1.   Except maybe playing east of the Mississippi.

2.   Except when they played each other.

3.   Except when they play Atlanta, of course.

4.   Except Belfour played outstanding in holding the score down.

5.   He would play except Newbury Park coach Brad Nelson wants him to practice with the team every day.

6.   Still, the Cowboys have a huge advantage Sunday night because they face the Redskins, who have nothing for which to play except pride.

7.   The Pacers have been eliminated from the playoffs and may have nothing much to play for except the satisfaction of making trouble for the Knicks.

8.   The Americans face last-place Japan with little to play for except pride.

9.   They also face Forest and Leeds at home, who have little else to play for except pride after sliding out of contention for UEFA Cup places.