College Football Top 25: Buying or selling the 2015 preseason rankings

Jan 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Connor Cook (18) during the game against the Baylor Bears in the 2015 Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Highest Rank: 5 (AP)
Lowest Rank:  8 (SN)

BUYING

Watch out for Michigan State this year. Connor Cook will be a quarterback on a mission, not just for a Heisman but to finally bring his team a national title opportunity.

Many are pointing to the loss of Pat Narduzzi as defensive coordinator as a reason to count out the Spartans, but that defense wasn’t without its issues even with Narduzzi there. I don’t think they’ll miss a step this season, especially only losing three key defenders.

Offensively is where you may see a huge turnaround for the Spartans. Cook had a nice season in 2014, but didn’t get a lot of help from his skill players. The losses of Jeremy Langford and Nick Hill won’t go unnoticed, but it seems Michigan State has been playing that “next man up” routine for a few years now.

Sometimes you just get a feeling that a quarterback is ready to take that next step, and that’s what I’m seeing in Cook. He’s put up impressive stats, but hasn’t been able to ring the bell yet.

Next: USC