It’s nearly impossible to keep up with all the news & rumors swirling around regarding conference realignment, but here are the main developments since our last update:
Western Kentucky made official what we all knew was coming as they joined Conference USA leaving an opening in the Sun Belt. Who will replace WKU?
With WKU to C-USA, James Madison & Liberty leading Sun Belt candidates source told @espn
— Brett McMurphy (@McMurphyESPN) March 30, 2013
This was the first public “endorsement” of Liberty being a potential candidate to move to a FBS conference since the Flames announced they were FBS ready a year ago. Most believe JMU is the Sun Belt’s #1 choice, and the inclusion of Liberty, who is ready to make the jump at a moment’s notice, is just a ploy to force JMU to make the move. But is JMU really interested in moving to the Sun Belt?
JMU more attractive but prob not interested. RT“@mcmurphyespn: With WKU to C-USA, JMU/Liberty leading Sun Belt candidates source told @espn”
— Mark Selig (@MarkRSelig) March 30, 2013
With WKU to CUSA, there are more rumors tying to JMU to the Sun Belt. Still don’t think it’s a move JMU will make.
— Matthew Stoss (@MatthewStoss) March 30, 2013
So, what’s the timeline we’re looking at before the Sun Belt replaces WKU?
Don’t look for the #SunBelt to add a new member this week. Could be as long as 30-days before an official announcement is made.
— Brent Thibodeaux (@BrentThibodeaux) April 1, 2013
If #JMU declines or another school leaves the conference, #SunBelt will target #Liberty first with #JaxState being the fallback option.
— Brent Thibodeaux (@BrentThibodeaux) April 1, 2013
From what we’re hearing, JMU has nearly ZERO interest in the Sun Belt and doesn’t plan to make any decisions until report is done in Sept.
— Mark Selig (@MarkRSelig) April 1, 2013
About the Sun Belt: Liberty apparently lobbying to get in. And to reiterate what @markrselig tweeted, JMU’s not interested.
— Matthew Stoss (@MatthewStoss) April 1, 2013
What are the next moves we are waiting on:
- Will JMU accept the looming Sun Belt invitation? If so, when will it come?
- If JMU declines, will Liberty then be offered by the Sun Belt?
- Will there be any more Sun Belt defections?
Stay tuned to LibertyFlamesNation.com and follow us on twitter @Flames_Nation to stay up to date as Liberty seeks an FBS home.
