Karl Benson Interview Outlines Two SBC Divisions In Future
Karl Benson was interviewed during halftime of the South Alabama vs Troy first round match-up at the Sun Belt Conference Tournament in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
He indicated that the Sun Belt may move up the date he begins to take over to March 15 rather than April 1.
When Benson was asked what prompted the move from the WAC to the Sun Belt, he said that it took strong decision making and analysis before making his final decision. But he though the Sun Belt was more stable than the WAC. Also, after 18 years as commissioner of the WAC and his age, he asked himself where he would want to end his career. The Sun Belt was the best opportunity.
Benson’s goal is to hit at least 12 teams for a conference championship, but also for greater scheduling alliances. He said the Sun Belt needs to get to two divisions so they can reduce some travel, not only in football, but also in the other sports. They want to maintain current membership and grow new members.
When asked about membership changes as a couple teams have been mentioned as possible invitees to the new conference being formed by the merger of Conference-USA and the Mountain West Conference. Benson said that they will have to accept membership changes if they come. The Sun Belt is very stable and they have several schools lined up on their list in case any team leaves.
When asked about possible BCS changes, since he was part of the BCS meetings, he said he thinks that the BCS will eventually go to a four team playoff. He does not know if it will be part of the bowls or seperate from it.
Finally he was asked if he anticipated a merger of the Sun Belt with any other conference, Benson said he does not anticipate that.
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5 Responses to “Karl Benson Interview Outlines Two SBC Divisions In Future”
divert UT San Antonio and Texas State move from the WAC to the SBC
It’s pretty well known that Louisana Tech has been outspoken about wanting to rejoin the Sun Belt. I would agree on UT-SA but I have not looked into what Texas State would bring to the conference.
Texas State would give the Sun Belt a second Texas team when North Texas leave for the CUSA-MWC Alliance. While at it, take UT Arlington (Dallas market) for the Dallas market and convince Denver to stay. The WAC is dying and most of their teams will leave for the Alliance imo, including Louisiana Tech.
The SBC is also at risk for losing both Florida Team. I know there has been talk of Charlotte but SBC should also look at and cultivate Georgia State. Another reasonable media market presence (Atlanta).
Any Texas team is good. UT-San Antonio, UT-Arlington, Texas State or Lamar (who is aggressively looking to move up).
Charlotte would be a good addition in basketball but we will have to wait and see how they approach it since their first season is 2013. But starting in 2013 would mean that their football team wouldn’t play a SBC game until 2017.
Georgia State or Appalachian State would be able to move up quicker. But App. State is not in the most desirable location. Kind of like a Troy up in North Carolina.
Worse case scenario: UNT, FAU, and FIU all leave
USA already in
UTSA & Texas State would still leave SBC at 9 teams
3 more are needed for conference championship