Michigan State QB Connor Cook doesn't start vs. Buckeyes

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Michigan State starting quarterback Connor Cook did not start after a week of speculation regarding the health of his right shoulder.

Rested for the second half after struggling and showing signs of pain in a win over Maryland last week, Cook apparently wasn't physically ready to give what was needed for the No. 9 Spartans in their huge conference showdown with Ohio State on Saturday.

Tyler O'Connor started in Cook's place, trying to fill the shoes of a passer with 32 career victories for the Spartans as they tried to keep pace in the Big Ten title race.

Cook came out for pregame warm-ups early and threw the football around lightly, and he dressed and served as a captain for Michigan State during the coin toss. He finished 6-of-20 for 77 yards with an interception before leaving the low-scoring win over Maryland last week.

This is the first and only game Cook has missed since taking over as a starter 36 games ago.