We haven’t had a realignment update in quite some time, perhaps since there hasn’t been anything to update you on. Most realignment news and moves generally happen during the Spring and Summer, but an Idaho Vandal blog, VandalNation, was able to score an interview with Sun Belt commissioner Karl Benson. They provide these updates:
Benson said the Sun Belt’s goal is to get to 12 football playing members, and that the 12th member will likely be all sports in east region
— Vandal Nation (@VandalNation) October 24, 2013
Karl Benson name-dropped Jacksonville State, Liberty and Alabama State as schools who’ve expressed interest in FBS, but he said of JMU… — Vandal Nation (@VandalNation) October 24, 2013
On JMU: “If they do, the question is what conference will they align with. We certainly would be interested to have that conversation.” — Vandal Nation (@VandalNation) October 24, 2013
Benson really worded it as if they will hold off on adding anybody until they hear from James Madison.
— Vandal Nation (@VandalNation) October 24, 2013
On what he is looking for in the next Sun Belt addition: “In this case, it’s geography.”
— Vandal Nation (@VandalNation) October 24, 2013
Everything here lines up with what we have thought before – (1) the Sun Belt will eventually add a 12th member, (2) that member will be an east coast team, (3) JMU is at the top of the SBC’s wish list, (4) the SBC will wait on JMU to give them a firm answer, (5) if JMU declines Liberty is among a short group that will be considered.
Does JMU want the Sun Belt? From the sound of it no, they’re holding out for the MAC or Conference-USA, but they could get desperate.
Just how far up Benson and the Sun Belt’s wish list Liberty is still remains a bit of mystery. Some have said #2, others have said Liberty will not get an invite.
