The Mountain West will enter into discussions with Hawaii about possible membership for its football program, the conference announced late Thursday. MWC commissioner Craig Thompson was authorized to open talks after a teleconference of the MWC board of directors.
There is, at least for now, no direct tie-in to the Internet rumor explosion that TCU is headed to the Big East. TCU officials have stated they would not make a move only in football.
Hawaii could enter the MWC for the 2012-13 academic year at the earliest, joining fellow all-sports WAC members Nevada and Fresno State. Boise State crosses over next fall.
If Hawaii joins and TCU stays, the MWC will be an 11-school conference starting in 2012. A 12-team league is required for a conference playoff.
The MWC’s mission has been based on gaining automatic qualifying BCS status. As a fringe top-25 regular, the Rainbow Warriors could help. Hawaii also would bring a bowl game, a late-night television audience and a recruiting pitch for other MWC schools.
