Boise State's Chris Petersen: Move To Big East Will Help Build The Brand

Speaking at a press conference at the upcoming MAACO Las Vegas Bowl, Boise State head coach was asked about the Broncos' decision to move the Big East. Chadd Cripe in the Idaho Statesman reports that Petersen is most excited about the exposure to the eastern part of America and believes that the move will help Boise State "build its football brand". Cripe reports:

Boise State football coach Chris Petersen said the Broncos’ move to the Big East in 2013 will create better exposure for his program — both on TV and in stadiums in parts of the country where they haven’t played. "It’s going to help the Boise brand," he said at the MAACO Bowl Las Vegas.

Petersen said the improved television situation is the primary reason that he feels the move will benefit Boise State. In 2011, most Boise State games were on The Mtn and few if any on the east coast were able to see the Broncos play. Now, not only will Boise State consistently be playing games in the midwest, but also the true eastern teams like Rutgers and Connecticut as well as in Florida. Once the new media rights contract is worked out for the Big East, that should also allow for added television exposure, regardless which network wins the rights to broadcast the games. Cripe writes:

We're kind of that unique program anyway that we’ve got these unique pockets (of fans) all over the country and so now we’re going to take our team there. That’s something. I think the TV situation is going to be much different than we’re in now.

Petersen said the travel in the Big East won’t be a significant issue. The Broncos will play at San Diego State every other year, likely at Houston or SMU every year, likely at Cincinnati or Louisville every year and at one or two true Eastern teams.

It will be a little bit of an inconvenience, but there’s always an inconvenience somehow, some way, with whoever you play," he said.

Stay tuned to Big East Coast Bias and in particular our Big East Expansion section for any additional news on potential new additions to the conference.