Health of Connor Cook Looms Large for Michigan State Heading Into Week 12

The Michigan State Spartans handled their business in Week 11, defeating the Maryland Terrapins 24-7 on Saturday. But not everything came out positive for the Spartans in this game as they played the entire second half without starting quarterback Connor Cook who suffered an apparent shoulder injury early in the game. While Cook was confident that his benching was a precaution by head coach Mark Dantonio, the health of Michigan State’s No. 1 QB will be a topic to watch in Week 12 as the Spartans prepare for their showdown with the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Cook temporarily left the game in the first half after a hard hit had him favoring his right arm. He returned to action but struggled against the Terps defense, completing just six of 20 pass attempts in the first half for 77 yards and an interception. After the break, Cook was on the sideline without his helmet and junior Tyler O’Connor took control of the offense, completing six of 11 passes for 44 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the second half.

After the game, Cook downplayed the injury saying that he “had full confidence” in his ability to keep playing in the game but Dantonio “just wanted to play it safe” by keeping him on the sideline. When asked the upcoming game against Ohio State, Cook said he was “pretty confident” that he would be able to play and didn’t have any concerns that his shoulder would keep him out as the Spartans head to Columbus in Week 12.

That would be good news for the Spartans who will need to be at full strength as they head into hostile territory to try and knock off the undefeated Buckeyes. Cook, a fringe Heisman Trophy candidate this season, had been on quite a hot streak before the Maryland game, throwing for over 300 yards in four straight games with eight touchdown passes in the two games prior to this one. Michigan State will be hoping for that same level of production if they hope to upset OSU but will need Cook at his best (which may have gone into the decision to rest him in the second half against Maryland).

With their biggest game of the season now on deck, will Michigan State be able to rely on their offensive leader, Connor Cook, to be healthy and ready to go in Week 12?

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