It wasn’t for a lack of effort on his part, but Connor Cook wasn’t permitted to return to Michigan State’s win over Maryland. With an eye toward the immediate future, the MSU coaching and medical staff, very wisely, erred on the side of caution when it came to the quarterback.
In the first quarter of the 24-7 win, Cook sustained an injury to his right (throwing shoulder). He stayed in the game for most of the remainder of the first half, but sat out the entire second half as Tyler O’Connor took over under center for the Spartans.
Cook wanted to return to the game, but wasn’t allowed. Based on the clip below, that was likely the proper course of action.
Cook on the sideline with the trainer, and this is obviously not good. https://t.co/FFuDB6ogfS
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) November 14, 2015
With a date with No. 3 Ohio State in Columbus on tap next weekend, all eyes and note pads and tape recorders were on Cook in the postgame locker room. As far as Dr. Cook’s prognosis goes, there’s no doubt he will be on the field for a game that will go a long way in determining the Big Ten East champ.
“I’ll be fine to go next week,” Cook said. “I’ll be good.”
Cook came into the game with the Terps completing just over 60 percent of his passes; in a clear sign that the shoulder was bothering him, the senior completed just 6-of-20 passes before being taken out for good. He also threw just his fourth interception of the season for good measure.
That was all a part of what was an offensive offensive effort for the Spartans as they were outgained 289-262 by the Terps. Five turnovers for Maryland, one a pick-six, went a long way in negating that advantage.