August 23, 200719 yr Three years ago, Big East football was near disbandment. Now, it boasts four Heisman candidates. Two teams have national title dreams. Baby steps? Try giant leaps. http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/preview07/columns/story?columnist=maisel_ivan&id=2985960 Big East commissioner Tranghese says league's credibility no longer an issue NEWPORT, R.I. -- The question that looms over the Big East on the eve of the 2007 season is larger than the Heisman Trophy hopes of the conference's four preseason candidates, larger than the trial balloon that Big Ten Conference commissioner Jim Delany flew over Rutgers last month, larger, even, than the national championship pretensions of West Virginia and Louisville. Now what? The Big East began last season defending the legitimacy of its automatic bid to the BCS postseason. It finished last season with three teams ranked in the top 12 of the final Associated Press poll, a 5-0 record in bowl games and a strut that the league hadn't had a right to use since the abrupt departures of Miami and Virginia Tech for the ACC in 2003 (Boston College followed them to the ACC in 2004). The rise of Rutgers captured the imagination of New York City, which hasn't had a local rooting interest in college football since Army gave up its membership in the sport's elite nearly a half-century ago. West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez, the leader in I-A victories (50) among the Big East coaches, spurned Alabama to remain at his alma mater. The cascade of good news surprised even commissioner Mike Tranghese, who guided the league through the turmoil created by the loss of three strong programs. Tranghese said the answer to "Now what?" is "Life as usual." He believes the league's credibility is no longer an issue.
August 23, 200719 yr I think the Big East has to have another solid 2 years before they can truly argue they have arrived. Outside of UL and WVA. The other teams have to be more consistent.
August 23, 200719 yr The Big East being weak should have been put to bed already. Is it the SEC? No. But, it has proved itself deserving of the automatic BCS bid that it gets.
August 23, 200719 yr The Big East being weak should have been put to bed already. Is it the SEC? No. But, it has proved itself deserving of the automatic BCS bid that it gets. :thumb: Well said.
August 23, 200719 yr The Big East being weak should have been put to bed already. Is it the SEC? No. But, it has proved itself deserving of the automatic BCS bid that it gets. When the Big East is able to play a Conf. Championship game, I'll agree, Until then, They're just top heavy.
August 23, 200719 yr The Big East will power on. No university (that cares about football) will leave because it the easiest road to the BCS every year. Win 7 games and you're there.
August 23, 200719 yr When the Big East is able to play a Conf. Championship game, I'll agree, Until then, They're just top heavy. So what 4 teams do you add and keep it from being top heavy? Do tell...
August 23, 200719 yr So what 4 teams do you add and keep it from being top heavy? Do tell... While it would still leave it as "top heavy" as it is now....Memphis, Southern Miss, UAB, and (insert random MAC school)...
August 23, 200719 yr While it would still leave it as "top heavy" as it is now....Memphis, Southern Miss, UAB, and (insert random MAC school)... Except none would come for just football...
August 23, 200719 yr After this year I see WVU being the only BCS contender each year. When UL graduates their last local superstar it will be interesting to see how they stack up. I am curious to see how Rutgers pans out the next 5 years.. are they just a bubble? WVU conference leader, hopefully UL stays very competitive. Could have a 2-3 tie for teams 2-4.
August 23, 200719 yr After this year I see WVU being the only BCS contender each year. When UL graduates their last local superstar it will be interesting to see how they stack up. So losing White, Slayton, and Reynaud won't hurt WVU? :lol:
August 23, 200719 yr Except none would come for just football... Very true, but there aren't many options, which is why it isn't happening unless they kick out some of the basketball only members....
August 23, 200719 yr So losing White, Slayton, and Reynaud won't hurt WVU? :lol: It is my opinion that they will recruit better the next 5 years. They have Noel Devine waiting in the shadows of Slaton don't they? If he got into school and stays in school, he will make people forget Slaton quickly. But who knows with this kid.. I don't even know if he's on the team right now. UL has been in the spotlight cause of UL boys.. how will they fair after that. Neither Slaton, White, or Reynaud are from WV I believe.
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