The news broke last night that LU AD Jeff Barber has been in discussions with the Sun Belt, and that Liberty is a candidate for membership. Now, this may not come as news to many of us, but it is the first public acknowledgement from Liberty regarding possible membership. Flames Nation sources confirmed Barber’s comments, and this morning we got further confirmation from the Sun Belt Commissioner himself. While not giving up much of anything, Benson told Flames Nation “Yes, I have had discussions with Mr. Barber..”.
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| Sun Belt Commissioner Karl Benson Has Confirmed Discussions with Jeff Barber |
So while there is no fire yet, there is more smoke. We have also heard from multiple sources that the other front runner for the 12th Sun Belt spot, James Madison University has possibly turned the Sun Belt down. Nothing is set in stone, but the combination of tips coming in is certainly leading down the path of a possible invitation to the Sun Belt for Liberty. Stay connected with Flames Nation through Twitter, and of course LibertyFlamesNation.com for the latest as we follow this developing situation.
Any speculation on why JMU is supposedly NOT interested in joining the Sun Belt?
They were pretty content where they are until Mason decided to bolt CAA, I think now they just feel like it is too soon since they aren’t getting a report (much like the one Liberty did) until the fall. They are a little more picky than LU as well. They are fbs ready, and will probably get more opportunities. Maybe they want MAC or even CUSA.
I don’t like how Liberty University is allowing themselves to be treated by the Sun Belt. It’s clear that Liberty is the last option for the Sun Belt, they want anyone except Liberty. If no other school wants to join the Sun Belt then the may ask Liberty.
The Sun Belt is the toilet conference among FBS schools, and if Liberty does get in I hope they go independent as soon as possible.