The Big East has been poached by the ACC not once but twice. As a result, the conference must be aggressive in adding the right teams or risk losing its BCS status. Make no mistake about it, the broadcast networks will be key decision makers in that process. The Big East needs to add TV markets and teams with up-and-coming programs without regard for geography. That way it can make sure its potential suitors in ESPN, Fox, CBS and NBC remain interested.
To replace Pittsburgh and Syracuse in all sports, the most logical choices would be Temple, which brings Philadelphia (No. 4 market), and Central Florida, which is located in Orlando (No. 19) and would be a natural rival to South Florida. The Owls no longer resemble the program once kicked out of the Big East for ineptitude, and the Golden Knights are on the rise.
The conference wants to add six football-only schools, so it targeted the service academies. Army already has turned down the Big East’s overtures, and Navy and Air Force have some interest but seem hesitant to make a move without seeing a show of commitment from the teams already in the league. The Midshipmen, for instance, reportedly want the conference’s exit fee raised before they join, while the Big East wants Navy in before it raises the exit fee. Navy and Air Force would bring a well-established rivalry, a national audience and the Washington (No. 8), Baltimore (No. 27) and Denver (No. 18) markets.
If Air Force joins, it can’t be the only team from the West. Good targets would be Houston (No. 9), Southern Methodist (the Dallas-Fort Worth market is No. 5) and Boise State. The Broncos and Big East reportedly have been flirting, but ESPN reported Thursday that both sides have reservations. Boise State doesn’t bring a big TV market, but its national stature would be a big help in keeping the Big East in the BCS.
East Carolina has applied to the Big East but is in market No. 99 and doesn’t have Boise State’s national reputation.
No matter what, the Big East has to move before Louisville, West Virginia, Connecticut and Rutgers decide not to stick around. Being creative gives the Big East a national TV footprint that is as strong as any conference in the country and should allow it to stay in the BCS and land a new broadcast deal.
Examiner columnist Jim Williams is a seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director and writer. Check out his blog, Watch this!, on washingtonexaminer.com.
