Life after Connor Cook is going much smoother, at least initially, than life after Kirk Cousins for Michigan State.
Tyler O’Connor was much more ready to step in and assume the position than Andrew Maxwell was. It helps that O’Connor started, arguably, Michigan State‘s biggest win of the 2015 season and thus had more real experience than Cousins’ successors had.
The man with the second most Irish name on the field led Michigan State past the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 36-28.
(The most Irish name still belongs to Fighting Irish Offensive Tackle Mike McGlinchey). O’Connor had his biggest and best game thus far in his career, finishing 19-26 passing for 241 yards and two TDs. He also ran for 43 yards on 10 carries. The fifth year senior led a Spartans offense that accrued over 500 yards of offense, with an almost even balance of running and passing.
Said Fighting Irish Coach Brian Kelly of Tyler O’Connor: “I think he manages what he’s asked to do. He threw the ball down the field. I think he’ll do fine. He’s a smart kid, got a couple of games under his belt, obviously the competition was ratcheted up a lot for him.”
He just has the look of a Spartans signal caller. He gives MSU the most mobility they have had at the QB position since Drew Stanton, possibly Jeff Smoker. By the time season is done, his numbers will match that of a Stanton or Smoker. He won’t be a Cook, Cousins or Earl Morrall, “the last of the crew cuts,” but he’s good and he’s getting better.
O’Connor looks the part of an MSU field general, as he’s perfect for the system. He keeps the line of succession going. He also looks the part of Stifler from “American Pie” (actor Sean William Scott).
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“We take it from here, start to develop an identity. Tyler O’Connor plays well, shows some moxie, made some huge plays,” said MSU Coach Mark Dantonio after the game.
“We got good players, they dream of these opportunities. They’re not afraid to step out into the light a little bit, that’s where they’re playing early. We got good seniors, our seniors have always carried us, Tyler O’Connor, big game from him. He’s a senior.”
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication and Bold Global.
He also consistently appears on numerous radio and television talk shows all across the country. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram and Sound Cloud.