The dog days of July are here. Spring practice is nearly three months in the rear view, and the open of preseason camps nationally arrives in less than a month. This week, we’re looking ahead to August to identify two key areas in which each Big Ten team must make strides over these final weeks of the offseason.

Next up: Michigan State.

Build chemistry with QB Connor Cook: The offseason is a time when quarterbacks gather with the receivers, spend time after workouts, and build upon rapport and timing. A lot is being placed on the shoulders of Cook this season, so he needs those receivers to put in the work this offseason and start producing immediately. There's a lot of talent and potential here, but without Tony Lippett there aren't yet any standouts. DeAnthony Arnett impressed in the spring and, if he continues to improve at that pace, he'll be a great option this season for Cook. Macgarrett Kings missed some time in the spring after his second alcohol-related arrest -- he eventually pleaded down to littering -- so a little more time with Cook can't possibly hurt. Others, like Aaron Burbridge and Josiah Price, should also play key roles this season. Cook is arguably the best signal-caller in the Big Ten, so there's no concern whatsoever about his ability. His ceiling is only capped by the ability of his receivers.

Strengthen the No Fly Zone: This objective is a lot easier said than done. The Spartans struggled against elite passing offenses last season -- giving up at least 300 yards to Ohio State and Oregon and more than 600 yards to Baylor -- and there's a clear drop-off this season at cornerback. Darian Hicks started 10 games at corner last season before Lippett took his spot, and Demetrious Cox was a safety until the final four games of 2014. So, without Trae Waynes, can MSU continue to play an aggressive defense that puts its corners on an island? And if not, what will the Spartans do? If they can come any closer to answering those questions this summer, that'd be a definite positive.