So I have blinked and suddenly it’s the end of October and Michigan State opens exhibition play today at 7 p.m. in the Breslin Center against Northwood. Izzo and the crew are back! They have this tune-up and another against St. Cloud State before flying to Germany for the Armed Forces Classic on November 9th. If you want to view the full schedule just click here . The only available coverage for today’s game is through btn.com via streaming video, but then this is merely an exhibition.

Dawson Has A Clean Bill Of Health(courtesy of coachizzo.com)

In keeping with that thought I am not even going to do a preview as such, but there are a couple of interesting things to look for in this first live action nonetheless. Branden Dawson is making the start after rehabilitating his injury like a man possessed. After such a protracted absence, I have to wonder how long he will play and how fluid his game will be. It is astonishing that he has managed to heal and get himself back on the floor so soon.

A new face in the starting five is that of guard Gary Harris. Coach Izzo has said that Harris has earned this start through what he has done in practice, and you know Izzo doesn’t give out empty praise or unmerited rewards. Harris certainly had a ton of hype surrounding him so getting a chance to see how he does in live collegiate action should be a blast. Check out the hype video:

The rest of the starting five is comprised of characters most of you are no doubt familiar with. Senior and captain Derrick Nix will start at center, Adreian Payne gets the nod at power forward and Keith Appling will man the point. Sounds like a pretty good group, doesn’t it? This really does promise to be the most talented group we have seen take the floor in East Lansing for some time. Every season is a new story and I am excited to see how this one unfolds.

Go Green!