Stony Brook running back Peace Edefe (31) stiff arms defensive...

Stony Brook running back Peace Edefe (31) stiff arms defensive back Cedrick Moore (41) for a gain on the right side. (April 22, 2012) Credit: Joseph D. Sullivan

RICHMOND, Va. -- Colonial Athletic Association Commissioner Tom Yeager isn't finished with expansion just yet.

Rocked by summertime defections of two schools and NCAA sanctions that threatened the league's short-term viability, the CAA on Wednesday introduced Albany and Stony Brook as new football-only members.

Expansion on what he called "all-sport stuff," Yeager says, "is still a work in progress." Both schools will join after the coming academic year.

Stony Brook will compete for one last season in the Big South, where it has won three consecutive conference championships. Albany will complete its affiliation with Northeast Conference football this season.

The Great Danes reached the FCS playoffs in 2011, losing to Stony Brook in the first round.

Officials at both schools say they look forward to building their natural northeastern rivalry.

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