And when the teams met in East Lansing in early November last season, MI State was ranked higher and pointing toward a spot in the playoffs. MI State will be hoping for that same level of production if they hope to upset OSU but will need Cook at his best (which may have gone into the decision to rest him in the second half against Maryland). An important aspect of the game will be if the Spartans can capitalize on Maryland’s tendency to give away the football. A key issue, though, may be a bruised shoulder Spartans quarterback Connor Cook suffered in Saturday’s win over Maryland.
Advertisement
What has often been a strength at the back of MI State’s defense has now become a major question after injuries to Vayante Copeland and RJ Williamson forced the Spartans to lean on less experienced players in the secondary. I thought yesterday we did a really good job of being in great position, and we had a few pass breakups. O’Connor led one touchdown drive before Cook’s injury, completing a 10-yard pass to Macgarrett Kings Jr. for the game’s first score.
The Spartans’ defense forced five turnovers, including three interceptions. The Spartans dropped to 13th in the committee’s new rankings Tuesday night, underscoring the challenge ahead of them if they want to compete for a national title. Rowe ended up throwing a pair of interceptions on the day. However, Terps would force a field goal attempt on a pass breakup from senior defensive back A.J. The script was familiar: Maryland couldn’t move the ball on offense, and the superior team secured its in the second half.
Advertisement
The Spartans came out sluggish to start the game. He had two rushes for one yard and three catches for nine yards. But whether it’s O’Connor, dual-threat Damion Terry or a combination of both, the lack of experience under center looms large as MI State prepares for its biggest test of the season. Likely almost scored his first offensive touchdown on a screen pattern but after review was correctly ruled down at the one, which Ross cleaned up for a Maryland touchdown. Shrader’s first punt traveled just 19 yards, but his final four averaged 36.8 yards with a long of 48. Maryland quarterbacks came into this game having thrown 25 interceptions this season and to only 14 touchdowns. The University of Central Florida’s 20 picks thrown this season was the second most in the nation before the games on November 14.
