In the FCS Huddle: 2012 MEAC Preview

Philadelphia, PA – In the past, MEAC football has been overlooked. The conference has always had some of the best bands, game-day atmospheres and rivalries (particularly with the SWAC), but not the national attention.

Usually, in FCS football, conferences achieve that through national championships, playoff appearances and quality competition. But, it doesn't happen overnight, it takes time.

Few have noticed the changes the MEAC has made in the last couple of years in order to take the next step forward. Teams are scheduling tougher out-of- conference opponents as well as adding FBS games, which the conference had never been accustomed to on a regular basis. The talent of athletes has increased and multiple teams can now fight for the title because there isn't just one premiere program.

"Dr. (Dennis) Thomas (the MEAC commissioner) had a firm direction for us about 10 years ago, he wanted us to become more competitive," Florida A&M coach Joe Taylor said. "Since 1996, MEAC football has evolved and become a lot more competitive. The trend in FCS football is playing FBS games and we do it now, too. We can use that as a recruiting tool and as revenue games. Now with the economy, it's a pretty good purse of money not just for MEAC teams, but for other teams as well."



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