Rose Bowl: Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook ready for moment

Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook described it as “the most stressed out I’ve ever been in my life.”

Cook was reliving his frame of mind during spring practice and fall camp, when he was trying to win the starting position.

The third-year sophomore from Hinckley, Ohio, eventually broke through early in the season and helped lead the Spartans to their first Rose Bowl appearance since 1988.

Cook has passed for 20 touchdowns with five interceptions for a Michigan State team that plays Stanford on Wednesday in the 100^th Rose Bowl.

“To finally be here now, at a press conference for the Rose Bowl, knowing that I’m going to be starting for the 100^th Rose Bowl—I can’t even describe to you the feelings,” Cook said Friday.

The 6-foot-4, 218-pound Cook began to assume control by passing for 202 yards four touchdowns in the Spartans’ third game against Youngstown State.

After being removed from the game in a loss at Notre Dame, he passed for 277 yards and two touchdowns against Iowa.

The win over the Hawkeyes was the first of nine in a row to end the season, including a victory over Ohio State in the Big Ten Conference title game.

Now, the Spartans are preparing to live the dream that Coach Mark Dantonio has preached since arriving seven years ago.

Cook said the Rose Bowl is a goal that is ingrained in the program.

“Ever since the recruiting process,” Cook said. “They send you letters with the Rose Bowl emblem, saying, ‘Hey, you come to Michigan State you can play or the Rose Bowl,’ and that’s the ultimate goal.

“In the weight room, we have stuff “Play for the Rose Bowl.’ In the meeting rooms we have stuff, ‘Play for the Rose Bowl.’ Out at practice, ‘Play for the Rose Bowl. To be here and play in the Rose Bowl is just amazing.”

ALSO:

Michigan State’s Jeremy Langford waited for his turn to shine

Cardinal linebacker Shayne Skov happy to be back in Pasadena

It may be an advantage that Stanford has been here and done that