Sports

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (AP) — The president of East Tennessee State University says the school might begin a football program.The Johnson City Press (http://bit.ly/UHZdBL ) reported university President Brian Noland said intercollegiate football was among recommendations of committees who looked at the school's future.

Others to be considered are opening a dental school and building a performing arts center.

Noland said as the recommendations are discussed, ETSU will gauge community support as well as campus reaction.

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (AP) — Athletic director Chris Massaro says Middle Tennessee was forced to announce that the Blue Raiders were leaving the Sun Belt Conference sooner than the university wanted to make the news public because the league was considering increasing the exit fee to as much as $10 million.

The AD detailed the realignment move Monday in a letter posted on the school website.

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WMOT)  --  The Blue Raiders football team finished the 2012 regular season with a record of 8-4 after losing Saturday to Arkansas State, but it was what happened on Sunday that grabbed the attention of Blue Raider fans.

Middle Tennessee's season came to an end Sunday night after the Blue Raiders (8-4, 6-2 SBC) were snubbed for a bowl game.

Surprisingly, Western Kentucky received the final bowl bid allotted to the Sun Belt Conference.

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (BEASLEY)  --  Middle Tennessee snapped its six-game losing streak to the Troy Trojans last Saturday, but the team faces its biggest challenge of the season this Saturday.

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WMOT)  --  Middle Tennessee State University President Sidney A. McPhee held a news conference this morning to announce big changes for Blue Raider sports.

“Today ladies and gentlemen, I’m pleased to formally announce that Middle Tennessee State University has accepted an invitation to become a member of Conference USA.”

In a press statement, MTSU says it will “enjoy significant national and regional television exposure and revenue sharing,” as a new Conference USA member school.