MIAMI TO TAKE FIRST STEP TOWARD SEC MEMBERSHIP

The University of Miami expects to take what could be a first step toward joining the Southeastern Conference sometime in the next week.

Miami Athletic Director Sam Jankovich is awaiting a query from the SEC commissioner's office that would serve as a sort of detailed pre-application form. The query will seek to outline Miami's athletic program for SEC presidents who are deciding whether to expand the conference."We are one of the institutions the SEC is interested in, and we're intrigued by the possibility," Jankovich said. "But I can't tell you whether we will be extended an invitation or whether we would accept it. We're going to sit back and look at whatever options come along. There are a number of things we have to consider."

It's clear, however, that Miami is serious about moving into a conference. Jankovich says he has had "three or four" preliminary discussions with SEC Commissioner Roy Kramer. Miami President Edward Foote also has talked with Kramer.

"A series of recent events has caused us to seriously consider whether we want to remain an independent," Foote said. "It seems in the relatively near future, the landscape of big-time college football could look quite different.

"Nothing is settled, and it's too early to tell where we'll end up. But it's clear times are changing."

Though Jankovich says Miami is open to other conference possibilities, including a move to the ACC, the most serious movement is taking place in the SEC. Arkansas Athletic Director Frank Broyles said he has officially entered into talks with the SEC and is seriously considering severing ties with the Southwest Conference. That prompted speculation that the SWC will unite with the Big Eight to form the Big Southwest and that the ACC will expand.

"I think we'll see some pretty strong signs of what's going to happen in 60 days, and I imagine the dust will be settled in 90 days," Jankovich said. "We'll have a pretty good idea of what our options are by then."

Jankovich said the SEC's query will be submitted to SEC presidents sometime late in July. He predicts on-site visits sometime shortly after that.

"It's going to be a presidential decision," Jankovich said. "The commissioner will pass the printed material on to the presidents to determine whether or not they should pursue all the schools they are sending questionnaires to or just some."

Florida State, South Carolina, Texas and Texas A&M are also reportedly candidates for SEC expansion into six-, seven- or eight-team divisions. The SEC won't comment on prospective candidates.