M SU football returns to Spartan Stadium for the first time since winning the Rose Bowl in January, with the annual Green and White Spring Game set to start at 2 p.m. Saturday.
Coming off a 13-1 season, MSU enters 2014 with high expectations to contend for another Big Ten championship and a shot at the new four-team College Football Playoff. But before that can happen, the Spartans have some things to shake out as spring ball comes to a close. Here’s a look at four key points to keep an eye on Saturday.
—Robert Bondy, The State News
Connor Cook’s progression
Junior quarterback Connor Cook dazzled fans and alumni in his final two outings last season, both coming on the biggest stages of his young career. His career-high 332 passing yards and two touchdowns helped lead MSU to the 2014 Rose Bowl game. The outings created a lot of buzz, and even some Heisman whispers, entering the upcoming season.
But with high expectations comes the pressure of living up to those standards, so Saturday will serve as the first look at Cook’s progression throughout the offseason and spring.
“I’ve improved a lot since the beginning of the spring,” Cook said. “Not starting the way I wanted to, but I feel like I’m finishing strong.”
If MSU is going to live up to its potential top-10 preseason ranking, Cook will have to lead the way as the triggerman of a veteran offensive unit.
Backup spot up for grabs
Spring practice generally serves as a chance for players to compete for a open spot left by departures from a year ago, and this spring was no different.
One of the hot-button spots to keep an eye on is on the backup quarterback position.
Sophomore Tyler O’Connor and redshirt freshman Damion Terry have been duking it out this spring to be Cook’s backup. O’Connor was drafted ahead of Terry by his peers during Wednesday’s spring game player draft, which could be a sign of who’s leading the race, but it should still be interesting to watch.
Starting strong
Also keep an eye on junior R.J. Williamson and sophomore Demetrious Cox, who are competing to replace departing three-time starter Isaiah Lewis at strong safety. Williamson is on the White team and Cox is on the Green team, so it should be another intriguing position to follow.
But don’t sleep on redshirt freshman Jalyn Powell, too, who has impressed head coach Mark Dantonio this spring and was drafted ahead of both Williamson and Cox in the player draft.
Where does the defense stand?
For the first time in a few years, it might be MSU’s offense carrying the defense this upcoming fall.
With the departures of longtime defensive stalwarts such as Darqueze Dennard, Max Bullough, Denicos Allen and Lewis, the defense has been a work in progress this spring, losing the first two jersey scrimmages.
Despite losing the two scrimmages, junior defensive end Shilique Calhoun is confident in the defense’s ability to reload and is expecting the younger players to step up.
“Guys (are) willing to step up, willing to make the transition and play other positions,” Calhoun said. “Anyway they can help the team, they will in providing their services.
“We have a lot of young guys that have the experience, (and) that can play the position. Now it’s just time for them get up and do what they do.”
