Meetings of conference, network and bowl officials this
weekend "could produce a plan to tie the Rose Bowl into college
football's bowl alliance and ensure an annual No. 1 vs. No. 2
matchup for the national championship," according to Steve
Wieberg of USA TODAY.  Officials seem to be leaning toward the
plan, but "less certain is the position of ABC." ABC Sports
President Dennis Swanson represents the network on Sunday (USA
TODAY, 2/16).  Reps from the Alliance recently met in Dallas and
agreed on tentative dates and times for next year's games.  The
"most controversial" will be the change of the Orange Bowl from
January 1 or 2 to December 30 (Mark Blaudschun, SPORTING NEWS,
2/19 issue).
     NO TIME LIKE OVERTIME:  The NCAA Football Rules Committee
announced that, starting this fall, there will be no more ties in
NCAA football games, as any game tied at the end of regulation
will be decided by a new overtime system with alternate
possessions at the 25 yard-line (NCAA).
     WOMEN'S HOOPS:  The growth of women's basketball is profiled
by the WALL STREET JOURNAL.  Despite gains, the "sport still has
a long way to go" with ratings, merchandise sales, and equal
treatment.  Stefan Fatsis:  "The question on many minds is
whether the women's game will succumb to excess and temptation"
(WALL STREET JOURNAL, 2/16).