Michigan State Football: Report card against the Wolverines

Oct 17, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive end Shilique Calhoun (43) and Michigan State Spartans quarterback Damion Terry (6) celebrate win over Michigan Wolverines after a game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan State football had a statement win over the Michigan Wolverines on Saturday night when the Spartans recovered and returned a last-second fumbled punt for a touchdown to beat the hated rival, 27-23.

The Spartans are still ranked No. 7 in the latest AP poll, not moving up or down after the win, and it was a relatively dominating performance overall for MSU, despite not leading until the clock showed “0:00.”

Let’s take a look at the final grades — or report card — for Michigan State football against the Michigan Wolverines in week seven. If you agree/disagree with any of our assessments, let us know in the comment section below.

Connor Cook: A

Oct 17, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Connor Cook (18) looks to make a pass in the first quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

This was the biggest game of the season for Connor Cook and arguably one of the most impactful of his career. If the Spartans lose this one, he falls to 2-1 as the starter for MSU against the Wolverines and the playoff hopes for his team are dashed. If he wins, he becomes a legend.

Cook did absolutely everything he could to help his team to victory, especially when the run game struggled so much. The senior quarterback may have only completed 18-of-39 passes, but he passed for 328 yards and a touchdown.

Improving to 30-3 all-time as Michigan State’s starting quarterback and 3-0 versus the Wolverines — joining Kirk Cousins as the other MSU quarterback to go 3-0 versus Michigan — Cook proved to be the difference.

All day long, he made throws that an average college quarterback can’t make, placing the ball where only his receivers could catch it. His completion rate may not look so good, but there were some drops and he was rushed a decent amount, forcing him to throw the ball away.

Yes, Cook was one of the many heroes in this win.

Next: Running backs