Chiefs Spartans QB Connor Cook shines in the spotlight - Page 9

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.

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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.”

Sweet Daddy Hate · 10-20-2015, 04:07 AM

Sacc, is Hogan declaring this year? He's a senior, right?

O.city · 10-20-2015, 08:55 AM

College stats mean jack shit

Reerun_KC · 10-20-2015, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cochise

Is this who the CP personality cult is going to form around this year? I don't want to miss it.

Some mid con broke dick RG... Its safe and low risk of helping the franchise contend. Ensures 7-9 and BBQ smoke.

KC native · 10-20-2015, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.city

College stats mean jack shit

Except when they come from future hall of fame QBs like Trevone Boykin.

O.city · 10-20-2015, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigChiefFan

Kerry Collins college stats 35 TDs 21 INTs

Connor Cook college stats 60 TDs 17 INTs

Its not even remotely close. Know your facts before throwing shit at a wall, hoping it sticks.

If you're telling someone to know facts when using college statistics to justify drafting a qb, it's time for a break.

pugsnotdrugs19 · 10-20-2015, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.city

College stats mean jack shit

In most cases this is 100% true. These days many systems inflate QB stats far beyond their true talent.

O.city · 10-20-2015, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pugsnotdrugs19

In most cases this is 100% true. These days many systems inflate QB stats far beyond their true talent.

They're part of the equation but by themselves are meaningless.

**The Franchise** · 10-20-2015, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigChiefFan

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.

Who did Roethlisberger face in college? How about Joe Flacco?

TEX · 10-20-2015, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saccopoo

Actually, I think that Clay's call on Collins is pretty good, but if you want to stick with a 21st century player, I'd consider Cook closer to Eli Manning more than I would Philip Rivers.

I agree, but to me he seems more like a game- manager -type at the next level. You can win with him, BUT...

Just my opinion...

Hell, I liked Derek Carr and Jimmy Garoppolo coming out of college, rather then Bridgewater, Bortles, or Manziel, so take it for what it's worth...

Sweet Daddy Hate · 10-20-2015, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.city

College stats mean jack shit

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC native

Except when your're Doinkin' for Boinkin'!

BigChiefFan · 10-20-2015, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.city

College stats mean jack shit

That's one of the most absurd things I've ever heard. I never claimed it was the end all and be all, but the stats are a good barometer on a players skill set.

staylor26 · 10-20-2015, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saccopoo

Actually, I think that Clay's call on Collins is pretty good, but if you want to stick with a 21st century player, I'd consider Cook closer to Eli Manning more than I would Philip Rivers.

You nailed it with the Eli comparison.

Strongside · 10-20-2015, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by staylor26

You nailed it with the Eli comparison.

So 2 Super Bowl wins, then. Got it. Sign me up.

O.city · 10-20-2015, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigChiefFan

That's one of the most absurd things I've ever heard. I never claimed it was the end all and be all, but the stats are a good barometer on a players skill set.

No, they arent.

They don't translate anything in terms of ability at the next level

BigChiefFan · 10-20-2015, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.city

No, they arent.

They don't translate anything in terms of ability at the next level

Yeah, lets draft someone who throws 50 Picks a year in college. That's ****ing moronic to not consider stats at the collegiate level. It is a barometer of someone's skill set. No matter whether you agree or not.

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.”
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10-20-2015, 04:07 AM	#121
Sweet Daddy Hate Unsparing Join Date: Aug 2008 Casino cash: $10004900	Sacc, is Hogan declaring this year? He's a senior, right? __________________ 1. Merciless, severe. 2. Given freely and generously. 100% refusal to overrate 20 year Head Coaches with ZERO **ing rings as a Head Coach. CP's Official Professor of 'Dem Blues for 2019/2020!**
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10-20-2015, 08:55 AM	#122
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $-765936	College stats mean jack shit
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