CSNbbs

First the obvious part of the announcement:
Louisville, Cinci, DePaul, and Marquette will join the Big East

As well as an expected addition:
South Florida also leaves C-USA for the Big East

The mystery is whether the Big East adds a 9th football-only member. If so, it will be one of the following:
Central Florida, East Carolina, Temple, Army, Navy, or Marshall

Army, Navy, or Temple would probably accept without any qualms, as each is a good geographic fit and their other sports are already set in established leagues. UCF, Marshall, and ECU are more problematic. Would one of them leave behind their other sports in favor of a conference whose BCS status will be uncertain in a couple of years?

After the Big East announcement, by the end of year many more dominoes will fall. But in what sequence?

I've hesitated to mention Marshall could actually stay in the MAC. As of today, they have not yet officially accepted a C-USA invite. I would love to know why. Are they going to get a Big East invite? Now that would be the best kept secret in the collegiate world. Are they waiting to see if C-USA gets further diluted by departures of TCU, South Florida, and/or East Carolina? Actually, I believe the Marshall administration is being smart by being cautious, a la Dan Dakitch, waiting until they absolutely have to sign on the dotted line.

When all is said and done, I can't see Central Florida staying in the MAC. Unless C-USA fractures, that league is simply the best geographic fit for them. Of course, they may take that football invite from the Big East should it come.

I can't see Marshall ever getting an invite to the Big East so long as WVA is a member. Also I would guess that UCF would probably jump for the the BE FB only like a starved dog---although there is an all-sports MAC offer on the table, they already have a home for their other sports. As I recall, when they came into the MAC there was a "no-penalty" exist clause if they had a chance to go to a BCS conference----that would be the BE but NOT C-USA. I would guess whether or not they move to C-USA (assuming an offer is forthcoming) will depend on what TCU and Marshall do.

Quote:I've hesitated to mention Marshall could actually stay in the MAC. As of today, they have not yet officially accepted a C-USA invite. I would love to know why. Are they going to get a Big East invite?

Marshall will never get a Big East invite as long as USPAM is in the conference. As for why we haven't officially accepted a CUSA invite, well, it hasn't been made. That's the first problem. Even if it is made, I've got serious questions as to whether or not we'll accept if TCU and Houston bolt for the MWC.

It would be nice if The Washington Times were right about anything!

Seriously, I hope you get the bid, too.

Axme, I'm sure you have never read the Washington Times. It is an outstanding paper with on of the best editorial pages in the country, Usally 4 pages of thoughts and insights you don't get any where else. Typical liberal

Is he beating a straw man or does he just wish he had a brain, Oddball?

He's not sure. As soon as talk radio gives him his opinion, he'll let us know.