Michigan State Football: Report card for the Spartans win over Maryland

Oct 24, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Connor Cook (18) attempts to throw the ball against the Indiana Hoosiers during the 1st half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan State football got back to its winning ways against the lowly Maryland Terrapins with a convincing 24-7 victory. In a role reversal for the first time this year it was the defense that carried the Spartans to the victory as the offense sputtered in the absence of Connor Cook.

Let’s dive in and take a look at grading the Spartans performance by position group.

Quarterback: D*

I give this grade with an asterisk obviously because of the missing Connor Cook. He was hit a lot as the Terrapins brought pressure on what seemed like on every play. Unfortunately, Cook took one of those hits as he was throwing a pass and was unable to brace himself as he hit the Spartan Stadium turf.

Landing hard and awkward caused an injury to his throwing shoulder and arm. Cook attempted to play through the injury but was not his usual effective self. For precautionary reasons, as it appears he will be ready for the Ohio State game, he was taken out the entire second half in favor of mainly Tyler O’Connor and small portion of Damion Terry.

According to Coach Mark Dantonio’s after game presser he was already planning on getting O’Connor playing time in this game, the Cook injury only solidified that decision. While playing neither O’Connor nor Terry set the world on fire.

The offense was able to muster up one touchdown drive, in which they ran 11 straight running plays for the score. O’Connor did have some nice passes but overall left me wanting more. Each deep ball he threw never had a chance, including a just a terrible overthrow when he had Aaron Burbridge open downfield that was intercepted.

Yesterday proved even more how valuable Connor Cook is to Michigan State success. Going into the biggest game of the year against Ohio State it is going to be imperative that he is as close to 100 percent as possible if the Spartans want to have a prayer.

Next: Running Backs