There are so many fingers that can be pointed at various factors to conclude why the MEAC (and for this year the SWAC) got snubbed. But there is one detail that should not be overlooked: The MEAC and SWAC are BOTH recognized by the NCAA as FCS conferences. And as such, both are ENTITLED to all of the rights/benefits associated with being FCS conferences. Just as both conferences are obligated to comply with all the rules associated with the NCAA as FCS conferences. With that said, we all know that everything with the NCAA isn't fair nor equal, but there is NO WAY in hell the NCAA can rightfully justify allowing five teams from the MVC (including 6-5 Western Illinois, with three conference losses) and four teams from the CAA (including 7-4 New Hampshire with three conference losses), and not give the MEAC or the SWAC just one at-large invite...especially for teams that actually finish near the top in their respective conferences (PV, BCU and NCCU).
You can't penalize teams for the conferences they play in simply because a committee thinks those conferences are inferior to the other conferences.
You can't penalize teams for the conferences they play in simply because a committee thinks those conferences are inferior to the other conferences.