Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Cotton Bowl Comeback Led by Connor Cook

By Mike Stockman
Staff Correspondent 
Copyright 2015 Phoenix Area Sports

 Arlington, Texas (Thursday, Jan. 1) After throwing two interceptions and being behind by twenty points in the fourth quarter, Michigan State's quarterback Connor Cook ties the game with 17 seconds left on a 10 yard touchdown pass to Keith Mumphery, allowing the field goal kicker Michael Geiger to win it with the extra point 42-41 against the Baylor Bears at AT&T Stadium in the 2015 Cotton Bowl Classic on January 1, 2015.

Before the fourth quarter comeback, the Baylor Bears were being masterly driven by QB Bryce Petty, who is awarded the game's MVP. Petty threw for a Cotton Bowl record 550 yards, three TDs, and scored on a quarterback sneak from the one yard line.
Petty connected eight times with KD Cannon for a total of 197 yards and two touchdowns.

Baylor was not afraid to use gadget plays to score. In the first quarter, Petty throws a backward pass to Jay Lee who then throws a perfect strike to Corey Coleman for 53 yards. In the third quarter, Petty throws a touchdown to LaQuan McGowan, one of Baylor's biggest linemen lined up as an eligible tight end, for 18 yards.

In the fourth quarter, Michigan State's Cook starts the comeback with an eight yard touchdown pass to Josiah Price. After a key scramble by Cook to the one yard line, Jeremy Langford falls forward for the touchdown, his third rushing touchdown of the game and 22nd rushing touchdown on the year, a school record.
With 1:05 left, Baylor, leading 41 - 35, attempts a 43 yard field goal which gets blocked and run back to Baylor's 45 yard line.

Michigan State, with no time outs, drives down the field to Baylor's 10 yard line. On third and goal with 17 seconds left, Cook passes for a touchdown to Keith Mumphery to tie up the game. The extra point by Michael Geiger is good and the Spartans win 42 - 41.

The Baylor Bears are now 0 - 3 at the Cotton Bowl. The first loss occured in 1975 against Penn State 41 - 20. In 1981, they lost to Alabama 30 - 2. The Bears bowl record is 10-11.
Michigan State has won four consecutive bowl games, a school record. In bowl appearances, the Spartans are now 11-14.

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