Michigan State QB Connor Cook sees similarities between Michigan, Alabama defenses

“We respect him for making that decision”. He alone has outrushed Michigan State’s backfield corps of L.J. Scott, Gerald Holmes and Madre London. But instead of panicking and worrying about things on the outside, the Spartans will put all their faith and follow the lead of the reigning Big Ten quarterback of the year-the heart and soul of this talented team that everyone continues to doubt around the country. “If you can add a national championship title to it, there’s probably nothing better”. If Clemson signed just one more blue-chipper per season, it would be at the 50 percent mark, and there’s a good chance the Tigers surge ahead in the future, given their on-field success.

And he’s done all of that at a school that previously went decades without any notable milestones. By then, he had already spurned Saban and Williams – he didn’t know Williams, a longtime Saban assistant, used to be MSU’s head coach, by the way – and many others to choose Dantonio’s program. “He is a good football player that manages the game well and does what coach Saban and (offensive coordinator Lane) Kiffin want him to do, and that’s not turn the ball over, dink and dunk and take shots when appropriate”. That was my biggest thing. “He wants what’s best for the team”, Smart said.

“The main difference is (Alabama’s) size”, Cook said, asked again during media day to compare the Crimson Tide’s defense – No. 1 in the nation against the run, No. 2 overall – to opponents Michigan State has faced. The Spartans took advantage in the Big Ten title game against Iowa, intercepting one pass in the end zone and forcing a fumble on the final play of the game.

“Having lived in Michigan my whole life, I wanted to go somewhere nobody knew me”, Chris said. He’s a victor, too. He said that is because they are doing what they should be doing – winning football games and championships.

For some time now, Cook’s lofty status as an NFL Draft prospect has seemingly outpaced his relatively modest college accolades. On Monday, Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart could not have been more effusive in his evaluation.

Smart said the bigger problem might have been guys simply not playing well. “It reminds me when I’m watching it of when Matt Ryan was at Boston College”. “He does exactly what they want him to do”.

Cook: “I’m like, ‘No, I don’t think I can”.

So why, then, has he sometimes been a less-than-unbelievable collegian?

Michigan State’s success came from freshman all the way to seniors.

Smart said he reached out to first-year Atlanta Falcons coach Dan Quinn, who was defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks through the Super Bowl last year, for guidance on how to split time between two important gigs.

Cook has thrown for 2,921 yards and 24 touchdowns this season. But much of that is a result of Michigan State’s inexperienced skill players this season. Apart from Cook, the star of the offense was senior Aaron Burbridge.

Saban also hired Mark Dantonio at Michigan State, where the Spartans head man worked as his secondary coach from 1995-99.

Which is why Thursday night’s game truly could be a dramatic legacy-changer.

During the visit, Cotton Bowl sponsor Goodyear presented a $10,000 check to the hospital, and Saban walked up and matched it on the spot.

It should come as no surprise that Michigan State’s committee of running backs is collectively just a little envious of Alabama counterpart Derrick Henry.

“It’s great to be back home”, said Robinson, who will have an eight-person rooting contingent for Thursday’s game.

“They listen”, Ragland said, smiling. “You know, Peyton Manning is my favorite quarterback”. Despite losing Narduzzi Michigan State didn’t lose a step on defense.

“I did tell her if she cheers against us and we win I’m going to make her wear all crimson to her orientation and we’ll see how many friends she makes”, Chris said with a laugh.