The Mid-American Conference could be adding a 14th football member, at least temporarily.
The Orlando Sentinel reported Tuesday that the University of Central Florida has been extended a provisional invitation from MAC presidents to join the league as a football member.
"We have had discussions with them about that," UCF athletic director Steve Sloan told the newspaper. "But right now it's awful sensitive. I really can't comment beyond that."
UCF sources told the Sentinel that the MAC's caveat to the school is that the Knights can come aboard only if Marshall spurns overtures from Conference USA and stays put.
By keeping Marshall and adding UCF, the MAC would swell to 14 members and be able to balance its two divisions.
MAC presidents have asked Marshall, which joined the league in 1997, to sort out its long-term athletic goals in time to allow UCF's new board of trustees a chance accept the league's invitation by Aug. 28.
The Sentinel said if the Thundering Herd, the MAC's four-time defending football champions, jump to Conference USA, then UCF's search for a conference would have to resume. Without Marshall, the MAC would have 12 football members and stay that way.
Reportedly, there are rumblings in C-USA that Marshall is leaning toward leaving the MAC.
Last week, Conference USA presidents voted to consider expansion. A new TV contract will reward the league for growing to 12 teams.
Under NCAA rules C-USA can stage a conference championship game. The league's new pact with ABC and ESPN reportedly includes a $1 million payday for such a title game.
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