Central Michigan vs Michigan State: 5 reasons the Spartans will win

Sep 19, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Connor Cook (18) runs the ball against the Air Force Falcons during the 1st quarter of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

4. Connor Cook will have a huge day

Piggybacking off the Aaron Burbridge insertion on this list, Connor Cook will have his best game of the season so far. The senior quarterback has been solid this season, but not his usual great self. He has completed just 58 percent of his passes for 695 yards, eight touchdowns and a pick.

Must Read: Central Michigan vs Michigan State: 5 players who need to step up

It’s difficult to see Cook do anything but succeed against MAC opponents since 2013. In fact, Cook has thrown for 481 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions against MAC foes since then — and two of the four games against those opponents he played less than a half.

Would it be very surprising if Cook were out of the game by the end of the third quarter? No, not really, but he should rack up the passing yards before he is removed by Coach D.

Cook will complete 14-of-18 passes for 284 yards and three touchdowns for the Spartans, resulting his best game of the year. He will continue to protect the ball, and this victory will put him in a first-place tie with Kirk Cousins for all-time wins as the starting quarterback (27).

Connor Cook will prove that he is the best quarterback in the state, out-dueling Cooper Rush.

Next: 3. The run game will make a comeback