Normally the absence of a long tenured quarterback in Connor Cook would be cause for celebration as opponents take the field.
That was until the Spartans upended undefeated Ohio State this past Saturday with a last second field goal with backup quarterback Tylor O’Connor at the helm
To be sure O’Connor’s 7-of-12 passing against the Buckeyes isn’t exactly the most intimidating but it does go to show that Michigan State can put together an effective performance without their senior signal caller.
With the expectation that Cook’s status will be decided moments prior to this weekend’s kickoff, Penn State is left deciding who to prepare for. Cook, the starter returning from a shoulder injury, or O’Connor, the savvy backup with a big win under his belt.
The answer as it turns out is Cook, according to James Franklin.
“You know, it’s senior day and last week it was a game time decision and I understand last week he went out and warmed up,” Franklin said after Wednesday practice. “So if he was close to being able to be go last week you have to plan that he’s going to be able to play. Another week has gone by and he didn’t play. I think he’s got to be ready so we’ll plan accordingly. And also obviously for the more mobile backups and honestly Connor does some things, he’s a big physical quarterback like Hack but they run some option with him, some read schemes with him, not a lot but just a little bit. So we’re preparing for those things for him as well.”
Working ever so slightly in Penn State’s favor is an entire game of O’Connor at the helm to watch. Maybe he didn’t show off an explosive and unbeatable arm, but Penn State won’t hit the field without any idea what he’s capable of.
Either way Franklin is expecting a similar kind of game on Saturday which means preparing for either quarterback a little bit easier.
“To be honest with you, it probably had a lot to do with the weather, it’s not like they threw the ball a whole lot, they ran the ball and were physical which is kind of who they are.” Franklin said. “Mixed in some passes. I would assume that it’s going to be a similar style of game and if Connor plays then they’ll obviously open it up a little bit more and take some more shots and putt a little bit more on his shoulders. If not I think it’s going to be a little bit similar to last week.”
If nothing else it will take a complete effort to beat Michigan State on both sides of the ball so who ends up playing quarterback for the Spartans is only part of the equation. In a perfect world the Nittany Lions would likely rather face O’Connor.
Then again that’s the same thing Ohio State probably said.
