5 reasons Connor Cook will win the Heisman Trophy

Nov 15, 2014; College Park, MD, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Connor Cook (18) runs past Maryland Terrapins defensive lineman Darius Kilgo (97) during the first quarter at Byrd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

4. MSU has no clear starting RB

As unfortunate as the reality of this is, the Spartans having no clear starting running back actually helps Cook in the Heisman race. Early in the season if the run game is scuffling, Cook can just take over the offense and prove himself while Madre London, L.J. Scott, Delton Williams and/or Gerald Holmes try to get a footing.

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Having a running back later in the year when MSU gets into the heart of conference play will be crucial for the senior quarterback, but early in the season, it’s a chance for him to gain some early confidence and prove himself as a leader with no true No. 1 back.

In my opinion, Scott will end up splitting carries with London and even Williams by the end of the season while the run game won’t skip a beat without Jeremy Langford in conference play.

It will be nice for Cook to develop a solid relationship with one of those guys who may be the best blocker and have the best hands out of the backfield. A quarterback’s best friend when under heavy pressure is a tight end or running back sneaking into the flats.

Michigan State may not have a clear starter, but they have four guys who could potentially be worthy of that spot. That’s a good problem to have if you’re Connor Cook.

Next: 3. Thriving in big games