1.   Everyone in the office knew that there would be a showdown sooner or later, the way things were going.

2.   The Varsity showdown is almost upon them.

3.   An equally telling showdown will be over the inclusion of a ban on soft money.

4.   Another looming showdown on Capitol Hill is the campaign finance reforms that have stalled in the House, in large measure because of the Republican leadership.

5.   A face-to-face showdown would have been better all around.

6.   A showdown is imminent between those who support affirmative action policies and those who wish to tear them down, says the author of the first such programs.

7.   A U.S.-Cuba gold medal showdown is one of the most anticipated matchups of the Olympics.

8.   But from the sound of things, such a showdown might never be necessary.

9.   But the showdown Saturday was no contest.

10.   Could the likely showdown be a great matchup?