Michigan State picked its 2016 captains following practice Thursday morning, a process that felt more like a formality than a major announcement. Quarterback Tyler O’Connor and linebacker Riley Bullough were shoo-ins, and safety Demetrious Cox filled in the slightly more up-for-grabs third slot.
O’Connor said hearing his name called by head coach Mark Dantonio at the end of practice felt a bit like the conversation he had last week about being the team’s starter under center. It was a nice thing to hear, but not a huge surprise. The most exciting aspect for O’Connor is that those two check-the-box decisions are indicators that game week is fast approaching.