That’s what collegefootballtalk.com is reporting as “Highly likely” , while the Orlando Sentinel says this talk is “premature”.
The New York Post says the rumor is flat out wrong.
First of all, this is just a rumor, so we should take it with a grain of salt, but this is not the first of I’ve heard of this. Memphisroar.com reported via Podcast last week that the Big East was in talks with Memphis and another school (which was assumed to be UCF). If it’s true, it’s a start. The conference is late to the party, but at least this would show a pulse. I think this move should have been made years ago, so that UCF and Memphis would be ready to compete now (UCF is closer), but I suppose it’s better late than never.
Now let’s get a plan cranking for Villanova to make the jump, who could one day help the Big East to sway Boston College back, should the Big East receive a comparable television deal down the road. Villanova may also one day be able to do what Temple can not…deliver the Philadelphia market (or at least grab part of it).
UCF's Bright House Stadium seats 45,301
The Big East needs more football members in order to sell additional conferences games, which will equal more money the next time they negotiate a TV deal. Football wise, the Big East isn’t worth as much as other leagues because it only has 8 members, and 7 conference games. That’s what, 28 conference games? 10 teams = 45 conference games. Orlando is a nice market, and a great road game to go to. The case for UCF has been made over and over, and it’s a compelling one.
The Liberty Bowl seats 62,380
Memphis would bring more muscle to an already ridiculous basketball league, as well as some nice perks. They’d come with some big time advertising muscle…FedEx. Memphis would also undoubtedly bring the Liberty Bowl to the Big East as a full time Bowl line-up member. This past off-season the Big East, SEC and C-USA hammered out a quirky scenario where the Big East could send a member to the Liberty Bowl, instead of Birmingham. I’d like to see both the Liberty Bowl and the Papajohns.com Bowl as part of the Big East line-up because I think Big East teams playing against the SEC (and hopefully winning, a la UConn vs South Carolina last year), is good for business.
It’s better to be proactive and do something, than to sit and die and slow death waiting for the next round of expansion. I’d still rather see the Big Atlantic, because it better ensures long term stability, but this is a palatable scenario that could prove to be a wise decision in the not so distant future.
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I'm in the Big Atlantic camp myself. I just think long term, that offers the most cash and more importantly, the most stability. I like UCF for the Big East, but not Memphis. If the Big East is looking to expand, they should be focusing their efforts on UCF and ECU. People tend to underestimate the drawing power of the Pirates. They have a rabid football fanbase. Their basketball program leaves a lot to be desired but since when was this expansion thing ever about hoops in the first place?
I also don't like the idea of asking Villanova to upgrade. First, it isn't going to happen. Nova is a small Catholic school with limited funding. You can't simply look at BC and ND as examples of how it can work. It's a different era and those 2 schools have been playing big time ball forever. Also, I don't think the Philly market is ripe for college football. Temple was once in the Big East (seems like ages ago) and couldn't deliver the market. Granted, the teams stunk, but if they couldn't draw flies, what makes anyone think Nova will? Temple has a bigger student enrollment than UConn. The number of Temple grads in the Philly area is immense. If they couldn't do it, I doubt Nova would.
My plan right now, if I were John Marinatto, would be looking at the logistics of adding UCF and ECU. An 18 team hoops league can be unwieldy, but it would be doable. Memphis simply doesn't add much in my humble opinion.
I know the Villanova upgrade is a longshot at best, but if the Big East contributes monetarily, perhaps they can be persuaded? Maybe you're right about the fanbases, and Nova's ability to grab some of the Philly market…just thinking outloud…all things should be on the table as we look at how to improve the Big East.
ECU no doubt has a good football program, I just wonder about their market. I agree on UCF though…very logical choice. Huge enrollment numbers, huge alumni…they're a solid fit, and in my opinion would add to the conference as a whole within a short period of time.
In order to even out the scheduling issues, I would be all in favor of adding UCF right now.
I agree Mike. Add UCF now. One guaranteed road trip every year into the recruiting hotbed of Florida. Not only do they have huge enrollment numbers, but their facilities are BCS worthy. I actually went to a hoops game last year when I was in Orlando and their arena puts Gampel to shame.