Five sporting events to watch over break

For many UW students seeking refuge from the autumn academic quarter, solace is found in the glow of a television screen. Of course, with college football bowl games, college basketball, the NBA, the NFL and the NHL (the Canucks are undefeated), the holiday season presents its usual smorgasbord of sports viewing.

To help the average viewer from wading through TV guides and hundreds of meaningless games, here is a rundown of the top five, must-see sporting events for UW students over the holiday season:

1. Washington vs. N.C. State, men's basketball, Dec. 19

Last year in Raleigh, N.C., the North Carolina State outpaced Washington 77-72. This year, it's the Huskies turn to host the Wolfpack. Both teams will likely be ranked in the top 15 when they face off at Hec Edmundson Pavilion on Dec. 19 at 5 p.m. If you don't have tickets for this tilt, make sure you are tuned in to Fox Sports Net so you don't miss out on what may be Washington's biggest game of the year.

1. USC vs. Oklahoma, college football, Jan. 4

So, technically speaking, classes will already be back in session when the Trojans and Sooners meet for the national championship, but, honestly, does anyone actually go to the first three days of class? The Orange Bowl is a can't-miss match that puts four Heisman Trophy finalists onto the same football field. USC was snubbed from the 2004 National Championship game, while Cal was shut out from this season's Rose Bowl. This is a chance for the Pac-10 to prove its worth in the collegiate football scene.

1. Kansas vs. Georgia Tech, men's basketball, Jan. 1

Jan. 1 is usually a day with strict football-only programming. This year, however, thanks to the BCS-botched bowl setup, viewers won't feel bad when they change the channel to see Georgia Tech take on Kansas in men's hoops. Currently ranked second and third in the nation respectively, the Jayhawks and the Yellow Jackets are favored to win their conferences. This New Year's Day showdown, televised on ESPN at 11:30 a.m., may be a Final Four preview.

1. Seattle vs. Phoenix, NBA, Dec. 17

The Sonics have dismantled every 2004 Western Conference playoff team in the team's astonishing early-season run. On Dec. 17, Seattle will take aim at Phoenix, another surprise squad making a splash in the Pacific division. This contest will likely determine conference supremacy. The game, slated for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off, will be televised on ESPN.

1. St. Louis vs. Philadelphia, NFL, Dec. 27

Can the Seahawks possibly make the playoffs? Sadly, thanks to the mediocrity of the NFC West, Seattle can actually squeeze into the postseason. This post-Christmas Rams-Eagles Monday night contest may have large playoff implications for the Seahawks as Seattle jostles with St. Louis atop of their division. Besides, a holiday season just wouldn't be complete without a serving of intriguing John Madden analysis.