Michigan State's Demetrious Cox playing role of Denard Robinson on scout team

Eager to chalk up their fifth consecutive win in the series, the Michigan State Spartans are enlisting the help of a young defensive back to play the role of Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson in practice this week, as reported by Josh Slagter of MLive.com.

Spartans defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi has already managed to shut Robinson down twice in two prior meetings, and hopes that utilizing freshman safety Demetrious Cox in practice will at the very least simulate the idea of facing a threat like Robinson on game day. The 6'1, 195-pound Cox was timed at 4.48-seconds in the 40-yard dash coming out of high school, even though it's quite clear that he does not feature the same type of explosiveness that Robinson is known for.

Robinson's unique skill set continues to force opposing coaches to scramble for a decoy, and Cox is now among a long list of speedsters that have been tried out at the position in practice. While the Spartans may own the rivalry at the moment, Narduzzi will need to hope that his previous plan against Robinson will once again bring success in a tough Ann Arbor environment on Saturday.