Must stay awake TV

By Jonathan Lowe Sports Central Columnist

If you are a sports fan or writer, now would apparently be a good time to burrow into your cave or favorite hollow tree. Hibernation is always the logical choice when February comes around. With no sign of baseball or football, and pro basketball and hockey in the dregs of midseason, people would rather catch up on their new John Grisham novel than stay too involved in the sports scene.

But this sports fan knows that there are ways to enjoy the month of Cupid and President's Day. The conference portion of the college basketball season is underway, and that means scrappier opponents, more upsets, and unbelievable battles of wills. However, with so many games to shuffle through, how does anyone know what to turn to?

No need to panic or yawn. Here are some of the intense contests that you, the viewer, should check out during those fun-filled 29 (yes, it is a leap year) days.

Mississippi State @ South Carolina (Feb. 11)

At the beginning of last month, the Bulldogs were one of the biggest surprises in the country. Now, they may not even be the biggest surprise in their own conference. The Gamecocks flew to the top of the Eastern Division on defense. They have the best scoring defense, scoring margin, and turnover margin in the SEC. But this game will be coming just after a trip to Lexington, so can USC take advantage of that home-cookin'?

Dayton @ Saint Joseph's (Feb. 11)

That same night, Atlantic-10 division rights are up for grabs as the two frontrunners meet in Philadelphia. If all goes well, Jameer Nelson and the Hawks would still be undefeated and looking to almost lock up the East. The Flyers, though, have other plans. UD could sport a 9-0 conference record going in. Plus, they are in the tougher dogfight for divisional supremacy, which, I believe, is an advantage.

Louisville @ Cincinnati (Feb. 21)

Hopefully, all the coaches involved will be healthy and rearin' to go for the top-10 rematch. No way that Cincinnati can lose this game. Not playing at the Shoemaker Center in front of thousands of rabid fans. Not after losing by 27 points only one month before. Not when the Cardinals' only big road test will have come at Kentucky. Right? Just remember, Rick Pitino teams always play up on the road. Oh yeah, and that Kentucky game ... a win for the red and white.

Duke @ North Carolina (Feb. 5)

But none of these compare to the rivalry in college basketball. With both teams playing well this season, a new wrinkle has been brought back to spice up the livelihood. Roy Williams is fortunate that he will be re-acquainted with the Blue Devils at Chapel Hill. However, Mike Krzyzewski won't dole out pleasantries to any coach, especially wearing powder blue. Expect this matchup to be nothing short of fulfilling.

Now for some, this plate of games is only an appetizer for what will come in March. Really, as much as people are "treated" to the Madness, February is that three-course meal which leaves us a little room for dessert.

Article courtesy of Sports Central.