Michigan State Football: Report card for win over Iowa

Dec 5, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Aaron Burbridge (16) runs the ball as Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Ben Niemann (44) looks to defend during the first half in the Big Ten Conference football championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

Wide Receivers: B+

I wanted to give the receiving corps a higher grade, but a lack of production, whether it was their fault or not, prevented an ‘A’ or higher.

Cook was off his game, as mentioned earlier, so the Spartans’ receiving crew did whatever it could to salvage a decent performance. It seemed like every other play, a Michigan State wide out was seen diving or leaping for a pass that was just out of their reach. Cook’s throws were so unlike him that the receivers were probably just as caught off guard as we were watching him.

This doesn’t mean there weren’t some fantastic plays, though.

Late in the fourth quarter — on the final drive, to be exact — Cook threw a pass to Aaron Burbridge which seemed to be his best throw of the day. It was toward the sideline and the senior Big Ten Receiver of the Year recipient tip-toed the white line and brought it in. It was ruled a catch on the field and the replay showed he did have a foot in and possession of the ball.

That’s when the drama started.

Burbridge had a foot out of bounds and then brought it back in before making the reception, meaning that it should have been ruled illegal touching and a loss of a down. Yes, it was Nebraska controversy all over again. That made it third down with just minutes remaining and Cook went his favorite target’s way once again, squeezing it between two defenders, but Burbridge made the catch.

There were some impressive plays all day long from these guys (also, Paul Lang’s catch and broken tackle/Felton Davis’ 22-yard catch) but it was all about the run game.

Next: Offensive/Defensive Lines