Connor Cook's shoulder injury healed and ready for Alabama

No. 2 Alabama wasn't the only team to arrive in Dallas Saturday night, as No. 3 Michigan State has also arrived in Dallas for the national semifinal Cotton Bowl. As soon as the Spartans came available to the media, questions surrounding senior quarterback Connor Cook's injured shoulder were asked of the Spartan signal caller.

In Michigan State's latest game, the Big Ten Championship against Iowa, Cook completed only 16 of 32 passes and appeared notably affected by his ailing shoulder injury suffered against Maryland Nov. 14. 

Cook believes the time off between the Dec. 5 conference title game and the New Year's Eve semifinal playoff game will be the best thing for his shoulder heading into the game. 

"When you have an injury and stuff, you can rehab it. You can ice it or whatever, but rest is key," Cook said Saturday. "I was able to do that. Didn't really throw a whole lot. Went home and did some extra rehab stuff. Lifted a little bit. Strengthened it. And rested. I think it's the best it's felt so far. That's for sure."

"He's probably the best NFL-rated quarterback in the country," Ragland said, "so it's all about getting to him and rattling him as much as we can. We know he's a good quarterback. He knows where he wants to go with the ball every time he has it in his hands. He's a good quarterback, and it's all about us getting to him and rattling him."