The University of Tennessee accepted a conditional...

The University of Tennessee accepted a conditional invitation to play the Southwest Conference champion in the Mobil Cotton Bowl on Jan. 1, according to published reports.

Four teams--Texas A&M;, Arkansas, Texas and Texas Tech--are still in the running for the conference title and the host role in the game Cotton Bowl at Dallas.

The Houston newspaper reported that according to an understanding reached Monday, the Southwest Conference SWC champion will face Tennessee. Only the remote possibility that unbeaten Alabama won’t wind up in the Sugar Bowl stands in the way of the matchup.