Speaking yesterday to reporters at the Sun Belt Media Day in New Orleans, Commissioner Karl Benson made it clear that he wants the teams in the 11 member Sun Belt Conference to play fewer so called "money games" against Power 5 schools. The term "money game" is used to describe the large payouts Power 5 schools pay for visiting teams from non power leagues. Many schools in the Gang of 5 rely on the extra income( often in the 1 million range) these games provide their athletic budgets.
Benson wants the games to end because he believes the league's teams should concentrate on each other and the Sun Belt as a whole. Benson told reporters that ,"As nice as it is and as great as it is to win a game against one of the 'Big Five' — I don't want to minimize that — but right now, in the system that we have, competition with our peer conferences is so important," Benson said. "Those are the games that we really need to focus on."
While a case can be made that supports Commissioner Benson desire to stop playing "money games" the reality , however, is that many Gang of 5 schools need the income these games provide. It can also be argued that the risk of playing a good Power 5 school and winning outweighs any inconveniences of travel and lack of conference focus. Schools like Southern Miss and ECU for example , have parlayed their victories over power schools into making names for themselves. It can also be argued that Appalachian State's win over Michigan in 2007 not only put the Mountaineers on the College Football map, but that it also most likely helped them to receive an invite from the Sun Belt Conference.
**In other news from the Sun Belt Media Day yesterday:
Commissioner Benson said that expansion of the Sun Belt to 12 teams is still on the table, although any new team would have to add strategic value to the league.
Benson also stated the the SUn Belt continues to investigate the possibility of having a league Championship game for Football.
Stay tuned.
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