The Mountaineers will be the next team to leave the Big East according to a CBS Sports report. West Virginia will be handed a Big XII invite as soon as Missouri leaves for the SEC, which could happen within 24-48 hours after the Tigers leave the Big XII. The New York Times is reporting that West Virginia has already applied and was accepted into the Big XII.

Two days ago in Washington D.C., Big East commissioner John Marinatto met with officials from Boise State, Houston, SMU, UCF and Navy, but no official invitations were extended. Air Force did not attend the meeting. Representatives from other Big East schools also attended.

Yes, the snail's pace of Big East expansion apparently continues. If I were a betting man, I'd say betting that West Virginia is out of the Big East before Air Force or Navy are added is a very good bet. However, the Big East fully intends to hold on schools trying to leave for that 27 month exit window. Therefore, the Mountaineers could not join the Big XII until 2014.

Without the Mountaineers, the Big East would need to add another school to get 12 football members. Air Force, Boise State, Houston and SMU are strongly suggesting BYU be that school. The other candidates to move into the 12th slot are East Carolina and Temple (we're sorry, Villanova fans).