It's being reported that Liberty has received an NCAA waiver to move to FBS as an independent.
(02-16-2017 04:15 PM)CitrusUCF Wrote: [ -> ]It's being reported that Liberty has received an NCAA waiver to move to FBS as an independent.
I'll believe it when I see it.
Makes the Idaho drop down hurt that much more
So Liberty beats JMU to FBS.
New Mexico State, UMass, and Liberty need to form the new football-only Great West
Well apparently Idaho's move down decision was tabled until April? Maybe there's a glimmer of hope left.
What the...is this just a plan or is CUSA offering and invite?
Congrats to Liberty. Should help NMSU and UMass. Idaho....fire your people and rescind your FCS move.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk
Announcement on Liberty's website
http://www.liberty.edu/flames/index.cfm?...50&TeamID=
Quote:Liberty University received notification today that the NCAA has approved its request to enter into the Football Bowl Subdivision reclassification process.
Liberty University submitted the waiver with the NCAA in January, requesting relief to enter into the two-year FBS reclassification process without an invitation to join a FBS conference.
The NCAA academic and membership affairs staff approved the request after seeking feedback from the NCAA Division I Strategic Vision and Planning Committee, the NCAA Division I Football Oversight Committee and the NCAA office of legal affairs.
The NCAA waiver approval was based upon Liberty providing substantial information demonstrating its readiness to begin the reclassification process, Liberty's ability to follow current FBS institutions who have demonstrated viability without a conference affiliation and the university's ability to satisfy FBS requirements.
Starting with the 2017-18 academic year, Liberty's football program will begin the two-year FBS reclassification process.
Liberty will compete as a FBS independent during the 2018 season, which includes having three FBS home games. The football program will be bowl eligible starting with the 2019 season and will be required to play at least five home FBS opponents.
Darn. Guess the NCAA wussed out on the legal front. Liberty wanted this bad, and the Sun Belt wouldn't have them.
Hope they have middling success in football, at best. But doubt that will be the case.
Their program will be well funded, with truckloads of cash by fraudulent profiteers, claiming to be Christians.
Crushing blow to the Big South. Especially to their football lineup.
What FBS conference would ever want Liberty? Mostly because Ian McCaw is a piece of garbage, among other reasons.
How on earth can Liberty sustain independence?
What the hell are they thinking?
Liberty, like BYU or Notre Dame, has a following -- given the university's religious base. Should help in promoting fan support. As a UConn fan, I know it's a hard time for many colleges trying to upgrade their football programs -- but I wish them all the best. They might surprise everyone -- as the program matures.
(02-16-2017 04:31 PM)DogPoundNorth Wrote: [ -> ]What FBS conference would ever want Liberty? Mostly because Ian McCaw is a piece of garbage, among other reasons.
How on earth can Liberty sustain independence?
What the hell are they thinking?
Their diploma mill operations produces truck loads of cash. As a private school, they can funnel tuition dollars however they please.
This news is great for New Mexico State. Should give them 3 guarenteed games a year, and soon 4 if UMass will schedule them too
I'm guessing Liberty will remain in the Big South. Just indy in football.
Big South (FCS) football still has Charleston Southern. That team has been really good the last couple years. And I suppose they'll continue that until their coach is poached by a larger fish.
(02-16-2017 04:33 PM)JMU2004 Wrote: [ -> ]Their diploma mill operations produces truck loads of cash. As a private school, they can funnel tuition dollars however they please.
If its students get federal tuition assistance, then Liberty has to adhere to Title IX federal regulations in all aspects, including athletics.
So at least there's that.