Cotton Bowl 2015: Highlights and Reaction from Michigan State vs. Baylor

Looking to make a statement after missing out on the College Football Playoff, Baylor came out and throttled Michigan State—for three quarters. It was the fourth quarter that left the Bears reeling after a 42-41 comeback win for the Spartans in the Cotton Bowl.

Bleacher Report noted the final score and reaction from quarterback Connor Cook:

The Spartans quarterback didn't put together as spectacular of a night as Bryce Petty, but he led his team back with 21 points in the final quarter. Cook finished the night 24-of-42 for 314 passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Both of those passing touchdowns, of course, came in the final 13 minutes of the game. His biggest pass of the night was on the final drive with 17 seconds remaining on a strike to Keith Mumphery. Adam Biggers of Bleacher Report passes along a look at the score:

On the other side was Petty, who seemingly cruised during the first half and had the game in hand after three quarters. The senior finished his career with the school with four total touchdowns and just one interception before the fateful fourth quarter started.

His 550 passing yards on the night were enough to score 41 points but not enough to pull out the win. Tom Fornelli of CBS Sports points out just how sensational his night was against the Michigan State defense:

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Bryce Petty has thrown for 515 yards today. Michigan State allowed 2,352 passing yards all season.

— Tom Fornelli (@TomFornelli) January 1, 2015"

Already leading by a considerable mark after the first half, Petty decided not to take his foot off the throttle. ESPN College Football passes along a highlight of the second touchdown pass to KD Cannon:

The huge fourth quarter for Michigan State led to a bit of redemption for the Big Ten as well. Ohio State would cap the night with a huge win over No. 1 Alabama, but it was the Spartans that got the memorable day started for the conference.

Both teams combined to set a bit of history in the game as well. By eclipsing the 500-yard mark for each program, the two offenses set a Cotton Bowl record, via the bowl's official Twitter account:

No player had a more unforgettable touchdown than LaQuan McGowan, a 6'7", 390-pound offensive lineman. Petty threw an 18-yard pass to the big man and the rest was history. Cork Gaines of Business Insider shared the literally huge touchdown for McGowan:

"

THE LARGEST OF THE LARGE GUY TOUCHDOWNS https://t.co/WmEERSjMz3

— Cork Gaines (@CorkGaines) January 1, 2015"

Unfortunately, that wouldn't be enough for the Bears, as the fun ended after that score. A full 21 unanswered points later, Sparty walked away with a statement win to close out the season.

Given the fact that Cook will be back next season for the Spartans, there is a chance they might make some serious noise in the Big Ten and return to the spotlight next January. Ohio State came away with the biggest win of the day for the conference, but Michigan State's victory was equally as impressive.

Follow @RCorySmith on Twitter.