Michigan State vs Oregon: 5 takeaways from the Spartans’ win

Sep 12, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Connor Cook (18) attempts to throw the ball against the Oregon Ducks during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. MSU won 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

5. Connor Cook is a gamer

Once again, Connor Cook proved that he is one of the most clutch quarterbacks in the nation. For what seems like the dozenth time, the Spartans’ senior quarterback has stepped up on the national stage to lead MSU to a win.

Related: Michigan State vs Oregon: What worked and what didn’t against Oregon

Beating Michigan twice, Nebraska twice, Ohio State, Stanford in the Rose Bowl, Baylor in the Cotton Bowl and now No. 7 Oregon, Cook has been a star when it matters most and he proved to be just that on Saturday evening.

Cook wasn’t exactly on his game in the win, but he proved to be solid enough to help the Spartans’ control the pace of the game against the potent Ducks. Oregon’s usually-scary attack was held in check by the defense and Cook, for the most part, took advantage of that.

The senior completed 20-of-32 passes for 192 yards and two touchdown while protecting the ball well for the most part, throwing one interception that halted a first-half scoring drive. He proved to be an absolute gamer although the coaching staff didn’t allow him to air the ball out as much as he probably would have liked to against a vulnerable Oregon secondary.

Oh yeah, and he avoided pressure like the the best do, getting sacked zero times.

Next: 4. Improved secondary