UTC says no

UT-Chattanooga Chancellor Ron Brown has told the Chattanooga Times-Free Press that the school will not leave the Southern Conference for the OVC. The paper reported in July that the OVC had invited UTC to join, and that the school was considering the matter.

The story says there's a press conference on the issue scheduled for later this afternoon.

Brown fuels speculation that the SoCon may turn the conference-raiding tables. "We’re looking for another western travel partner," Brown said. "We would love for Samford to join the Southern Conference, or for ETSU to come back. Of course, I can’t emphasize enough that I haven’t spoken with either school about it."

There's also talk from Brown of scheduling a "long-term athletic relationship" with Tennessee State, and recognition of the existing relationship with Tennessee Tech. Interesting that the current football deal with Jacksonville State isn't mentioned. If UTC isn't interested in continuing the series it would impact my decision on how to handle negotiations on moving next year's game to acommodate a date with Georgia Southern in Atlanta, were I a member of JSU's administration (which I'm not). The Anniston (Ala.) Star has reported that UTC officials aren't warm to the idea of helping JSU out on that one.