Bromance or freakish fanatacism, I've got a fever for Central Michigan QB Dan LeFevour! Tonight's GMAC Bowl between the Central Michigan Chippewas (11-2) and Troy Trojans (9-3) will be Dan the Man's final college football game. Some may find small school college football laughable, but LeFevour demands witness as a Chippewa one last time. In his college career he has thrown for over 12,000 yards and rushed for 2,500 -- both firsts for a Division I player. Effeminate voice and all, I love Florida's Tim Tebow too. However, LeFevour has actually thrown more touchdowns (148) than Tebow (141).

Bromance aside, I can't understand why the line on this game continues to lean in Troy's favor. The Trojans do not defend the pass well, and now Troy is missing senior defensive back Courtland Fuller. Conversely, Central Michigan played solid defense in the MAC, only allowing 17.2 points per game. The only similar opponent each team faced was Bowling Green. Troy lost as a visitor 31-14, but the Chippewas prevailed on the road 24-10.

Ultimately, I feel that LeFevour and a frenzied Chippewa squad will cover the spread with ease.

Central Michigan -2

Now friends and foes, it's time to turn to the college hardwood. My straight up play of the day does not tip off until 8:00 p.m. central standard time. You may not be familiar with the Northern Illinois Panthers, but I like their chances on the road tonight versus a weaker Southern Illinois team. UNI (12-1) has won ten straight games, largely due to a defense that holds opponents to 53.8 points per game. Conversely, while Southern Illinois averages 70 points per game, they allow 67 points. The Panthers have won the last three meetings with the Salukis, and are a respectable 4-2 against the spread as an away team.

Northern Illinois ML...which was not posted yet at my sportsbook.

And now the college basketball teaser of the day!

5 Team 5-Point Teaser
Wisconsin +10.5
Temple -9
VCU +4
Richmond +3
Indiana +18

The Badgers visit the Spartans tonight having won six straight games. Michigan State is a scoring juggernaut (82.8), but Wisconsin is holding opponents to a stellar 46.4 points per game. In addition, the Spartans are a paltry 2-5 against the spread at home.

The #25 Temple Owls (11-3) welcome the St. Joseph's Hawks (4-8) tonight. The line opened at -14, but most books have raised the number to -14.5. Temple holds the rebounding edge and plays solid defense (62.6 points per game). The Hawks defense appears to resemble a bunch of bullfighters (Ole!), for while they score an average of 75.4 points per game, they allow 84.4 per contest.

The 9-3 Virginia Commonwealth Rams butt heads with the 7-8 Drexel Dragons this evening as visitors. The road team is 10-1-1 against the spread the last 12 meetings. The Rams hold the statistical edge in scoring, rebounding, and defense. One of only three losses was on the road by one point to a very tough William and Mary (10-3) team.

Any team called the Spiders instantly earns my love. Plus, the 11-4 Richmond Spiders play basketball with real bite. Tonight they visit the 9-5 Duquesne Dukes, a team they have beaten in ten straight meetings. Richmond defeated then #13 Florida Gators 56-53 on December 19. The Spiders are a touch stronger on defense (60.8 points per game), and also shoot threes better (34% to 23%). This game should be close, but I expect the web slingers from Richmond to prevail. And while Richmond does not bring live tarantulas on their road travels, former Richmond player Jeff Butler has arranged a bus trip for fanatical Spider fans. Butler is quoted as saying, "We're going to 'white-out' the place...They'll be Richmond Spider T-shirts for everybody."

Finally, the 7-6 Indiana Hoosiers face the 10-4 Ohio State Buckeyes tonight. Although the line began at -12 and now sits at -13 at most books, if teased the Hoosiers should cover the spread. The Buckeyes do play stifling defense, only allowing opponents 57.8 points per game. However, Indiana has the advantage in scoring (76 to 63) and rebounding (34 to 27). Ohio State should bounce back from two road losses (Michigan and Wisconsin), but they won't beat Indiana by 19 or more points.

College Try Record and Rant
With this column I am 0-1 on the year. The Irish let me down last night...by a single freaking point! I guess that's what I get for making fun of Charlie Weiss.

Good luck tonight, ladies and degenerates. May all your wagers be winners!