× Thanks for reading! Log in to continue. Enjoy more articles by logging in or creating a free account. No credit card required. Log in Sign up {{featured_button_text}}

Behind the strength of its overall play and 2-0 bowl record, the Sun Belt Conference finished as the top non-automatic qualifier conference.

While that meant the eight schools got to split a hefty $4 million payout from the BCS system, according to multiple reports, Troy athletic director John Hartwell said the strong finish may also help the Sun Belt monetarily next year.

“From a national perspective, I think this gives our conference … a little more stature,” he said. “I think it tells people we play a good brand of football.”

Perception played a role in the BCS system and will have some impact as FBS football moves to a four-team playoff system this upcoming season. Just like the BCS system, revenue for the non-AQ conferences will be determined through computer rankings of a conference’s strength in the playoff.

The system ranks the top non-AQ conferences, and shares of the money are determined by the finish. In the final year of the BCS, the Sun Belt captured four shares of the revenue, while the second-place Mountain West Conference got three shares. Two shares went to third-place Conference USA, while one share went to the Mid-American Conference.