Linking Laconically is one of the best

Hopefully you've all recovered from the United States' heartbreaking loss to Belgium in the World Cup yesterday. Even as a once-every-four-years soccer fan, it was a tough one to take.

Fortunately, MSU fans woke up to good news this morning, when ESPN revealed Tom Izzo as its No. 3 coach in the country in yet another offseason list. Such rankings are mostly pointless, but seeing Coach Izzo receive the positive recognition he does doesn't really get old.

Top 50 coaches: No. 3 Tom Izzo | ESPN | espn.com

One spot ahead of Coach K. Not bad.

Tom Izzo's success no surprise | ESPN | espn.com

Brian Gregory's story is pretty great.

Michigan State's Alex Gauna unlikely to return for senior year but won't finalize decision until fall | MLive | mlive.com

Do what you gotta do, Alex.

Counting down MSU's top 50 basketball players all-time: No. 10 — Morris Peterson | Couch on Fire | lsj.com

My favorite Spartan in any sport ever.

Incoming freshmen looking forward to first season | Detroit Free Press | freep.com

Yeah, I like this class.

Celebrations begin for Maryland, Rutgers | Big Ten Blog | espn.com

Welcome, I guess?

Report: Ex-Michigan State assistant Doug Wojcik faces probation, counseling at Charleston | Detroit Free Press | freep.com

Hope he gets things worked out.