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Army Considering Move to Conference USA

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Times Wire Services

Army is considering joining Conference USA, a move that would end the U.S. Military Academy team’s long-standing status as an independent.

The Cadets, who finished the season 10-2 after a loss to Auburn in the Independence Bowl, are one of nine remaining Division I-A football independents.

College football’s current structure, with more bowl bids and television money going to conference members, almost makes joining a league a necessity, said West Point Superintendent Lt. Gen. Daniel W. Christman, who has the final say on the matter.

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“It has become clear to me that the only practical option available, other than the status quo, would be an affiliation with Conference USA,” Christman wrote in a letter released to former players, alumni and parents.

Christman said he’ll probably decide whether to accept the conference’s invitation to join in a month or two.

“This is not a vote by democracy,” Christman said. “A commander has to make a decision and I am the commander of this military academy.” He said response to his letter has been heavy, with about one in five opposing the move.

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If Army accepts, the football team would play one more season as an independent before joining the conference in 1998, said Col. K.C. Scull, Army deputy director of athletics. The move wouldn’t affect its Patriot League affiliation in other sports.

“There are some potential downsides and there are some upsides,” Scull said.

If Army joins, Notre Dame, Navy, Louisiana Tech, Central Florida, Northeast Louisiana, Southwestern Louisiana, Arkansas State and Northern Illinois would be the only remaining football independents.

Conference USA’s football members are Houston, East Carolina, Cincinnati, Alabama Birmingham, Louisville, Memphis, Southern Mississippi and Tulane.

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