DotComp: Too early for Michigan State to feel this good? Nah, they earned it

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Tom Izzo is going to have to resist the surge of happiness he felt after Michigan State’s gutty 69-66 victory over fast, talented, dangerous No. 14 Arkansas, Saturday at Breslin Center. It’s way too early for feelings of satisfaction and accomplishment. But Michigan State made so much progress defensively during a bootcamp week of preparation for the Razorbacks. The Spartans showed signs of togetherness, commitment and grit - things that Izzo sometimes has to work weeks and weeks to mine from a team.  In some years, Izzo never breaks through. He has players who never fully commit to the grind. But in this young season, thanks to Saturday’s display, he is finding that he has some shapeable pupils, with good hearts and minds at the top, and willing newcomers scattered around the playing group. The win was a small thing. The journey within this first chapter of the season to get this win was the big thing. Join SpartanMag now ($1 for the first week) and enjoy a complimentary year of The Athletic - included with your membership.