Maryland-Michigan State Preview Capsule

Cook left the game at halftime with a shoulder problem, putting a bit of a damper on No. 14 MI States 24-7 victory over Maryland on Saturday, but the senior quarterback didnt sound too concerned about his availability for next weekends showdown at Ohio State.

So the Spartans defense has stepped up to retake the lead over Maryland.

Perry Hills is the dual-threat quarterback for Maryland, but I’d hardly call him a dual-threat when he is basically 70 percent running and 30 percent passing. So it’s not as though the Spartans should lose any urgency now that its unbeaten run in 2015 is over. Penn State’s Carl Nassib broke the school’s single season record with 15½ sacks last weekend, also tops in the nation. Personally to me the recruiting has been getting better and better each season under Anastos and next year’s class could be a program changer (at least compared to recent times). MI State is 7-1 SU when leading after three quarters. “We go right to Rutgers and that’s all we really have to think about”. Maryland is averaging just 23.9 points and 341.2 yards per game on offense this season while the defense is giving up 33.4 points and 411.9 yards per game.

On the final drive, Armstrong Jr. completed 3-of-4 passes for 91 yards on that drive.

While the victor will keep its bowl hopes alive, the loser will be all but assured of being home for the holidays since the likelihood of a 5-7 team making the postseason is slim.

The Terrapins went 91 yards in 10 plays in under 3 minutes to tie the Spartans at 7, with Brandon Ross picking up the touchdown on a run from about the half-yard line.

Bad news for MI State: L.J. Scott fumbled to start the second quarter, and Maryland recovered.

The former MI and National Football League quarterback has had his faith in Rudock rewarded because he is coming off perhaps the best game of his career.

Cook did come back in the game on the next drive, played throughout the first half and finished just 6-of-20 with 77 yards and one interception before Tyler O’Connor took over. There are still pieces in place for Sparty to succeed, including standout defensive end Shilique Calhoun.

When the Buckeyes face the underrated Illini on Saturday, J.T. Barrett will start at quarterback and converted receiver Braxton Miller is likely to play.

MI State got the ball right back, though, with Damon Knox recovering a fumble. The game November 21 at Ohio State still looms as a huge one for both teams.

It was a dark time for Maryland special teams in the first half when back-to-back Terrapin punts by two different punters traveled 11 and 19 yards. Maryland is a 2-8 football team.

As for no-calls against MI State, whats the explanation for not calling pass interference on MSUs Defensive Back Arjen Colquhoun when he hooked Alonzo Moores arm during Nebraskas early fourth quarter drive with the Huskers on the move deep in MI State territory?