Spartans QB Connor Cook shines in the spotlight

[oaklandhater]

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.”

[BigChiefFan]

Originally Posted by Saccopoo

Missouri State was a warm up and he only threw the ball 12 times for 78 yards as they went to the ground game almost immediately. Kansas is dog shit, but the other teams are a combined 16-10 with a top 20 team in Ole Miss.

And he's not shiny and new. He was very good last season and has continued to get better. This is the type of progression you hope for in a QB, regardless of the conference level, and as he's showing the progression against a team like Ole Miss, who has an excellent defense and solid defensive backs and Lynch just owned them all game, shows that he's doing what everyone hopes a college QB with pro potential will do - get better every year as they get physically and mentally stronger and their understanding of the game grows.

If you don't like him because he didn't throw for 4000 yards as a freshman, fine. But he's shown a ton in his progression and is now putting the hammer to everyone. You want the definition of a guy being able to carry a team? That's Paxton Lynch, circa 2015. He's brought his team back from 10 points down four times already this season.

Originally Posted by Saccopoo

Actually, this is where I have a problem with Cook. His accuracy has always been kind of an issue.

He's never broken the 60% completion mark in his entire career for a season. Ever. That should be a genuine concern for a guy who is a potential first round pick in the draft.

He throws for a ton of yards and makes some beautiful passes but will make some really dipshit, head scratching throws in nearly every game and a handful of off the mark tosses that a top prospect shouldn't be missing with that regularity. He throws a great out pass, but he just doesn't see the middle of the field well for whatever reason.

He's a very nice prospect with numerous pro level tools. Love his attitude as well. However, there are some serious question marks about his game most of which is his accuracy, or lackthereof.

Paxton Lynch 62 % completions career percentage against inferior competition. Enough said.

[BryanBusby]

Originally Posted by go bowe

He's been butthurt since I called him a bad poster last night and am just giving him more posts to get riled up and rep 5000 people so he can neg another post of mine

[Hammock Parties]

Originally Posted by Saccopoo

He throws for a ton of yards and makes some beautiful passes but will make some really dipshit, head scratching throws in nearly every game and a handful of off the mark tosses that a top prospect shouldn't be missing with that regularity. He throws a great out pass, but he just doesn't see the middle of the field well for whatever reason.

Sounds like Kerry Collins.

[go bo]

Originally Posted by BryanBusby

He's been butthurt since I called him a bad poster last night and am just giving him more posts to get riled up and rep 5000 people so he can neg another post of mine

he can be annoying, but in a hilarious kind of way...

link for the bad poster comment?

[BryanBusby]

Originally Posted by go bowe

he can be annoying, but in a hilarious kind of way...

link for the bad poster comment?

It's somewhere in the Alex Smith thread.

I'm just piling on him for being so mad that he took the time to build up enough to neg rep like 6 posts in around an hour insisting I was crying with all that no rep I leave lol

If I had any problems with him, it would be that he's a type of person that goes head first into any bullshit the Chiefs try to serve as roses and white knight for a dumb team. That fan type is why this team has no actual plan and unfortunately, they are the majority.

[Saccopoo]

Originally Posted by Stop, Chiefs

Sounds like Kerry Collins.

Not an inaccurate comparison at all actually.

Well done C.E.

[BigChiefFan]

Originally Posted by Stop, Chiefs

Sounds like Kerry Collins.

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.

[Saccopoo]

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.

Don't get completely riled up. Collins was a terrific college QB, especially his senior year and displayed a lot of the traits that Cook does in their games at the same level.

Collins also was a solid pro. Not spectactular, but solid.

He wasn't insanely accurate at either level, much like Cook and, while he possessed a big frame, he didn't have a huge arm.

You can never say that two guys are the same guy, but the Collins comparison is not a stretch.

[BigChiefFan]

Originally Posted by Saccopoo

Don't get completely riled up. Collins was a terrific college QB, especially his senior year and displayed a lot of the traits that Cook does in their games at the same level.

Collins also was a solid pro. Not spectactular, but solid.

He wasn't insanely accurate at either level, much like Cook and, while he possessed a big frame, he didn't have a huge arm.

You can never say that two guys are the same guy, but the Collins comparison is not a stretch.

I see Connor Cook more comparable to Rivers at the next level. I don't believe the TDs of Cook's should be overlooked and why I believe the Collins comparison is weak.

[BryanBusby]

Originally Posted by Saccopoo

Don't get completely riled up. Collins was a terrific college QB, especially his senior year and displayed a lot of the traits that Cook does in their games at the same level.

Collins also was a solid pro. Not spectactular, but solid.

He wasn't insanely accurate at either level, much like Cook and, while he possessed a big frame, he didn't have a huge arm.

You can never say that two guys are the same guy, but the Collins comparison is not a stretch.

Collins would be remembered a lot more favorably if he didn't have problems with substance abuse.

He was a really good prospect.

[KC native]

Originally Posted by BryanBusby

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

Never draft a Big XII QB.

I am right. I'm always right.

You are wrong.

[KC native]

Originally Posted by Saccopoo

Missouri State was a warm up and he only threw the ball 12 times for 78 yards as they went to the ground game almost immediately. Kansas is dog shit, but the other teams are a combined 16-10 with a top 20 team in Ole Miss.

And he's not shiny and new. He was very good last season and has continued to get better. This is the type of progression you hope for in a QB, regardless of the conference level, and as he's showing the progression against a team like Ole Miss, who has an excellent defense and solid defensive backs and Lynch just owned them all game, shows that he's doing what everyone hopes a college QB with pro potential will do - get better every year as they get physically and mentally stronger and their understanding of the game grows.

If you don't like him because he didn't throw for 4000 yards as a freshman, fine. But he's shown a ton in his progression and is now putting the hammer to everyone. You want the definition of a guy being able to carry a team? That's Paxton Lynch, circa 2015. He's brought his team back from 10 points down four times already this season.

Boykin thrashed a better Ole Miss defense in our bowl game last year. 42-3.

Boykin has also led multiple comebacks.

Boykin is better.

[Saccopoo]

Originally Posted by BigChiefFan

I see Connor Cook more comparable to Rivers at the next level. I don't believe the TDs of Cook's should be overlooked and why I believe the Collins comparison is weak.

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.

[Saccopoo]

Originally Posted by KC native

Boykin thrashed a better Ole Miss defense in our bowl game last year. 42-3.

Boykin has also led multiple comebacks.

Boykin is better.

You should probably just stay in the Boykin thread exclusively from this point forward for your own sake as well as the rest of CP.

[KC native]

Originally Posted by Saccopoo

You should probably just stay in the Boykin thread exclusively from this point forward for your own sake as well as the rest of CP.

No.