SADLY, DAVE WANNSTEDT IS UNLIKELY TO BE BOWLING IN TORONTO

Just saw that one-half of the dance card for the International Bowl — the NCAA bowl game to be played at on Saturday, Jan. 6 — has been filled. The Western Michigan Broncos are going to be the Mid-American Conference's rep.

Western Michigan is sixth in the whole NCAA in run defence, which ought to convince the trendies in Yorkville to give up their Saturday shopping and come down to the Rogers Centre that day. 'Cause you know, nothing's as sexy as good run defence.

So who's coming from the Big East, which has six bowl agreements and six "bowl eligible" teams? Unfortunately for any GTA-based Chicago Bears or Miami Dolphins fans with an itching to boo and taunt former coach Dave Wannstedt in person, it may not be the Pittsburgh Panthers, even though their fearless leader guided them to a 6-6 record. (Believe it or not, a .500 record can get you to a bowl game in the NCAA. Those Americans: Always rewarding excellence.)

The Big East's champ goes to the Orange Bowl, its next best team goes to either the Gator Bowl or Sun Bowl. Next in line is, wait for it, the Meineke Car Care Bowl in Charlotte, N.C. Toronto falls somewhere farther down, although some quick Googling doesn't reveal how far down.

It looks like anyone who cares enough to check this out will see Western Michigan take on the Big East's fourth- or fifth-best team, South Florida (8-4) or Cincinnati (7-5).

To reprise an old joke, to be a fly on the wall if and when South Florida's players are told their holiday destination will be — take it away, Trooper — "cold, cold Toronto."

Personally, though, we're rooting for Pitt to get the invite, just so Bears and Dolphins fans can boo Wannstedt.

As for the game, one humble suggestion: Have current TSN hockey analyst Glenn Healy, a WMU alum (how is it I know that?), can play the national anthems on his bagpipes. Help the Americans learn about the real Canadian culture, don't you know.

By the way, two Canadians are on Western Michigan's roster — Caleb Clark, a freshman QB from Calgary (one pass attempt this season) and Fernand Kashama, a tight end from Toronto.