Could Michigan State finally have produced a top-tier, NFL-ready quarterback in former Spartan Kirk Cousins?
That seems to be the question many NFL scouts and coaches are left asking themselves after one of Michigan State's greatest players in school history left some spectators stunned with his poise and command during the North's 23-13 victory over the South in Saturday's Senior Bowl.
The numbers are pretty good, but they don't tell the whole story for Cousins, who completed 5 of 11 passes for 115 yards. After an unfortunate interception to end the first half with his offense inside the 10-yard line, Cousins emerged from halftime with a new-found composure and threw a 41 yard touchdown to Gerrell Robinson giving the North a 20-6 lead. The former MSU quarterback would also return for a possession later in the game as well.
Rob Rang of CBS Sports and NFL Draft Scout.com reported before the game that Cousins looked better and out-performed his fellow North QBs during practices in the days prior to the bowl game.
“Cousins outshined (them) by attacking all levels of a talented North defense,” Rang reported last week. “His experience in a pro-style offense was obvious as he made quick decisions, showed accuracy short, middle and deep and thread the needle through tight spaces.
“Whereas his teammates struggled to find a rhythm with their new receiving corps, Cousins was hitting on all cylinders, spreading the ball all over the field and hitting his backs, tight ends and receivers on a variety of routes.”
One of Cousins' teammates who seemed to struggle the most was former Wisconsin quarterback and short-term rival of Cousins and last season's Spartans, Russell Wilson, who was great during the match up when he played a less-conventional style of offense from the shotgun or when he was forced to scramble. As for his performance in key NFL formations and set ups, Wilson looked confused and uncomfortable with his receivers and it showed in the end. Wilson has got some incredible talent ad ability, but it could be some time before he is ready to take over an offense for an NFL team.
Also on the field representing Michigan State was defensive powerhouse Trenton Robinson, who recorded two tackles in the win and recovered a pivotal fumble that later set up another scoring play for the North. Long-time MSU tight end Brian Linthicum looked set to have a decent game after receiving the North's first pass of the game from scrimmage for nine yards, but the catch would go down as his only one in the game.
You can follow MSU Examiner, Michael Ferro, at twitter.com/MichaelFerro.
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