I did come away impressed with the offensive performance, especially sophomore quarterback Connor Cook’s four first-half touchdown passes. But against the Penguins of the Football Championship Subdivision, I’m going to withhold my judgement. I can’t buy until I see a performance of value against an opponent from the same Division I level of play. That didn’t happen against the first two opponents this season — teams that now have FCS losses to their names — which is concerning considering how bad they were.

I understand Saturday was leaps and bounds better than the first two weeks, and it rightfully gives the Spartans some momentum heading to South Bend, Ind. However, Notre Dame’s talented defensive front will test MSU, as will many defenses in the Big Ten. I’m tempted to buy, but I have to sell until there’s proof against a credible opponent.

Verdict: Sell

Dillon Davis

There’s a lot to like about what sophomore quarterback Connor Cook was able to do against Youngstown State. Cook treated the Penguins like a glorified junior college, carving the team’s secondary up for 202 yards and four touchdowns. And after two subpar performances against Western Michigan and South Florida, respectfully, it was a welcome sign to see to Cook end MSU’s ongoing quarterback controversy with a superb showing.

But let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. Youngstown State does not come close to the level of teams remaining on the Spartans’ schedule, which will be noted in this weekend’s showdown with Notre Dame. Even without embattled quarterback Everett Golson, the Fighting Irish average 451 yards of offense through the first three games and competed well in the team’s lone loss of the season against Michigan.

It’s nice the Spartans finally have a groove going after a thorough shellacking of Youngstown State — it was long overdue. But bottom line, I’m not buying the team’s offense until they are able to beat a team on their own level.

Verdict: Buying Connor Cook, selling MSU’s offense