Everyone knows all about Michigan State Connor Cook, but something is becoming more and more evident with every passing week — he has a pretty good wide receiver to throw the ball to in Aaron Burbridge (+18.6). We saw the fascinating battle between him and Michigan's star cornerback Jourdan Lewis a couple of weeks ago, with both making big plays throughout the game. That's the sort of performance that highlights just how good Burbridge is, he was tested against one of the very best defenders in the country, and was still able to make plays for the Spartans.
Through his first three seasons in East Lansing, Burbridge had just 916 receiving yards on 80 receptions. So far this year he has pulled in 52 receptions for 830 yards, not only taking on a bigger role for the offense, but also making bigger plays. His yards per catch averages from 2012 to 2014 were 12.6, 8.8 and 12.3 respectively, and this year he is averaging 16.0 per reception. Similarly, after scoring just three touchdowns in his first three seasons, he's pulled in five already this year.
He's been impressive when Cook has targeted him downfield, catching all 14 of the catchable passes thrown his way that have travelled 20 yards or more in the air downfield for 410 yards and three touchdowns. All of that — along with some tremendous catches like the one against Air Force — make Burbridge one of the best receivers in all of college football this season.
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