1.   And Ciena Corp. is another legitimate contender.

2.   And one that saw their luster as a legitimate Super Bowl contender further tarnished.

3.   As with the AL West, the NL West will have at least one legitimate contender that fails to reach the playoffs.

4.   At some point, he has to fight legitimate contenders, instead of unknown Frenchmen and other assorted phonies.

5.   Both arrived at Pocono Raceway three weeks ago as legitimate contenders for the Winston Cup championship.

6.   A loss would certainly reinforce the view that the Cowboys just benefited from being in a weak division and are not a legitimate contender.

7.   A victory Monday would make them a legitimate contender.

8.   After being an underdog for almost the entire tournament, Mississippi State now is regarded as a legitimate contender.

9.   After missing the playoffs the last two seasons, Thornton believes the Bruins are legitimate contenders for the top spot in the Northeast Division.

10.   But has there been enough improvement across the board to make Texas a legitimate SWC title contender?