Michigan State vs Michigan: Five things to watch in Big Ten showdown

Oct 10, 2015; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Connor Cook (18) throws pass during the second quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at High Points Solutions Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook

Connor Cook started the season on the watch list for the Heisman Trophy, and while his team’s lackluster (and yet undefeated) efforts this year have cost him consideration for the Heisman, his production has been excellent.

Through six games, Cook has completed a career-high 59.9 percent of his 162 passes and he is on pace for a possible career high in touchdowns. The senior has 12 so far through six games, which is halfway to the 24 he threw last season for the Spartans. All of this with only two interceptions thrown, and he has a career high passer rating of 151.

Cook will have his hands full with the Michigan defense. The Wolverines have the second best pass defense in the nation, right behind Boston College who has preyed upon FCS opponents like Maine and Howard to stoke their defensive numbers.

Michigan is giving up 115.5 yards per game through the air, and has allowed just two touchdown passes against and opposing quarterbacks have a passer efficiency of 76.6.

While Cook has yet to play a defense like Michigan’s, he is almost certainly the best quarterback the Wolverines will face this season.

Next: Michigan's Shutout Streak