Quote:Ever since the Memphis Tigers got left behind in the Great Bum Rush to leave Conference USA-- also known as the Big East expansion in 2003-- Tiger fans have had one singular goal. To follow their old rivals from Louisville, and Cincinnati to the greener pastures of the Big East.

And here's where it gets interesting.

Sources have confirmed to FOX13 Sports that University of Memphis officials have been in serious talks with the Big East about joining the conference.

How about them apples?

If and when it happens, the University of Memphis will the jackpot. Big time.

As a member of a BCS conference, the revenue sharing they would be entitled to, blows away anything they receive from Conference USA.

Consider this. In football alone, the Big East received over 18 million dollars to divide among it's 8 football members following the 2006-2007 season. Conference USA meanwhile had to split 18 million dollars with 4 other Conferences, comprised of 51 schools. The Tigers take of that, came to a mere 353 thousand dollars.

Talk about living in a different tax bracket.

So what do you think?

Obviously this would move would benefit the Tiger Football program more than any other. What would it mean though for Tiger hoops? John Calipari has proven that he can prosper as the Big Fish in a small pond (3 straight 30 plus win seasons), would he enjoy knocking heads in the rugged and tradition rich Big East Conference?

This brings up a whole lot of questions and avenues to explore, but to avoid turning this into the worlds longest blog entry, I'll end it now with this--Would you have any reservations about the Memphis Tigers joining the Big East, or is it a no-brainer to leave C-USA in the dust?

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BYUcoog Wrote:No brainer..good football w/ good attendance..Final four bb team..Liberty bowl vs SEC.

animus Wrote:i saw the news report on i think fox 13. a booster came out to the media not the ad. so i have an itchy feeling that this is just a rumor coming out of memphis. we'll hear about this in the next coming days

animus Wrote:i checked out foxsports, espn and memphis's sports page. http://gotigersgo.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mem-m-footbl-body.html

nothing on any of them. hate to burst a bubble but i don't think this is true.

SF Husky Wrote:

animus Wrote:i checked out foxsports, espn and memphis's sports page. http://gotigersgo.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mem-m-footbl-body.html

nothing on any of them. hate to burst a bubble but i don't think this is true.

I still think if BE gonna add anyone it will be the Orlando market and UCF. It is the most appealing location as far as vacation, away trip and others etc.

ccbfan Wrote:Still just rumor but I guess the timing couldn't have been more right.

The whole ECU thing showed ECU is pretty much trying to give everything just to get a foothold to get into the BE. This meant other teams might have been chosen or favored and ECU is pretty much giving its last ditch effort.

Also if the 2010 deadline is still around this would be about the time when negotiations start.

I remember the whole ACC raid was about now because Donna Schalala was was at my graduation and it was right before she decide to leave for the ACC.