Michigan State running back Gerald Holmes(Photo: Kirthmon F. Dozier DFP) Three things we learned The Spartans can win without Connor Cook: At home against Maryland, anyway. Backup quarterback Tyler O’Connor directed two touchdown drives, and MSU’s defense rebounded from the Nebraska debacle to stuff an offense that had more success versus Ohio State, Iowa and Wisconsin. MSU’s specialists and kick coverage were big parts of the win. Aaron Burbridge is human: The senior receiver dropped three passes, though two would have been high-difficulty catches. He ended up with three catches for 27 yards, and that was still enough to make him the seventh player in MSU history with a 1,000-yard receiving season. He’s at 65 catches for 1,021 yards. MSU fans aren’t giving up: Despite the loss at Nebraska and an early kick against a subpar team, Spartan Stadium was close to a sellout — the students came out in full force — and the fans made ample noise at key times to help the defense. Low prices on the secondary market suggested chunks of empty seats, but that didn’t happen. DETROIT FREE PRESS Rexrode: To revive once-perfect season, MSU must upset OSU Up next for the Spartans: Ohio State Fast facts Matchup: No. 9 Michigan State (9-1, 5-1 Big Ten) at No. …
Continue Reading: MSU football: What we learned, what to watch for this week
