Michigan State Spartans: Linking Loquaciously Wishes John L. Smith The Best

First Things First: Darien Harris will play in the East-West Shrine Game.

He'll be the third linebacker from Michigan State to play in the game in three years, following Max Bullough and Taiwan Jones.

Harris has recorded 73 tackles and 9.5 tackles for a loss this season, including two forced fumbles.

Second Thing: Friday will officially be "Spartan Green Day".

Rick Snyder, the governor of the state of Michigan, has declared this Friday to commemorate the Michigan State football team, reminding the citizens residing in the mitten to don green and white, before the Spartans take on No. 4 ranked Iowa in the Big Ten championship game.

The proclamation written by Snyder, a Michigan graduate, was released on the state's legislation website on Thursday:

WHEREAS, for more than a century, the Michigan State University (MSU) Spartan football team has continuously demonstrated the utmost commitment to the game, their school and their fans; and,

WHEREAS, the 2015 Spartan Football team has enjoyed tremendous success securing the East Division title and now competing in their third Big Ten Championship game in five years; and,

WHEREAS, on Saturday, December 5, 2015, the Spartan Football Team, under the legendary leadership of Head Coach Mark Dantonio, will represent the East Division and the state of Michigan in the Fifth Annual Big Ten Championship game in Indianapolis, IN; and,

WHEREAS, on Spartan Green Day, we encourage citizens throughout Michigan to wear green as we join with fans across the country and MSU students, alumni, faculty and staff to support and celebrate the 2015 MSU Spartan football team;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Rick Snyder, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim Friday, December 4, 2015 as Spartan Green Day in Michigan.

Third Thing: Connor Cook was named the Big Ten's quarterback of the year.

Cook became the first Michigan State quarterback since Steve Juday in 1965 to collect the conference's top passer award, as well as fifth all-time in the program's history.

An excerpt from head coach Mark Dantonio:

Despite all of his previous success, Connor Cook is having his best season as a senior. His leadership has been outstanding, and he’s really showcased his playmaking ability this season.

Along with being the all-time leader in wins for a quarterback at East Lansing, Cook threw for 2,730 yards and 24 touchdowns this season.

Fourth Thing: Jim Caldwell won't support Michigan State this weekend.

While the Detroit Lions head coach has his home games played near the MSU campus, he'll be cheering on the Hawkeyes this weekend in Indianapolis. Why? Because he's an Iowa alum, playing for the team from 1973-76.

I think most guys that have played our game and been involved in it, their alma mater is a special place now. Let’s not get that twisted. But we have some great teams in this state, as well. It's similar teams, actually, when you look at them. Similar programs. Similar way they go about winning. Tough teams, hard-nosed football. It should be a lot of fun to watch.

Speaking of Caldwell, did anyone catch the end of the Lions game last night?!?

Fifth Thing: John L. Smith gets a new coaching job.

What a character, a man known for his personality than his coaching on the field.

Smith, the former Michigan State head coach from 2003-06, accepted the job at Kentucky State on Wednesday, according to FootballScoop.com.

It'll be his eighth head coaching position since 1989, when he took over the Vandals of Idaho, before moving on to Utah State and Louisville, respectively.

Smith has spent the past two seasons with the Fort Lewis Skyhawks (D-II), finishing 11-15 overall and 5-13 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.

Sixth Thing: Another Christmas song!

Like I said in last week's article, I'll be posting something each Friday to celebrate the holiday season.

With that being said, enjoy this novelty by Snoop Dogg and Nate Dogg (RIP).