Staben said the university will pitch its case to remain in the Sun Belt Conference with a video presentation to league presidents in February. The presidents are scheduled to vote March 10 on future membership.
Idaho joined the southern-based conference before the 2014 season on a four-year agreement, up for extension after two years.
Idaho has been considering its options, Staben said, whether it can remain in the Football Bowl Subdivision or return to the Football Championship Subdivision ranks in the Big Sky Conference.
“We certainly don’t have a guarantee of renewal,” Staben said. “We’ve had some pretty tough years in Idaho football. We had a better year this year. The Sun Belt wants to have members that can contribute to the prominence of the conference.”
The Sun Belt, and FBS status, provide better revenue for the school, Staben said, but the Big Sky, where Idaho played from 1965-95, would be a much better regional fit.
“Some of our natural rivals are in the Big Sky. ... There’s some interesting things about that, but that change is a challenge,” Staben said.
http://www.idahostatesman.com/sports/college/university-of-idaho/article53627180.html
Idaho joined the southern-based conference before the 2014 season on a four-year agreement, up for extension after two years.
Idaho has been considering its options, Staben said, whether it can remain in the Football Bowl Subdivision or return to the Football Championship Subdivision ranks in the Big Sky Conference.
“We certainly don’t have a guarantee of renewal,” Staben said. “We’ve had some pretty tough years in Idaho football. We had a better year this year. The Sun Belt wants to have members that can contribute to the prominence of the conference.”
The Sun Belt, and FBS status, provide better revenue for the school, Staben said, but the Big Sky, where Idaho played from 1965-95, would be a much better regional fit.
“Some of our natural rivals are in the Big Sky. ... There’s some interesting things about that, but that change is a challenge,” Staben said.
http://www.idahostatesman.com/sports/college/university-of-idaho/article53627180.html
