Andrea Adelson

  (4:01 PM)

Come on vamanos!

Andrea Adelson

  (4:01 PM)

This one is from the mailbag, from one of my most loyal readers Shawn Withrow: Why can't the NCAA just use the same system that they use for the FCS level playoff? I get tired of all this "it can't be done" garbage when we have a working example in the same sport that happens every year. "The FCS playoff format is 16 teams, with eight teams being automatic qualifiers as conference champions, and eight at-large berths are awarded. The tournament field is selected by a NCAA appointed committee made up of athletic directors from select FCS schools that represent each region of the country."

Andrea Adelson

  (4:05 PM)

I am with you, there. I have never quite understood the argument about preserving the bowl system. Because it really is amazingly prestigious to make it to the New Mexico Bowl and the Weed Eater Bowl. They are slow to change. I am happy with a four-team playoff to start, but I do not see why they cannot work past this. How much more $$ Would be made? I mean come on people!

Andrea Adelson

  (4:05 PM)

Bear with me doing an interview, be right back.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:28 PM)

Sorry everyone, my Internet went down!

Andrea Adelson

  (4:29 PM)

Thanks for bearing with me (shakes fist at technology).

Mike (Tiny bit of Piscataway in DC)

When you spoke to RU's Coach Flood, did you talk about the assistant coach situation at all? It seems like we have pretty much turned over the entire coaching staff - is this because Flood wants his own guys, or Schiano wooed them all away, or a little of both? Was this a destined to happen after Schiano left? Do you think that Coach Flood can assemble a decent staff?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:31 PM)

When I talked to Coach Flood, he did not want to get into specifics about who he was going to hire, but I think there was a little bit of both going on. Some guys have seen an opportunity to go to the NFL. Others maybe wanted to move on. Any time a new head coach comes in, there is major staff turnover. So I would not read too much into that. From what I have read it seems as if he is bringing in guys who are experienced coaches with ties to the Northeast, which should be a requirement when it comes to recruiting.

A Husky Man (Hartford)

With Memphis' acceptence today is it safe to assume that Air Force mae it clear that their earlier waffle now means no? Because on paper its hard to ague for the merits of the Tigers.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:32 PM)

I took their earlier waffle to be no, because if I recall AFA said they were staying put.

Rob (Boise, ID)

Why is West Virginia so anxious to leave the Big East? If they were so good, it's an easy conference championship and BCS Bowl. They do realise they have no chance in the Big-12 against Oklahoma, OK State and Texas, right? Why are they in such a hurry to be embarrassed?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:32 PM)

I just think they want a clean break from a conference they now feel is beneath them.

Go 'Cats Go! (Cincinnati)

AA first I want to congratulate the folks in Memphis for getting a bid to join the Big East. I know you are excited. At the same time I got to tell you I'm pretty dismayed that we invited them at this time. Over the last 6 years they have averaged a finishing 106th in the country, only New Mexico State was worse. Is this as damaging to the league as it looks like to me?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:33 PM)

Did my blog post on this topic seem like I was excited. That may have been false advertising. ... I believe the national perception is along the lines of eye roll and move on. I mean the truth is that the Big East is called the Big Least for a reason. I do not think adding Memphis is any more damaging to a league that has been battered and bruised in the last year.

Razorback Mountaineer (Arkansas)

Andrea, as a transplanted WV fan I always attend an away game. If you were me should I look to buy a ticket to somewhere in the Big 12 or the Big East?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:33 PM)

Big 12.

Go 'Cats Go! (Cincinnati)

I ment they (memphis fans) are excited not you. Typo~

Andrea Adelson

  (4:34 PM)

Haha very well!

Nigal (Kingston JA)

Do you think WVA can win the Case against the Big East or will WVA just leave if they loose the case

Andrea Adelson

  (4:34 PM)

I think a settlement will be reached at some point.

Zolty (NY)

Do you think Boise State will retain its national prominence without Kellen Moore as their QB?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:35 PM)

We should know more about that in 2012, a critical year for Boise State. I think that Boise State has done enough to keep its national cred. We'll see if I am right.

Rick (Charlotte)

If WVU is able to compete in the Big 12 in the 2012-13 season, any chance of Pitt and Syracuse leaving at that time too? I read that Pitt is very interested in leaving for the 12-13 season, if WVU is able to.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:36 PM)

I think there is a remote chance. I think 2013 is more likely.

Thorn (Morgantown)

I hear the sides are close to settling (WVU-BE) what do you hear?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:36 PM)

Been hearing that for weeks now!

Mike (Tiny bit of Piscataway in DC)

I think people should reserve judgement on Memphis for a bit - I was at RU from 2000-2003, we won 2 conference games. We are now competitive, Memphis could change...

Andrea Adelson

  (4:36 PM)

Yes you are right, Memphis could change. This program has been to bowl games before, and does have some good $$ coming into the program. But for right now, when so much is being made about AQ status and strength of conference, it does not look good.

Bo (New Jersey)

Did you see the Pitt AD's comment about not being consulted regarding the decision to let TCU walk without a waiting period? Can you imagine any other major conference commissioner doing that?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:37 PM)

Yes I did see that. I believe I linked to that article yesterday, and have something coming tomorrow on nonconference sked difficulties with the way TCU was handled. ... From what I have heard, communication from the league office down to member schools has not been the greatest.

Thorn (Morgantown)

Many "experts" are blogging may be today or tomorrow, are you hearing any increased traffic on this issue?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:38 PM)

I heard it would happen last week so I will continue to wait.

Kevin (Tampa)

AA do you think PC can get anything out of Tino or is it time to turn the page? Chad Voytik looked pretty impressive in the Army AA game.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:40 PM)

Great question, Kevin. I think that has to be the biggest story line facing Pitt this year. Tino was subpar for two different head coaches, but I think Chryst will do whatever he can to work with Tino to make him better. He might not want to throw his trues freshman into the fire in Year 1.

Jay (Rutgers)

Based on geography, either Cincy or Louisville should join the western division. So, coin toss to determine who the joins the least of the Big Least?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:40 PM)

I was thinking the same thing, Jay! I was wondering if the Big East would stick Louisville in the West because there is the chance they leave for the Big 12. Of course, there is a chance Cincinnati leaves, too!

Nick (WV)

Are there any other names being tossed around for the additions to Holgorsen's defensive staff, other than the assistant from the Giants?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:41 PM)

None that I have seen. Holgy has been pretty tight lipped on who he wants to bring in. I read he wants to have a decision this week.

Knights wear Red (NYC)

I think we definately need a change of leadership at the top of the conference. This is the second time the Providence crew has allowed the destruction which should be a darn good football league. Imagine if it didn't split and we had added by choice Cincinnati, Louisville and USF.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:41 PM)

A lot of people share your sentiments, but it is up to the league presidents to make a change.

Bearcatvol (Dalton, GA)

Louisville is further west than Cincinnati... we'll volunteer to give the award to the Cards... they are birds they can fly further. : )

Andrea Adelson

  (4:42 PM)

I do wonder whether the BE would mix the old and new up but that does not really make geographic sense.

Mike ('Cuse)

It seems to me that the Big East not having a true bottom feeder...a team where everybody can't count on an almost guaranteed win has hurt the Big East. Everybody is so close, anybody can win almost against the other. Won't having Memphis be a good thing in this regard?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:43 PM)

If you want to look at it that way, but there still has to be some separation at the top. Now that the BE is going to have 12 teams, the way most everybody else does, there is no reason this league should not have 4 ranked teams every single year.

Chris (DC)

AA, do you see the BE's addition of Memphis as a sign that the BE has given up hope that AQ status is going to continue through the next round of contracts for the BCS? Think about it: yes, they were trying to placate the BB schools by getting another BB power, but adding Memphis totally torpedoes all the AQ benefits of adding Boise State. However, if the BE is convinced that there will be no more AQ status to pander to, who cares about bottoming out some rankings?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:44 PM)

Clearly this move was not made for football, as evidenced by Memphis' poor performances the last three years. I think there is the real possibility that AQ goes away completely and this was just made to bring in another TV market, a school further West and with a good hoops program.

jeff (chambersburg, pa)

Louisville will be in the the big 12, least that's what i read that coach Strong has been telling his recruits.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:45 PM)

If the Big 12 expands, then Louisville would be next in line. Gotta think that after how everything went down this year.

Thorn (Morgantown)

Do you think the other BE teams REALLY want to play WVU next year or is it all posturing? Recently sPitt seemed to be threatening suit too...

Andrea Adelson

  (4:45 PM)

Posturing? It is really, really hard to find another game with 6 months before the season. Some teams have to find TWO more games. They need to play WVU.

CATS! (Covington, KY)

I also want to congratulate Tiger fans. But until we know what is going to happen with AQ status would we not have been better to just wait to pick the final team? If AQ status stays, the #106 will be like a lead balloon.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:46 PM)

Well you bring up a good point in that there really was no rush to bring in Memphis, considering there is no plan to have a title game until 2015. I think the BE wanted this whole process to be over as soon as possible, and does not think adding Memphis will impact AQ status. If there is an AQ status.

Chris (Carrboro, NC)

Will the penalty that WVU pays apply to Pitt and Cuse if they want to jump for 2012?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:47 PM)

I would imagine so. Not sure the ACC will pony up over $40 mill to help defray the costs or that Pitt and 'Cuse can afford the buyout.

John Mackinrow (WV)

How many comments do you get a minute?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:47 PM)

Too many to answer every single one!

Alec (LA, CA)

Based on your earlier answer, is it your opinion that the Big East is beneath WVU?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:47 PM)

I didn't say that. I think that is how WVU perceives the Big East, if you read its lawsuit against the league.

Chris (Carrboro, NC)

Is the Big East dragging its feet with setting an early exit penalty for WVU because it will also be effectively setting it for Pitt, Cuse and anyone else (Louisville? Cincy?) that might be abandoning ship?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:48 PM)

I wouldn't say the Big East is dragging its feet. The Big East should have been the group in command of all of this, because it is the league with the BYLAWS that WVU agreed to abide by. Instead, it allowed WVU to bully it into allowing an early exit. IMO.

Vic (Ohio)

If AQ status goes away, why the need for a conference championship game? It is not like the winner will be going to a BCS Bowl.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:49 PM)

Money, prestige ... crickets?

Phil (Pittsburgh)

Pitt lead the nation with 64 sacks allowed this year. They really did not recruit or sign any O lineman . Who is going to play the O line this year ? Tino ?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:50 PM)

Ha! So you noticed that they signed two OL, huh? That is pretty troubling, isn't it? I think Pitt will be better this year because they are going to have a good OL coach, and are not going to running those crazy zone blocking schemes that vexed them last year. Plus, they are not going to be a rhythm, hurry up offense. Any coach will tell you OL prefer to play smashmouth or pro style, and I think we will see more out of that from Pitt and that will improve the OL play.

Jed (Brooklyn, New York)

AA can you please answer this question...the Big East gets aplauded for being a well balanced competitive BBall conference, which has put them as the bball league to watch. However, their football conference is balanced as well and competitive. Yet the media makes it a laughing stock. Why is competitive balance more acceptable in bball than cfb?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:51 PM)

Because football is looking for the dominant team to rise above and win the national championship. There is no playoff (yet) in college football, so the need to go undefeated to get into a title game is unquestioned. Balance in basketball means 10 or 11 spots in the tourney and a shot for anybody to win. Not the case in football.

Mike ('Cuse)

Memphis, Boise, San Diego St, UCF, Houston, SMU....correct me if I'm wrong, the Big East could have added them at anytime over the last decade.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:52 PM)

Correct, and that goes back to a point I made many months ago. The Big East could have added Boise at the same time as TCU, and I think that would have made Pitt and Cuse thinking twice about jumping. I could be wrong on that. But at the time, presidents did not want to add a school so far away. Well, hello new Big East. San Diego, anyone?

Chris (DC)

Pitt didn't sign any OL players cuz Urban Meyer got all of them from the Midwest to come to Ohio State!

Andrea Adelson

  (4:53 PM)

Just pile onto good ol' Urban.

Wayne (Morgantown)

If you think that the Providence Office allowed themselves to be bullied, doesn't that prove WVU's point per inept leadership?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:53 PM)

I don't think anybody is questioning inept leadership. But that is no real legal argument for why a contract should be null and void. The Big East did add more schools and is a viable conference.

Country Roads Wind (Bluefield, WV)

I noticed FSU is considering suing WVU above and beyond the buyout for messing them over on the schedule. Between this, the actual buyout and the Big East payout someone in state government should consider firing the AD and President for flushing millions upon millions down the toilet. We are one of the poorest states in the country. Our greed in trying to leave the Big East early is horrifically wreckless. Yet nobody in the media seems to want to point this out! I love WVU but this is insane.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:54 PM)

I wonder how many WVU fans agree with you ...

Chris (DC)

Maybe you misunderstood: I'm a Buckeyes fan, I'm happy we got all the OL players...we're gonna be unstoppable soon...

Andrea Adelson

  (4:54 PM)

Yeah I think you are right. Bielema and Dantonio better enjoy the view from the rear, because that is where they are going.

Kevin (Tampa)

I think if WVU agrees to the 20 mil exit fee, Pitt and Syracuse could then sue the Big East themselves to try and get that reduced, saying that the BE is allowing the football schedule to be demolished and they will have lost 2 marquee games. Would there be enough time to pull that off?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:55 PM)

You are asking questions above my pay grade. I am trying to figure out why they would get that $ reduced in a court of law?

Mike (Tiny bit of Piscataway in DC)

In NJ the AD would have been fired and the football stadium burned to the ground by the faculty if we flushed millions dropping games like that.

Rob (Boise, ID)

If a 16-team playoff happens (with conference champions and at-large teams), do you think there will be more rounds of schools jumping conferences to increase their chances of getting in? Or, will schools stay with ridiculous traveling because of the prestige of certain conferences?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:56 PM)

I don't know that there are that many more schools that would consider jumping to a more prestigious league. Well, OK, anybody from the Big East or ACC would move to the Big Ten or ACC. Maybe the Big 12 would have leverage. I think the next move will be getting to 16 team super conferences, which has been the thought all along.

Country Roads Wind (Bluefield, WV)

Too few I'm afraid. We wait one year and if the Big XII wasn't lying about being willing to wait we'd save $20-million dollars or more.

Jay (Rutgers)

Chris, why would a Big Ten school be competing with a lowly Big East school for recruits? #HypocriticalCFBFans

Mike (NYC)

How do you think the 4 team playoff will be chosen. Seems to me that 4 conf. champs is the way to go for balance and TV as 2 or more teams from the same conference will just give us do-overs (again).

Andrea Adelson

  (4:57 PM)

Good question, Mike. My initial thought was BCS standings. What 4 conference champs would be picked, anyway? How would that be determined?

Scott (Atlanta)

Making no editorial on any remaining or incoming team once full realignment happens; it seems to me that many of the pick-ups continues to solidifies the Big East Basketball dominance while changing the strength of the football league. For many years one of the advantages/disadvantages has always seems to be the Big East is a torso league, then seems to set-up a top, middle, and lower-tier team system as exists in other conferences. Thoughts? And how do you see this affecting conference perception and the strength of the ?top-tier? teams whoever they may be?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:58 PM)

I think there has to be a clear top to the league. If Louisville, Cincinnati, Rutgers continue to make their strides and Boise State continues its run, I think these 4 teams would have a chance to be ranked every year. But I could be wrong on that.

Vic (Ohio)

What TV market is going to want to broadcast the BE Conference Championship game? It is not like the BIG 10 or any other major conference.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:59 PM)

The one that spans the entire nation!

Chris (DC)

Maybe a recruit was gonna go to Rutgers to stay close to his family until he saw the light and wanted to win championships with Urban and Ohio State #winning

Andrea Adelson

  (4:59 PM)

I will stay on an extra 10 minutes since I was gone with my phone call/Internet issues.

Vic (Ohio)

The conference champs would be Big 10, Pac 12, Sec and Big 12. you will not see ACC or Big East

Andrea Adelson

  (4:59 PM)

What if they are undefeated?

Red and Black! (Finneytown, OH)

Any word on how divisions will break down? I hope UC stays in the East.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:59 PM)

Nothing yet.

Chris (DC)

The issue with Louisville going to the BigXII isn't about Louisville - it's about finding team #12. If there was an obvious team #12, Louisville would already be gone, but BYU has caught Notre Dame-itis about being independent and Cinci/Rutgers/UConn doesn't pull their own weight in the BigXII financially

Andrea Adelson

  (5:00 PM)

It's more than that for BYU. They have their own TV network and that has been a major stumbling block in talks with the Big 12 and Big East and a major reason why they left the MWC.

Red and Black! (Finneytown, OH)

Vic don't be silly. ABC just broadcast the C-USA title game, the MAC title is on ESPN.

Mike (NYC)

Apologies, meant 4 highest ranked conference champs.

Andrea Adelson

  (5:01 PM)

Oh OK, Mike. What if the fourth-highest ranked champ is down around No. 16?

Jay (Rutgers)

Jumping on the four team playoff question. How long until the money rolling in from that tournament opens the BCS's and conference president's eyes to how stupid they have been with refusing to have a playoff?

Andrea Adelson

  (5:02 PM)

I mean it should have been obvious years ago when they were offered all that money for a 16-team playoff. I just do not understand how they cannot see how much $ this could bring in. They see the dollar signs in everything else. This is a business.

Cincy Fan! (Wyoming, OH)

When can the league begin negotiationg the TV contract. The $ figures will really tell if all of this is successful or not. Sad to say this is about greed.

Andrea Adelson

  (5:04 PM)

You are right. The $$ will determine. I think either way the Big East was set up to get more $$ because of the explosion of television rights deals.

Rob (Boise, ID)

To Vic: I assure you, Boise State this last season would've beat the socks off the Big Ten, Pac-12, and Big-12 Champs. Get real, buddy.

Chris (DC)

The 4 teams for the playoff would either have to be the top 4 in the BCS rankings with a provision like there can't be 3 teams from 1 conference, or, there would have to be a selection committee like in BB. Those are pretty much the only fair ways IMHO

Andrea Adelson

  (5:05 PM)

I agree. I think the BCS would have to be involved.

Purple is Royalty (Charlotte, NC)

Why them... and not us. On paper it seems crazy. Heck even Temple seems like a better choice. Is it because they are so desperate for a quazi West team?

Andrea Adelson

  (5:05 PM)

And a tradition rich hoops program.

Cat-call (Mason, OH)

Any forcasts on Cincy's O-Line next year? Or do you need to wait 'till spring practice to get a feel?

Andrea Adelson

  (5:06 PM)

Yes I want to see who lines up to replace some of the key starters leaving and how they do.

Mike (Tiny bit of Piscataway in DC)

How much does this next season matter to RU Football and our image going forward? Essentially our entire football history has come under Greg Schiano.

Andrea Adelson

  (5:07 PM)

No pressure or anything, but I think this season is absolutely huge for Rutgers. Kyle Flood has to prove that he has the chops to be a head coach, and he has to live up to the pressure and expectations for what could be the most talented team yet. I say could be because 2006 was pretty special. If he cannot win with the talent he has assembled, I think Rutgers fans are going to feel very uneasy.

Bo (New Jersey)

Finally, Memphis and San Diego State on the same gridiron at the same time.

Andrea Adelson

  (5:07 PM)

Hallelujah!

Bearcatvol (Dalton, GA)

I have to admit I feel for the ECU folks. The sell out every week. Compete hard on the football field. They LOOK like a football program. Can we get a recount?

Andrea Adelson

  (5:07 PM)

If East Carolina was like West Carolina ...

Alec (LA, CA)

I know you didn't say that. I'm asking your opinion if the Big East is indeed beneat WVU.

Andrea Adelson

  (5:08 PM)

I think it is hard to argue that the Big East is a better conference than the Big 12, even with Texas calling all the shots.

Chris (DC)

I feel like this has been one of the better college fb blogger chats in the history of espn.com...

Andrea Adelson

  (5:08 PM)

Chris, my hero!

Jay (Rutgers)

Kyle Flood has a heck of a job in front of him. Win soon with a talented roster, and captivate New York City, the media capital of the world, to ensure that enough media goodwill is around to keep the conference relevant. Because form my vantage point, a yearly showdown between a powerful New York City-backed team and Boise State for the conference championship is about the only thing that could save this conference. #LosingHope

Andrea Adelson

  (5:10 PM)

Oh, Jay. Hang on my man. Everything will be OK. It looks bad now, but at least those dern faculty have not shut down the football program!

Vic (Ohio)

I got to go with Chris on his comment about the blog.

Andrea Adelson

  (5:10 PM)

Woop woop!

BE Fan (Philly)

Thanks AA! Gonna do a chat tomorrow too????

Andrea Adelson

  (5:11 PM)

No chat tomorrow, everyone, I have something else to take care of.

Andrea Adelson

  (5:11 PM)

OK everybody, thanks for joining me for the BEST CHAT IN THE HISTORY OF THE ESPN.COM WORLD! I appreciate you bearing with me during my technical difficulties. Have a great weekend!