Will University of Albany FCS Football Be Considered In CAA Expansion? - UAlbany Sports

CAA athletic directors to study 14-team puzzle - Colonial Athletic Association athletic directors will convene in Washington next week and discuss the league's coming football expansion. In general, the agenda is this question: Can a 14-team football conference work? The ADs will be together for the NCAA convention.

Old Dominion begins playing CAA football in 2011. Georgia State is scheduled for a 2012 CAA football arrival. The Colonial already has 12 football members, including the University of Richmond, William and Mary and James Madison. Starting Wednesday, CAA directors of athletics and Tom Yeager, the commissioner of the league since its creation in 1985, will explore options.

Yeager yesterday said among those options are 1) one league with a pair of seven-team divisions, and 2) a split into two leagues, based on geography. The CAA also includes Delaware, Villanova, Towson, Hofstra, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Northeastern and Rhode Island.

If the choice is a 14-team league with a pair of seven-team divisions, Yeager believes an eight-game CAA obligation would continue. Yeager hopes a consensus is reached next week, allowing the league to go forward with scheduling for 2011 and beyond. The CAA has a strong interest in reducing travel costs, if possible, while maintaining traditional conference rivalries.

Charlotte announced four months ago that it intends to launch a football program in 2013, if the school can raise sufficient funds. Yeager said he has not heard from Charlotte representatives about any interest they may have in the Colonial.

Courtesy: John O'Connor