Well, early 2012 could be interesting

If you didn't just watch that thrilling Indiana win over Ohio State, I feel bad for you. Unless you're doing something cooler than watching Big Ten basketball on New Year's Eve.

    But wow, what a game. After Wisconsin's stunning home loss to Iowa. After MSU's grinding comeback win at Nebraska. Today makes me wonder if this might be a championship race after all, and not just another OSU coronation (though I still think that's the clear best team).

    As for MSU's 68-55 win today, Keith Appling obviously provided two key drives when MSU needed to halt Nebraska's run, and Austin Thornton's 3-pointer -- no hesitation, shooting with confidence -- was the game's biggest basket. MSU had some defensive lapses early and some bad turnovers in the Huskers' comeback. But Tom Izzo's team is plugging along nicely and will have a chance Tuesday at Wisconsin -- though the Badgers will probably be a bit ornery.

    Happy New Year, be safe tonight, and for those of you in Tampa, it's the Brick House at 1102 North Dale Mabry Highway. Will be there early afternoon -- the fewer newsworthy things that come out of a morning Mark Dantonio-Mark Richt presser, the earlier.