Early line shows that the Big Green is favored by 7 points over the Skinny Cats from Northwestern in men's hoops tomorrow night at the Brez (tip off 7 pm EST). By virtue of Purdue's win over Wisconsin last night, MSU has opened a 3 game lead while on top of the Big Ten Standings.

Football Recruiting: Punxsutawney Phil + 1

The first day for potential recruits to sign a football national letter of intent, binding them to a college of their choice, is on February 3 - the day after Groundhog Day. That's next Wednesday, Punxsutawney Phil fans.

At this time, Michigan State has notched 20 verbal commitments, including in recent weeks Darqueze Dennard of Jeffersonville, Georgia. Dennard is a 5-11, 170-lb defensive back who also considered national powers Oklahoma State, Utah State, Wake Forest, and Middle Tennessee State. MSU also received a verbal from Justin Wilson, a 6-0, 217-lb linebacker from Davie, Florida. Wilson picked MSU after turning down offers from Missouri, Purdue, TCU, West Virginia, FIU, Fla Atlantic, and Toledo.

Looking at the big board, right now, if all those who verbally committed sign on the dotted line, the incoming class includes players who were predominantly at these positions in high school:

DB: 4
LB: 2
DL: 4
OL: 3
RB: 3
QB: 1
K: 1
WR/TE: 2

The bonus here is that 7 of the 20 verbals are on the interior. The ES would like to see more. We need more quality beef inside if Michigan State is ever going to move up the standings on the gridiron.