(03-31-2013 11:54 AM)MercerFan Wrote: I guess it depends how many non-D1 teams they can add and still maintain an auto-bid. Haven't they've had a waiver many times in the past? If possible, the idea of FL/GA schools makes sense. Make the conference geographically sensible.
After Gardner-Webb left, the A Sun needed a one year waiver until Kennesaw St and North Florida were fully transitioned.
Under new rules, the A Sun can't drop to five DI members as it won't get a waiver. Northern Kentucky doesn't count either for three more years.
FGCU - maybe getting interest now?
Stetson -
North Florida - may have other options if football is planned
Jacksonville - SoCon interest?
Mercer - definite SoCon interest
USC-Upstate - Big South interest?
ETSU - needs a football slot
Kennesaw St - needs a football slot
Lipscomb - no obvious suitors
N Kentucky - still in transition
Losing four schools within the next two years could be diastrous for the ASun. There isn't enough time to new DII schools to help if four schools leave. The ASun should always keep at least 12 schools in inventory, just for the safety of it.
Ironically, the ASun is probably in the best shape financially ever. FGCU's wins have earned the ASun almost $4 million extra over the next six years.