31.   But in the four seasons since the SEC went to a division format, Tennessee has not even been able to reach the conference championship game.

32.   But in the conference games, the Cardinal will have to continue to prove they still belong among the best teams.

33.   But it also took a little help from a faltering University of Washington, which lost two conference games.

34.   But now both expansion teams have reached their respective conference championship games after competing for only two seasons on the field.

35.   But the price usually does reflect the outcome of the two conference championship games.

36.   By defeating Cal, which had won six straight conference games, the Trojans have made a case for being the hottest team in the conference.

37.   Complicating the decision is the absence of an off weekend between the conference championship games and the Super Bowl.

38.   CSUN plays its first home conference game Saturday against Idaho State.

39.   Crucial conference game.

40.   CSUN probably could lose one more conference game and still win the regular season and host the Big Sky Conference Tournament.