With Over Three Excruciating Months until the Spartans Hit the Gridiron, What is a True College Sports Fan to do?

It has been just over one month since the end of Michigan State's magical run to the title game of the NCAA Tournament. There are over three excruciating months

It has been just over one month since the end of Michigan State's magical run to the title game of the NCAA Tournament. There are over three excruciating months until the Spartans hit the gridiron for the first time this season against Montana State. The period between April and August is a dead time for many college sports fans. But fear not, there is still plenty of sports action to keep you busy.

The NHL and NBA playoffs are in full swing, and are providing some exciting games that any sports fan can appreciate. The NHL Playoffs this season in particular are the best in recent memory. The Red Wings are on a mission to gather another Stanley Cup, but standing in their way are the Anaheim Ducks. The Ducks forced a winner take all game seven by beating the Wings last night. It is easy to notice that the intensity of playoff hockey is much higher than any regular season game, and if you get the Versus network, it is worth watching games each night. Amazingly, three of the four conference semifinal series are going to a game seven, making for must-see TV in the next couple of days.

While the Pistons were easily swept away by LeBron James and the Cavaliers, the NBA Playoffs are also good entertainment. The defending champion Boston Celtics are still in even without their star Kevin Garnett, and Kobe Bryant's Lakers are locked in a tough series with the Houston Rockets. Any sports fan would appreciate an NBA Finals match-up featuring LeBron and Kobe. Witnessing the two best players in the world go head-to-head with the championship on the line would be special to see. Playoff games are seen nightly on ESPN, ABC, and TNT.

Baseball season is starting to hit its stride as well. Now over one month into the season, the weather is getting warmer and the games are getting better. The Tigers are right in the mix for an early spot at the top of the Central Division, and seem to be on track to compete for the division title. Plus, ticket prices at Comerica Park are more than reasonable this season, and there is nothing quite like a warm summer evening at the ballpark.

Of course, once the NHL and NBA Playoffs are finished in July, all that will be left is regular season baseball for about a month and a half. At least the games will start to mean more in the standings at this stage in the season. If the Tigers are still in the race, the wait for college football season will go much quicker. If the Tigers stumble, the month and a half will be tough to bear.

So, for all you die-hard college fans, try professional sports on for size in these next three months. While the pageantry and some of the passion is lost at this level, the games still have the potential to be great. Enjoy the games, and college football season will be here before we know it.