Andrea Adelson

  (4:02 PM)

Let's chat!

Whitney (Houston)

It seemed like the BE wanted UCF to be the one to take WVU's spot for the 2012 season...why did UCF not jump early???

Andrea Adelson

  (4:06 PM)

I am pretty sure the Big East wants Boise State first and foremost.

John (Florida)

Should the BE invite Temple in 2012 in all sports and Air Force for football in 2015? 8 schools in 2012, 12 in 2013, and 14 in 2015 would be the result.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:08 PM)

I am not sure Air Force is changing its mind, but I could be wrong on that front. I think staying regionally is quite appealing to the academy, especially with some of its rivalries out west. As long as it can keep Navy on the sked, then I would be interested to see what changes AFA's mind. As for Temple, I think the Owls have a few suitors. The question is whether the Big East wants to go ahead and get to 14 to try to solidify itself further. I think they are fine with 12 for right now.

Sammy (Idaho)

With carl benson leaving the wac for the sun belt conf, is this the end of the wac???

Andrea Adelson

  (4:09 PM)

Great question. I was reading into that as well, when you combine the fact that the new association between the MWC and C-USA mentioned growing to 18-24 teams. I don't know that we can connect the dots there, but it is clear the writing is on the wall for the WAC. If this new association tries to bring in one or two WAC teams, that league is all but finished. Sun Belt seems much more stable at this point, IMO.

Ted Cochell (Boise Idaho)

Andrea, Do you think BSU should go to the Big East this year or next year as planned?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:10 PM)

If the Big East is willing to pony up the $$$ to make it happen, Boise State should make the move. That would give the Broncos more exposure, another year of automatic BCS access, and a better TV deal as well.

Trent (Salt Lake City)

Andrea,I have been a fan of your columns since you started writing for ESPN. I think you first began by covering the Non-AQ's. Lot's of teams to write about as your colleagues focus on their 10 teams. Now you are also covering the Big East. When the BCS is gone and there are no more AQs, will you then replace all the other writes and write for all of college football?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:11 PM)

Very astute of you, Trent! I will not be replacing anybody, merely lending some measure of knowledge to my friends at the Pac-12 and Big 12 blogs. I have a great knowledge base to work with in the Big East now as well!

Murray (Austin, Texas)

What do you believe the impact of the recent arrests on the TCU Football team will have on the 2012-2013 season?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:13 PM)

I will take this question because I have gotten a bunch on here, even though I just handed off TCU coverage to the Big 12. I think this is devastating news for a program headed into an AQ conference. Losing 3 starters is terrible, most specifically Tanner Brock, who was going to be the face of the defense. But the negative publicity on all of this is really damaging. Don't you guys think this is going to be mentioned on TV broadcasts beginning in the fall? Gary Patterson has got a major, major problem on his hands if these affidavits are correct. To me, it almost seems as if he was completely out of touch with what was going on with his players. This does not seem like it was isolated to 4 guys. For a recruit to inform him of drug abuse is a failure of accountability and leadership. Maybe that sounds harsh, but what I have read today from these affidavits is really incredible.

Mike Donovan (Portland, OR)

Any idea what teams the new MWC/CUSA will go after? Are they happy with their current membership or do they want to add to it?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:15 PM)

Given the information we have, it seems as if this new association does want to add schools. Why else would the release state that it could grow from 18 to 24 teams? I think it would be regional in nature. Perhaps they want a toe back in the state of Florida with UCF leaving and grab an FIU. Perhaps they want back into the SLC market and grab Utah State. Maybe add a big market in the north in Temple. I think a lot of options are on the table.

Mack (Houston)

If "The Alliance" kills off the WAC, where will Boise's other sports go?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:16 PM)

Great question. I saw a few possibilities today, including WCC and or maybe the Big West?

Tim (Phoenix)

Andrea, I see the situation developing with the MWC/C-USA and probably the WAC. Aren't they just headed down the same trail the WAC was on when they got 16 teams then split previously?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:17 PM)

I think these are different times. To me, all these leagues seem destined to pick each other off. If they do not form this new entity, then CUSA would raid the Sun Belt, MWC raid the WAC and then there are a lot of homeless teams. I think for geography, scheduling, and $$ reasons, this makes the most sense and guarantees a measure of future survival.

zakk (Boise)

where do you see Boise State's record in their first season in the Big East?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:17 PM)

Well that all depends on WHEN they join!

John M. (Fargo, N.D.)

If the Big XII decides to take Louisville can we just admit that Houston, SMU, Boise State, etc need to find another option. It's Conference USA part Deux.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:17 PM)

What other option would that be exactly? None of the "bigger" conferences have opened their doors to them.

Michael (Provo)

Hey Andrea, greetings from your friends in the land of J-Dawgs and Sammy's Pie Shakes. Have you had a chance to peek at BYU's 2012 schedule released earlier this week? Initial impressions or quick predict on what Cougar's record will look like by the end?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:19 PM)

I had a chance to take a quick glance and will definitely have a fuller breakdown on the blog at some point. November looks just as easy as it did last year. I thought it was interesting that the toughest games are going to be back-to-back -- at Utah/at Boise State in September, then at Notre Dame, at Georgia Tech in October. I have not sat down yet to think about wins and losses. I have to evaluate the opponent as well.

Dave Johnson (Boise Idaho)

BSU is considering the BE move (a reversal from Kustra's statement a couple of days ago) but is in talks with the WAC for their Olympic sports teams, maybe the WAC isn't dead yet?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:21 PM)

No not yet. But maybe soon enough.

Corey (NYC)

Andrea: Who is "America's Team" of College Football? Meaning which team is the most loved and the most hated

Andrea Adelson

  (4:22 PM)

Most hated -- maybe Alabama, though from my seat it is Boise based on all the criticism and negative fan backlash I have seen in the 2 years I have done non-AQs. Most loved -- I don't know. All I see is negative fan reaction to all teams! Haha.

Tony (Richmond, CA)

Are the incidents at TCU, Penn State, and Syracuse, the tip of the iceberg, and par for the course, as opposed to isolated incidents? And with the "win at all cost", "money rules" attitude, prevalent in college athletics, ending no time soon.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:24 PM)

Well, I don't know that you can draw comparisons between the 3. There are plenty of other scandals that have plagued college football in the last three years. I don't know that the "win at all costs" mentality really has anything to do with the TCU situation. Unless you believe Gary Patterson knew what was going on and turned a blind eye. Based on the affidavits I saw from the Dallas Morning News, it looks like he was told by a recruit what was happening. That does not sound like a "win at all costs" mentality. Especially since he immediately kicked all 4 of the players off the team. ... However that mentality is obviously pervasive in college sports, and I don't think there is any end to the scandal. People are always going to try to find a way to game the system. What's the old saying -- it's only cheating if you get caught.

Mack (Houston)

How will the fact that CUSA and MW will cease to exist in 2013 affect the exit fee the teams leaving have to pay? I know they will have to pay the exit fee portion but what about the tv rights part? There won't even be a tv contract for CUSA and the MW. It will be a new league.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:25 PM)

This is just in the beginning discussions, Mack. I don't think all the details have been arranged yet, which is why they are calling themselves an "association" right now. Plenty to work out. I am going to assume that the teams will have to pay their exit fees to the appropriate conference and then there will be a mechanism to determine how it is split.

Chris (DC)

AA, any news on how Mount USA will be able to have semifinals before a CCG? That's not exactly in the NCAA rule book... Will they need a special excemption, or will they use clever scheduling manipulation to achieve it?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:26 PM)

This one goes more to the point of what I just answered ... there are a lot of things they are working on with the NCAA right now to figure out exactly how everything is going to work. I am sure that is one thing that is being addressed.

Greg (Idaho)

Where do schools like Idaho and San Jose St ending up if the WAC collapses?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:27 PM)

Good question, Greg. When this is all over, there is the possibility that some schools might have to drop down a level. I am not saying that is absolutely going to happen. Maybe there will be enough stragglers to form their own conference, or maybe a few other FCS schools will move up. The threat of being homeless is very real.

Nicky G (Philly)

Which non-AQ school has a chance to be plucked by the SEC, ACC, B1G, PAC-12, Big-12? Or do you think Louisville, Cincy, or Rutgers are the next to leave the Big East?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:28 PM)

I do not think any non-AQ school is left for the plucking. Unless you are talking about a few more joining the Big East.

Brent (Boise)

Any chance the new mwc/cusa conference will take the broncos non-football sports? and over under prediction on how the vandals will fare when they inevitably end up back in the big sky? I say fourth, behind the montana schools and eastern washington.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:30 PM)

I don't see why their position would change on Boise State. ... Big Sky has some really competitive football. How do Idaho fans feel about dropping down a level if left homeless? I truly wonder, not as an insult or anything. Akey has to be on the hot seat, right?

Nicholas (Hattiesburg, MS)

What chances do you think my alma mater Southern Miss and say a an equivalent school like East Carolina have of getting into the next round of Big East raiding? Those seem like the 2 logical next choices out of C-USA

Andrea Adelson

  (4:30 PM)

I think Temple would be next in line.

Dave (Out West)

What do you think about Nick Rolovich going to Nevada as the OC?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:32 PM)

You know, I thought it was an unusual hire, when you consider the type of offense Hawaii runs vs. the type of offense Nevada runs. I think Hawaii did introduce some version of the Pistol this year, but I wonder if Ault may be trying to hone in on the passing aspect w/Fajardo next season.

Grumbler (Boise, ID)

MW does have the option of negotiating a lower exit fee for BSU? Was thinking they could both sign a contract for 1-3 OOC MW/CUSA games for 2-4 seasons.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:34 PM)

I don't see how that would benefit Boise State. I think Boise should make the Big East pay. I am not sure how desperate Boise State is to get into the Big East for 2012. I think a lot of fans are desperate for it, but I don't really get that sense from the school itself. Boise is going to have a similar situation in the Big East as it did in the WAC and Mtn West. It cannot just play all 4 of its nonconference games against non-AQs. There are going to have to be some marquee games in there.

Dan (Denver)

How will a potential move out of the Big East by Cinn, Louisville, or UConn affect the football portion of a new TV contract?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:35 PM)

Probably all depends on the market the Big East brings in to replace them. Philadelphia would obviously be huge.

Kit (Las Vegas)

Any chance the Big East would take all of BSU sports this year only and then go to the 2013 football only arrangement next year?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:36 PM)

I have not heard that discussed as a scenario. Would the Big East then be willing to pay the travel costs for all its teams to go to Boise, and for Boise to go east for all basketball, volleyball, et al?

Tim (Phoenix)

Which conference is getting the better deal/bigger boost by creating the association?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:36 PM)

I think both are benefiting equally. Ensures future survival.

Adam Nettina (Ellicott City, MD)

Andrea, how does the Mount USA expansion and madness of expansion play out with FCS programs who may have been considering moving up to the FBS? Are they scared off or encouraged? What of schools like UTSA and UMass moving up in the madness of it all?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:38 PM)

Great questions, Adam. I have not seen either school really make any changes to their decisions. I think the MAC should survive largely intact, save for maybe losing Temple or another team. That league has survived at 13 and now moves up to 14. So if it lost a few it would be totally fine. I would be more worried about UTSA and the WAC.

Mack (Houston)

Do you see the Liberty Bowl going to a Big East tie in now that Memphis is going to the Big East?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:40 PM)

Well it's not as if Memphis played in the Liberty Bowl as C-USA members in recent years! But on a serious note, there is no question that bowl tie-ins are going to change and shift with realignment.

Tim (Phoenix)

Let's try for a subject change. Do you happen to have an idea of when schools are starting Spring Football? I know you cover a lot of schools, but I'm particularly interested in those in the MWC next season (including Boise, whatever they decide to do.)

Andrea Adelson

  (4:40 PM)

Non-AQ spring football preview is tomorrow. I have 7 teams spotlighted, and Boise is one. Spring practice starts March 12 and spring game is April 14.

Keith (Lake Forest, CA)

I don't understand the questions regarding Boise as an all sports member of the Big East. If the Big East were interested in moving one of their football only memberships to an all sports membership, wouldn't San Diego State be the better option?At least SDSU is good at the other major college sport (mens basketball)... Boise's only value is football & the Big East already has that.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:41 PM)

I don't think either is an option. Think about the travel involved in all that for the non-revenue sports. That just don't make sense to me.

Fred (LA) (LA)

Do you find it disgusting what happen to the non-AQ school? How much longer will we have non-AQ school before they move down a division?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:49 PM)

Disgusting? The word I would use is disheartening, and I don't think it covers just the non-AQs but college football in general. I know things change and progress has to be made, but I do really think that maybe it is time for a split so folks can just compete on the level where they belong. That to me is where we are all headed.

Mike (Miami)

What non-AQ teams have the most potential to be a BCS buster in 2012 ?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:50 PM)

I do not think a non-AQ makes a BCS game in 2012. I reserve the right to change my mind before the season begins, once I see how spring ball shakes out.

eric (nashville)

What do you think about the WAC rolling into the MWC/CUSA league and then dividing into 2 conferences?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:51 PM)

I don't know that they would divide into two conferences. I think there maybe an umbrella organization that has separate divisions based on geography, and then that is how you would get your playoff for a conference champion.

Mack (Houston)

If Boise jumps to the Big East this year, who will challenge Houston for the BCS buster rights for this year?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:51 PM)

I think Houston has way too many questions to be considered a BCS buster for this year.

Josh (Wyoming)

UWyo had a strong season last year with a lot of underclassman playing a significant portion of time. Do you see a further upward trajectory, a similar record, or a crash back to a 3-9 team for this next year?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:53 PM)

I liked the progress the team made. I thought Dave Christensen did an excellent job with a true freshman at QB. I do not see a crash back. I think most likely is a similar record.

Adam Nettina (Ellicott City, MD)

Man, my brain needs a break from expansion. Any word from the folks at the draft department on where Bobby Wagner might go? And who are your biggest AQ combine snubs?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:54 PM)

I have not seen much lately on Bobby. I know they were impressed with him after his workouts. I think our NFL guys would be better answering the combine snubs. I only took a glance at the list.

Steve (OHIO)

Will any MAC schools (Temple has been mentioned) eventually end up in the newly created C-USA/MTN West conference?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:54 PM)

I have seen Temple mentioned a few places, but that is the only MAC school I have seen mentioned.

Grumbler (Boise, ID)

Are the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns a viable BCS buster? Was very impressed with their bowl game vs SDSU.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:56 PM)

I think it is going to be really, really hard for a team from the Sun Belt to be a BCS buster. The likelihood of starting the season ranked in the Top 25 is remote, and that always hurts when it comes time to moving up the standings. Second, they have to go undefeated -- Oklahoma State and Florida are on the sked. And third -- their strength of schedule is not going to be good even if they do go undefeated.

Daniel (Meridian)

How will Southern Miss fare next season under their new head coach? They were a couple touchdowns away from a possible Sugar Bowl birth last season and I am hoping they make a bigger splash next go around.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:57 PM)

The interesting thing to me about Southern Miss and a lot of non-AQ teams is how many are going to have rebuilding years. Not only is this team losing its starting QB, it's also losing most of its front seven. Those are gigantic concerns for me going into the year. I still think Southern Miss goes to a bowl game. I just don't know yet who is going to be the favorite in C-USA.

Aaron (Boise)

Time to whip out your crystal ball!! What conference is Boise State in ten years from now?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:58 PM)

Aaron, I don't even know what conferences are going to exist in 10 years!

Dan (Denver)

How big of a step down are the other sports taking for BSU and SDSU, assuming there will be no WAC.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:58 PM)

San Diego State is not joining the WAC for its other sports, just Boise State. I don't think it is ideal to have their sports teams in separate conferences, but you have to make sacrifices in the name of football.

Chris (DC)

AA, for the "homeless WAC teams", I think the following's going to happen: FBS splits, and there's now D1-A (the AQs, Big East, and Mount USA), D1-AA (the MAC, Sun Belt, and some of the better FCS conferences which will obsorb the WAC homeless), and D1-AAA (the rest of the FCS conferences). If you're Idaho, is this the best you can currently hope for?

Andrea Adelson

  (5:00 PM)

Unless the MWC/CUSA absorbs the WAC entirely. Which I don't think is going to happen.

Andrea Adelson

  (5:00 PM)

OK thanks everybody for joining me today! Have a great rest of the week!