Big East Expansion Update: Memphis And Big East Reportedly In Negotiations

by Patrick_the_Ruminator on Feb 7, 2012 1:52 PM EST in Big East Expansion

The Memphis Tigers and the Big East are reportedly in "the final stages of negotiations" to add the Tigers in all sports.

Will the move be for next year so the Big East doesn't have to play football with just seven members? Nope. The date is for 2013 which doesn't do the league a bit of good this upcoming football season. Memphis is a founding member of Conference USA which might give them the freedom to depart a conference which might be blown up anyway for a merger for the Mountain West. If we're being honest, they need to move for the 2012 season, as awkward as that might be.

Memphis football is arguably the worst FBS program right now. Their basketball program is a much different story. If the basketball members of the league need to be appeased by expansion, this is their kind of move.

The departure of West Virginia early for the Big 12 in 2012 (which we have no doubt is happening) could also lead to Syracuse and Pitt trying to join the ACC in 2013, a year ahead of schedule.

What do you think about this potential addition to the Big East? Memphis to the Big East could be announced as early as this week, if it is indeed happening.

Stay tuned to Big East Coast Bias and our Big East Expansion section for more news on the subject.

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Great move

for the Big East. Memphis is in great recruiting territory, and I do think that Memphis could have some really great years in football – kindof like Cincy had in the past under Brian Kelly. I absolutely think they are a sleeping giant in football. And well, you all know about basketball. Just the biggest collapse ever in college basketball ever. What was it? 10 points with 2 mins left – just unbelievable. I will never forget the Memphis post-game press conference.

The problem with the Big East – and it’s not fault of their own – is in coaching stability and this will plague any team really that does not have your traditional large fan base (Ohio St., Notre Dame, Oregon, LSU, etc.), but bringing in Memphis is definitely your best grab right now for the BE to get up to 12.

by PittGuy on Feb 7, 2012 2:11 PM EST reply actions

Popcorn's ready

Memphis’ BCS ranking (CollegeBCS.com) past 4 years: 115, 114, 112, 96.

West Virginia fans hate everybody. They remember every snub and joke and bit of snark. And they never forgive, and they never, ever forget. In other words, they're a lot like West Virginians in general.

by Kid Tenderloin on Feb 7, 2012 2:24 PM EST reply actions

Hmmm

Looks like steady improvement.

by Kev5446 on Feb 7, 2012 2:40 PM EST up reply actions

Other way round

Memphis was 115 this season.

by Kid Tenderloin on Feb 7, 2012 2:50 PM EST up reply actions

Honestly that will get better

They may never be a great team but being in the Big East will help them get into a sub 70 team.

Bull Run, Get your daily dose of Bull

by Tim Riordan on Feb 7, 2012 2:41 PM EST up reply actions

Grrrr

I hate the move SDSU was a stretch and now this! I know we need one more school but at least go with Temple or ECU. If the BE takes Temple they can agree to allow Nova to come up with Navy. Go to 14 and be done with it!

by Vinnie Giordano on Feb 7, 2012 2:44 PM EST reply actions

If they took Memphis over Temple then they are not taking Temple...

Bull Run, Get your daily dose of Bull

by Tim Riordan on Feb 7, 2012 2:47 PM EST up reply actions

I understand that.

I just think that Temple would be the better option. This is a game of perception and I think nationally Temple is viewed in a better light. Either way this discussion is irrelevant as Memphis will be the next to join.

Dr. G

by Vinnie Giordano on Feb 7, 2012 6:43 PM EST up reply actions