1.   Almost half got an invitation by winning their conference regular season or conference tournament title.

2.   Almost forgotten is the fact that UCLA can clinch a tie for the conference title Saturday, and face a postseason no less rewarding than the Rose Bowl.

3.   And he is ever so close to leading his team to a conference title.

4.   At Rutgers, Mason could get a bowl berth every season and contend for the conference title.

5.   At stake is not only the conference title but a record good enough to earn a precious playoff berth.

6.   Back when Texas Christian University was winning conference titles and bowl games, it produced a lot of players who were good students and became good, productive citizens.

7.   Based on last season and the number of returning players, Stanford was expected to contend for the conference title this year.

8.   Besides, the Waves are playing for more then the regular-season conference title.

9.   Before the season, the Matadors were believed to be in the running for a conference title and a possible NCAA berth.

10.   Both teams started slowly, and recovered only after making significant changes which make them appear capable of challenging for the conference title.