Linking Laconically Hasn't Done This in a While

A couple brief promotional notes before getting started.  First if you aren't following us on Twitter, please do!  KJ is @theonlycolors, Pete is @PeteAtTOC, and I'm @LVSatTOC.  Also, you can follow all three of us by subscribing to this handy condensed feed that KJ put together; it's also displayed on the right sidebar below.

Also, have you heard that we helped write the best MSU basketball preview magazine you can buy, and that you should buy it?  In case you haven't: hey!  We helped write the best MSU basketball preview magazine you can buy, and you should buy it!

Anyway, onto the links!

• Michigan State Player Diagnosed with Cancer Keeps Football Scholarship for 3 Years " Oversigning.com
  If you need a pick-me-up about MSU athletics (and man, do we ever right now), the story of Arthur Ray, Jr.--as described in the video above--is always good for that.  I really, really hope that Arthur can get on the field at some point next year, but even if he doesn't, I'm enormously proud that he's still on the roster.  (HT: Slow States.)
  
• Michigan State analysis: Two key weaknesses - JSOnline
  3rd downs and penalties.  I'd add "lack of pass rush" to the list, but it's a good article.
• UW's penalties way down since infamous 2008 Spartans game - JSOnline
  Meanwhile, in Madison: "Two years, later UW (4-0) enters its league opener at Michigan State (4-0) playing cleaner football than all but one team in the nation. Through four games, UW is tied for second nationally with Penn State for fewest penalties per game at 2.8 (for 25 yards). UW has been penalized 11 times for 100 yards overall."
• Recruiting experts weigh in on top football prospects | detnews.com | The Detroit News
  MSU in good/great shape with DeAnthony Arnett and Doran Grant.  Both would be massive additions.
• MSU men's basketball: Lucas back on the court | lansingstatejournal.com | Lansing State Journal
  KJ mentioned this yesterday, but apparently Kalin is way ahead of schedule.
• Brad Stevens out to prove Butler belongs among the nation's elite - Seth Davis - SI.com
  When Izzo leaves: please, please come to East Lansing, Brad Stevens.  We promise we won't be bitter about the Final Four.
• On Facebook, Twitter and tweeting | Inside the Hall | An Indiana Hoosiers basketball blog
  Great research into the arcane depths of the NCAA rulebook by the ITH staff: essentially, Twitter and Facebook contacts between current players and recruits are legal . . . sometimes.  Worth a read for the full explanation.
• Michigan's Red Berenson, Michigan State's Rick Comley not sure there will be Big Ten league | freep.com | Detroit Free Press
  Well, yeah, but it'd probably be bad form to say otherwise during the CCHA coaches' conference call.  In other news, MSU picked to finish either third or fourth in the CCHA this season.
• In the Corners: Green and White Game
  On Sunday!  Go!  First real games are solid: home on 10/14-15 against Maine.