Jim Tressel

       Of course, the big story is that Jim Tressel has resigned.  Coverage of the story is intense so I won't add much to that story except to reflect on how it might affect MSU.  Most importantly, there is the potential that Ohio State may try to hire Mark Dantonio.  Dantonio is a high quality candidate with connections to OSU, so it is more than reasonable to fear that Dantonio could bolt for OSU.  On the other hand, Dantonio suffered a heart attack last year.  Heart problems will likely shorten the length of his career, in fact, I would not be surprised to see Dantonio coach for only another 5 years, or so.  That kind of time constraint may deter OSU from pursuing him and it might discourage Dantonio from starting over in Columbus.  It's the kind of time frame that would still allow him to establish something special at MSU but perhaps not at OSU.  Ultimately, I believe the probabilities of Dantonio leaving are low, but that doesn't mean they don't exist. 
      Tressel's departure may also improve MSU's recruiting.  The extent to which MSU recruiting will benefit depends upon the punishments imposed by the NCAA.  If the punishments are severe enough that many future recruits are not willing to attend OSU, then it means more quality players in the pool (particularly the Midwestern pool) of players that MSU competes for.  I wouldn't expect that such an outcome would allow MSU to get commitments from half a dozen would-be OSU recruits.  It would likely mean that MSU picks up one or two recruits it might otherwise not pick up.  Would this result make a significant difference on the field?  It could.