A shoulder injury knocked Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook out of the Spartans' 24-7 win over Maryland on Saturday, but both Cook and MSU coach Mark Dantonio expressed confidence that the star quarterback will be ready to play against Ohio State next week.
"There was no popping out of any sort," Cook said, per The Detroit News. "They looked at it a little bit. I'll be fine to go next week. I'll be good."
Dantonio said Cook was a "9.5" out of 10 to play well against Ohio State. Cook, whose injury was to the throwing shoulder, appeared to be in significant pain on the sideline before returning to the game to finish the first half. He did not play in the second half, though.
He finished just 6 of 20 for 77 yards and an interception.
"I felt like I could have (played)," Cook said. "I felt confident in my abilities and my arm and my health, but Coach D just wanted to play it safe and keep me on the sideline for precautionary reasons."
The Spartans (9-1) might be the primary obstacle between the Buckeyes and an undefeated regular season, though Cook's health will be paramount to Michigan State's chances of upsetting the defending national champions.
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