MEAC expansion could bring 2 divisions, football title game

NORFOLK, VA - Fourteen schools. Two divisions. One conference. That's the direction the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference has set for itself in announcing last week that the league has lifted a moratorium on expansion. The MEAC, which includes Norfolk State and Hampton, could soon be adding North Carolina Central and Savannah State. Both institutions have submitted applications to join the league, currently comprised of 11 schools, nine of which play football. Winston-Salem State, which also plays football, is working toward inclusion in the MEAC in 2011.

The larger league would likely break down into two divisions. "That would allow us to at least have the flexibility for divisional play," conference commissioner Dennis Thomas said. "Divisional play will give us the flexibility to save on travel costs and missed class time for our athletes. Those are among the reasons to do this." The creation of two divisions also would seemingly invite the possibility of a championship football game - an event that could come at a price: the I-AA playoffs.

That portion of the expansion idea isn't popular with Norfolk State football coach Pete Adrian. He said the overwhelming majority of recruits are looking for the chance to play in a national playoff. "The I-AA playoffs have a lot more exposure," he said. "I don't think going to a championship game will pay off." Hampton athletic director Lonza Hardy, meanwhile, welcomes expansion and is open to exploring both postseason options.

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