Connor Cook will not let his shoulder injury keep him out of the Michigan State Spartans' road game against Ohio State on Saturday.
Both he and Michigan State head football coach Mark Dantonio are confident the Spartans' starting QB would be healthy enough to play, according to ESPN. Unfortunately for Cook, the injured shoulder is the one he uses for throwing, meaning he will likely need a few practices this week to know for sure if it is not seriously hurt.
"I had full confidence in my arm, my ability and my health," Cook told reporters after the game. "Coach D just wanted to play it safe and keep me on the sideline."
Cook left the game in the first half, but came back in and struggled to complete passes. Michigan State went into the half up 17-7 on Maryland, at which time Dantonio decided to keep Cook out for the rest of the game.
Filling in, Tyler O'Connor completed six passes in 11 attempts and threw one touchdown and an interception. Further, the Spartans' defense shut Maryland out after the first quarter en route to a 24-7 win.
Michigan State plays Ohio State this Saturday in Columbus with the Big Ten East and possibly a College Football Playoff (CFP) spot on the line. Michigan State took a tumble in the CFP rankings following its loss to Nebraska, and beating third-ranked Ohio State may be the way to make up the lost ground.
Additionally, beating Ohio State could but Michigan State in the division's driver's seat. A Spartan win would put the teams in a tie and would also give them a head-to-head advantage should they both end the season with one conference loss. An Ohio State win would eliminate Michigan State from contention for the Big Ten East.
"Connor will be all right," Dantonio said after the game, according to ESPN. "I think he could have gone, but he felt like if he threw it hard, it would set him back."
