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Michigan State QB Connor Cook sprained his shoulder in November, but he was still able to lead the No. 3 Spartans to the College Football Playoffs.
The injury put Cook on the sidelines for the upset over Ohio State, but he returned for the last two games, including the Big Ten Championship against Iowa, and he played through it.
According to USAtoday.com, the break after that conference championship win was exactly what Cook needed to get back to form.
“When you have an injury, you can rehab it, ice it, do whatever, but rest is key,” Cook said. “I was able to do that and didn’t really throw a whole lot. I went home and did some extra rehab, lifted a little bit and strengthened it and rested it. It’s the best it’s felt so far, that’s for sure.”
Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio said Cook has been practicing, and his injury shouldn’t affect his ability to perform in Arlington against No. 2 Alabama.
“I think Connor Cook has played very well on big stages and we’ve won on big stages because of that,” Dantonio said. “We have high expectations for him to play well and I’m sure he does as well. If your quarterback plays well you have a great chance to win the football game.”
In fact the big stage might even help Cook perform better.
“It’s one thing playing with an injury, it’s another thing playing with pain,” Cook said. “There’s a little bit of pain but when you go out there on a big-time stage, there’s so much adrenaline going into it where you really don’t feel it a whole lot.”
Cook was 210 of 369 on the season for 2,921 yards, 24 TDs and 5 INTs. He also carried the ball 45 times for 80 yards.
He’s done well in the Big Ten, but on Friday, he’ll be facing the No. 2 defense in the nation.
