"We're in a tough conference with teams who like to get in your face."

Today, the MAC can argue that it is this season's toughest conference.

It's harder to get that other format in place because we play in the toughest conference in the country.

I am sure there is talent and we will try to be competitive in a very tough conference.

"He has had to play big games in a tough conference," Riley said.

The S.E.C. sent 6 of its 12 teams to the tournament and could be the toughest conference in the country.

What about Auburn, a team that went undefeated in one of the nation's toughest conferences and yet has no shot to play for the title?

"I think we have a very tough conference," he said, "and that will play out by the end of November."

Answer: this is the nation's toughest conference, and it is hard to go undefeated.

Their final Big East regular season record was 14-2 in what some called the toughest conference ever.