J. T. Barrett vs. Connor Cook: Winner Takes All?

Saturday’s game between the Buckeyes and the Spartans could be decided by who wins the quarterback battle, J. T. Barrett or Connor Cook. If that is the case, the winner of that battle will give their team a chance to play for a national title. It’s winner take all.

In a rivalry game, and this has become one, it is physical and has many twists and turns. A key turnover, a player having a breakout game, or anything unexpected is often the norm. Often in these games, it is the quarterback who performs the best that makes the difference. Which one will it be Saturday?

Let’s take a look at the advantages each of the two quarterbacks J. T. Barrett and Connor Cook has over the other. Also, the necessary things each player may have to do to get his team a win.

Connor Cook has more wins as as a starter than any other quarterback in Michigan State history. He has led his team to a Big Ten Championship. He also has two bowl game wins as a starter and was instrumental in a third.

He also would have had the advantage with his ability to throw the ball on downfield routes. With his injury to his throwing shoulder against Maryland last week that might not be the case.

T. Barrett obviously is better running the football and he is also fresh and healthy. If he has to scramble for a first down and absorb contact he will do it. Also, Ohio State has a very good quarterback on the sidelines if he were to get banged up and have to come out for a while. I’m not sure even the competitive Cook will want to put his team in that position without a proven backup.

What will each quarterback have to do to win?

Connor Cook will have to use the short passing game more often than usual against the Buckeyes. Even though the Michigan State line is one of the best at protecting the quarterback, they haven’t faced a pass rush as good all season as they will face Saturday. Also Cook’s health may be a concern, and coach Mark Dantonio might not want Cook to sit back in the pocket for too long and take a lot of punishment.

In order to be effective utilizing the short pass, it will be imperative for Connor Cook to be good in his pre snap reads. The Buckeyes will blitz any of their three linebackers often, and a defensive back on occasion. If he can recognize the hot read he could pick up big gains on a short completion.

Cook could utilize his tight ends in these situations and he has three capable ones. They  average about three catches a game this season between them. If the tight ends become more involved Ohio State might not decide to rush their linebackers in passing situations as often.

And finally, Cook will have to take some shots downfield ro Aaron Burbridge, whether his shoulder is at full strength or not. Burbridge is the leading receiver in the Big Ten and is a tremendous deep threat. One or two deep balls to Burbridge could loosen up the Ohio State defense, and make the short passes and running game more effective

J.T. Barrett will have a similar challenge to Connor Cook in that he will face a defensive line who puts a lot of pressure on the quarterback. In Barrett’s case it will be important for him to look at one or two reads and if no one is open tuck the ball and run, hopefully to the outside where he has a run pass option.

Barrett will have to loosen up the Michigan State defense because they will load up the box to defend against the run. But that could be with 15 yard throws off the play action as well as the deep ball. And a 15 yard completion to Miller or Marshall could go for a touchdown.

J.T. will have to be efficient in the zone read option because Michigan State’s front seven are very talented, experienced and well coached. Also, Barrett needs to limit the negative plays early in the game. This has plagued the Buckeyes all season long and is one of the reasons for their slow starts.

So who has the edge at quarterback in this game J. T. Barrett or Connor Cook? If  Cook was completely healthy it would be a difficult choice. But is he?

If Cook’s shoulder is still bothering him can he throw the intermediate pass 15 to 20 yards downfield between linebackers and safeties? That has been one of his strengths. Also, can he take the hits and still be effective?

Barrett has the ability to run the ball as well as being an efficient passer. He is healthy and has more weapons at his disposal. Advantage J. T.

While J. T. Barrett might have the advantage in the quarterback battle, it might be a good idea for Barrett to get the Buckeyes to a comfortable lead in the fourth quarter. Because, Connor Cook knows how to win close games, and big games.

If the score is close at the end, all bets are off!