Michigan State Football: 5 bold predictions for the 2015 season

Nov 29, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Connor Cook (18) bobbles the ball during the third quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Michigan State defeated Penn State 34-10. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O

2. Connor Cook named a Heisman finalist

The Big Ten’s best quarterback will get the recognition he deserves by the end of the season. After yet another double-digit win season, 3,500-plus yards and 25 touchdowns, Connor Cook will be named a Heisman finalist, giving MSU its first real contender of the Dantonio era.

Related: 5 reasons Connor Cook will win the Heisman in 2015

Not many people outside of East Lansing believe the senior quarterback can win the coveted award, but then again, no one thought the Spartans would ever be relevant again following the John L. Smith era, but look where we are today.

I believe two of the Heisman Trophy semifinalists will come from the Big Ten in Cook and Ohio State’s Ezekiel Elliott while the other will be TCU‘s Trevone Boykin.

Cook will have his best season in three years as the starter of this team, breaking MSU’s all-time wins, passing touchdowns and passing yards records. He will be the best quarterback in the conference with the defending national champions, as J.T. Barrett of OSU will be a close second, and the senior will lead the Spartans to a battle of unbeatens showdown in Columbus on Nov. 21.

The reason for his nomination as a finalist won’t be because of his passing touchdowns or yards, although those will help, but his incredible improvement in accuracy as well as limiting dumb mistakes.

Watch as the senior quarterback will improve his pass completion percentage by five points and thrown less than eight interceptions this year.

Next: 1. College Football Playoff/Ohio State