his explosion this season shows that he's still moving upwards. Huge ceiling that keeps rising.

You are including his freshman stats and using that as a negative. I think that looking at his freshman to sophomore to junior stats shows a huge plus.

I say look at the competition he's faced this year. Missouri State is 1-5, Kansas is 0-6, Bowling Green is 5-2, Cincinnati is 3-3, South Florida is 3-3, and Ole Miss is 5-2. I see one team worth a shit that they beat.

Don't get me wrong, he's a decent prospect, but some are acting like he's faced stellar competition and that is false. I'm not ready to anoint him as anything more than a QB who has one impressive win against one quality team. The other teams are dog shit. It's typical CP knee jerk reaction of finding something shiny and new and jumping the gun.

10-19-2015, 02:53 PM
oaklandhater future chiefs fans Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: oakland california Casino cash: $5798993	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. DETROIT NEWS Feng: MSU won't be able to run vs. Michigan 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. DETROIT NEWS Michigan vs. MSU: Who has the edge “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.”
Posts: 24,003

10-19-2015, 07:31 PM	#76
BigChiefFan MVP Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: In the Top 10 Casino cash: $9924205	It's Connor Cook. Period. Boykin and Paxton are big time reaches. __________________ A 35 year drought can make you thirsty.
Posts: 15,777

10-19-2015, 07:31 PM	#77
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $720478	The opinion of anyone living in Fort Worth, TX over a TCU QB is pretty much not objective. __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 297,622

10-19-2015, 07:34 PM	#78
ILChief MVP Join Date: Jan 2001 Casino cash: $7764831	He'll be a fine QB for Houston or Cleveland
Posts: 11,478

10-19-2015, 08:01 PM	#83
pugsnotdrugs19 SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS Join Date: Aug 2013 Casino cash: $6569447	These game-manager comparisons with Cook scare me. It's simply too far away to say if a guy can do it at this level. Everyone wanted Geno's ass during October of 2012, don't lie.
Posts: 29,037

10-19-2015, 08:08 PM	#84
pugsnotdrugs19 SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS Join Date: Aug 2013 Casino cash: $6569447	We as a fan base need to cross our fingers that MSU can get in the playoff. Then let's see what he can do.
Posts: 29,037

10-19-2015, 08:17 PM	#85
BeMyValentine Starter Join Date: Sep 2012 Casino cash: $1511542	He is a Joe Flaco
Posts: 208