Sorry for the glut of MSU football links, but I promise it'll all be over soon. Anyway, here are the stories from today's papers:

• Wojo: MSU playbook: Back to basics with Dantonio
• LSJ: Ex-quarterback a fan of new coach
• LSJ: ESPN analyst says Dantonio will bring class
• LSJ: Cincy players on losing coach: 'It stinks, but it’s reality'
• LSJ: Ohio State coach likes MSU's pick
• LSJ: Dantonio’s deal ranks in bottom half of Big Ten
• Drew Sharp: Spartans land right man for tough job
• Freep: Dantonio known as a tough competitor and well-liked, too
• Freep: No fear of commitment: That's new coach Dantonio's vow to MSU
• State News: MSU football's new deal
• State News: Coaching decision good call for MSU

I still think Wojo is a bit of a blowhard (not to mention a major league Michigan freak), but I still think he basically nails it with that first article. Overall this pick seems to be getting a pretty warm reception.

I do feel bad for the Cincy players who are losing their coach right before a bowl game... just like Saban did to us. Considering how Dantonio left Cincinnati (not to mention that he was one of Nick "the carpetbagger" Saban's assistants), it does make me wonder if he'll turn around and screw us down the line in a few years if he does a good job of turning around this program. I hate to be cynical, but let's face it, I'm a Spartan fan... I'm used to getting hosed by football coaches.

On a more positive note...

To me the biggest selling points for Dantonio were his two stints under Jim Tressel, and his two national championships (at OSU and Youngstown State). I don't care if he earned that last ring at OSU, I want our new coach to wear that rock into the home of every kid he goes out to recruit. This guy's been there, and he might (finally?!) be the man who can take MSU to the promised land. I mean, you gotta love this:

"I didn't come here to be dragged into the graveyard. I came here to win, to win championships. I know, I've been around football long enough, how to do that. I feel very, very confident because I know that our players will play. I know that we'll recruit to the level that we have to be successful here as well. ...

"You know, history is the best indicator of the future. It's been done before. There's tremendous love for Michigan State University. I know the state is split right down the middle -- if it really were to be known, it's probably a lot more green, and getting a lot more greener today than it was yesterday."

Damn, right! 1-2-3 (CLAP!) First Down, Bitch!