Quick Hit: Appalachian State Continuing FBS Study

The deadline Appalachian State athletics set for a recommendation decision on its FBS feasibility study came with the announcement there is no announcement. The Mountaineers remain in the Championship Subdivision, at least for now. While a recommendation is not currently being made to athletic director Charlie Cobb, ASU remains in the research phase of its study, launched in September. This is a different situation from when Montana had been rumored for WAC membership last autumn, and UM athletic director Jim O’Day told me in November, point blank, a move wasn’t happening in the immediate future. ASU’s study remains open, as opposed to UM, which O’Day said would “revisit” the idea of FBS membership at an unspecified time.

The university athletic department cited in its press release further investigation into student fees that a move would impose, as well as the ongoing FBS conference realignment. Several critical factors in the FBS landscape remain unresolved, namely potential Big East and from where it goes to add members. UCF is a name often tied to Big East expansion, which would leave a spot open in Conference USA. Louisiana Tech continues to circle in expansion talks as the WAC implodes, while ASU and as of last month Jacksonville State have feasability studies open. Both are in C-USA’s present geographic sphere of influence, but any C-USA – ASU/JSU talk is purely speculative at this juncture.

The WAC clings to life support yet remains another major plank in any potential shake-ups. It has been linked to the as-yet-to-begin-play Texas-San Antonio, Lamar, and Sam Houston State. The latter two won’t be joining until after 2012, if at all.