Is Michigan State QB Connor Cook a Legit Heisman Contender?

Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook is a Heisman contender, even if his stats suggest otherwise.

He reinforced that point in a 52-26 win over Indiana, completing 30 of 52 passes for 398 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions on the heels of a superb game at Michigan.

The strong-armed senior quarterback made NFL throw after NFL throw against the Hoosiers, dropping dimes on touch passes and firing balls into tight windows.

Here's a nice example of that first type:

And here's a nice example of the second:

The Spartans advanced to 8-0 and are five wins from making the College Football Playoff.

They've made it this far despite an offensive line, special teams unit and secondary that are falling apart at the seams week by week.

Cook is the thread that has kept those seams from splitting. He was up-and-down to start the year but has stepped up in Big Ten play.

On Saturday, he thrived despite unfamiliar responsibilities and packages. An offense missing multiple starting linemen and running back Madre London found little success on the ground, which forced the staff to adjust and run a pass-heavy look.

Carlos Osorio/Associated Press

"Michigan State looks like Texas Tech," Ed Cunningham remarked on the TV broadcast, referring to the Spartans' spread concepts and absent running game.

That statement was only slightly hyperbolic.

Before padding stats with a double-digit lead at the end, MSU gained 71 yards on 39 carries. A 1.8-yard rushing average forced Cook to throw 52 passes, but despite that he looked comfortable throughout.

If he threw this often weekly, Cook might boast the numbers of a traditional Heisman candidate. But because MSU runs a typically conservative game plan, his current stats make him look like a long shot.

He's on pace to finish with 3,105 passing yards and 26 passing touchdowns over 12 games. Compare that with the past two Heisman winners:

Player	CMP %	PASS YDS - TD - INT	RUSH YDS - TD
Marcus Mariota ('14)	68.6	3,470 - 36 - 2	636 - 11
Jameis Winston ('13)	68.8	3,490 - 35 - 8	134 - 3
Connor Cook ('15)	57.5	3,105 - 26 - 3	95 - 0

By and large, quarterback wins are an overrated stat. It's reductive to credit one player—even one who touches the ball on every play—with victories and losses. Football is a team sport, and wins should be attributed accordingly.

But Cook is the exception to the rule. Quarterback wins are the only way to describe his performance. He lacks the scheme and supporting cast to match former Heisman winners' numbers, but so far he's been every bit as special.

According to the Heisman Trust's website, the trophy should be awarded to "the outstanding college football player whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity."

"Winners epitomize great ability combined with diligence, perseverance and hard work," the mission statement continues.

If he drags the battered husk of MSU's depth chart to the Big Ten Championship Game, Cook will fit those descriptors better than any other player in America.

LSU running back Leonard Fournette has more talent, and TCU quarterback Trevone Boykin posts bigger stats, but carrying such a flawed team to a 12-0 record—a feat that would include beating No. 1 Ohio State in Columbus—would in every way epitomize "great ability combined with diligence, perseverance and hard work."

"I could throw for 15 yards and if we win, I'll still be happy," Cook said after the game, per Matt Mika of Impact 89 FM. "All I care about is if we win."

If Sparty ends the season 12-0, they should carve that quote on the Trophy beneath Cook's name.

Brian Leigh covers college football for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @BLeigh35