I know that D1AA Western Kentucky (Sun Belt member in all other sports) is the Sun Belt's first option for the 9th member into SBC football. My question is, if WKU decides to move to the MAC or elsewhere, who would be some other options for the Sun Belt to look at when considering a 9th member?

(shudder)

I think the Sunbelt would jump at the chance to pick up Geogia Southern or APP State if they were willing to make the move.

Springfield News-Leader add an article about the Sun Belt Conference.
http://springfield.news-leader.com/specialreports/sms_100years/20050318-Onepivotalphone.html

Here is that section.

But what about conference affiliation?

Rowe's immediate hope is to see the day when The Valley adds football under its league umbrella.

And he says a move to I-A football at some point is not totally far-fetched. He said officials with the Sun Belt Conference have made mild inquiries to SMS about someday becoming a member.

"But right now, we can't fill a 16,300-seat stadium, and we know what you've got to draw (to meet I-A attendance requirements)."

Of a potential move to I-A football, Rowe says, "I'm talking that is a long, long range goal, and not anything immediate at all."

"It is costly, but there are a lot of good things that can come from it," Rowe added. "The Bowl Championship Series member schools operate their budgets totally different than the rest of us."

Actually, LA Tech should be the 9th Sun Belt playing school. Western Kentucky wants in the Missouri Valley.

Western Kentucky is voting to join the ranks of Division 1-A on November 2nd.

You can book WKU as the SBC's #9.