College Football Rumors: Big East Conference
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That which was the Big East will soon be known as the AAC, or simply "The American." It's still not clear how the new league's new roster will fit together, and what exactly they'll be competing for. ESPN.com Big East (for now) blogger Andrea Adelson looks at how the old league's old bowl tie-ins could change in the future:
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UPDATE: The Big East Conference -- or potentially the America 12 Conference -- finally stabilized to a degree after a new television deal was reached and the "Catholic 7" officially departed (with the Big East name in tow). The league's next step is believed to be the addition of a potential 12th member. Tulsa is finally nearing an agreement to join the (old) Big East.
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It's official now that the "Catholic Seven" schools are leaving the Big East, and that they're taking that name with them to their new conference. What about the teams that are left behind?
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Cincinnati attempting to sway the ACC 
February, 19, 2013
Feb 19
10:18
AM ET
By Brent Sobleski | ESPN.com
Cincinnati isn't giving up on its hope to join a power conference.
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"It’s likely that UMass, if given that opportunity, would make the jump," Matt Vautour of Daily Hampshire Gazette wrote. "The prospect of being conference rivals with Connecticut and Temple, as well as having a likely more lucrative television deal, would be too good not to chase, despite knowing that the Huskies would jump ship at the first opportunity."
UMass will have to wait and see how everything plays out in the coming months. Tulsa would give the Big East 12 teams by 2015 (when Navy becomes a member). The Big East may decide to expand further into a 14-team league. Or UMass may be next in line if UConn or Cincinnati were to leave the league.
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UPDATE: The Big East Conference publicly admitted it's searching for a 12th member. Tulsa is believed to be the leader. With the possible addition of the Golden Hurricane, the Big East has set aside its aspirations of becoming a national brand.
"...(Big East commissioner Mike) Aresco told reporters that the conference would not move west of Texas," Paul Tenorio of the Orlando Seninely relayed.
The statement finally puts the nail in the coffin regarding any discussion of possible alliance with BYU whom the league has courted for over a year.
If Tulsa doesn't accept a membership -- which is unlikely -- UMass and Southern Miss will be next in line.
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UPDATE: It's a race to land Tulsa as the next addition to either the Big East or Mountain West Conference. And the Golden Hurricane already appears likely to join one of the leagues.
"The university's switch from Conference USA membership to Big East Conference membership seems to have graduated from a possibility to a likelihood," Bill Haisten of the Tulsa World reported.
"Furthermore, the Mountain West Conference scenario still has a pulse. If that league decides to expand beyond 12 schools, Tulsa is believed to believe on the Mountain West radar. However, by the time Mountain West officials make that determination, TU might already have committed to a Big East switch. "
It simply comes down to an offer, particularly from the Big East.
"If an invitation is extended, expect TU to accept immediately," Haisten wrote.
Big East is still UConn's best option
January, 29, 2013
Jan 29
7:28
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By Brent Sobleski | ESPN.com
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The Big East Conference is scrambling to replace its latest defectors, Boise State and San Diego State. Tulsa is already believed to be on the radar, but a second Conference USA affiliate may be of some interest to the league.
Harry Minium of the Virginian-Pilot noted the Big East is considering the possibility of adding Southern Miss. The possible addition of the Golden Eagles would give the conference a 12th team by 2015.
Tulsa and UMass are more likely targets at the moment due to Tulsa's level of football and UMass' location. But Southern Miss is on the radar as yet another possibility for the Big East.
Tulsa and UMass are more likely targets at the moment due to Tulsa's level of football and UMass' location. But Southern Miss is on the radar as yet another possibility for the Big East.
UPDATE: A decision appears forthcoming from San Diego State regarding it's conference future. The Aztecs have a Jan. 31 deadline to choose between the Big East Conference and the Mountain West Conference. If they don't make a decision at that point, the Mountain West Conference can move on to adding another affiliate. But San Diego State certainly appears to be leaning towards returning to the Mountain West, and the Big East is willing to oblige.
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Big East won't make big push for SDSU
January, 15, 2013
Jan 15
3:31
PM ET
By Brent Sobleski | ESPN.com
UPDATE: The Big East may not be making a big push to keep San Diego State, but it's still possible the Aztecs stay in the league.
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