Andrea Adelson

  (4:00 PM)

Who's got questions?

Nigel (Kingston JA)

Keep up the Great work? Why did the Big East decide to add Memphis and re add Temple?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:01 PM)

I think you probably can guess -- big TV markets and it helps the basketball side.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:01 PM)

And Temple is not added yet, by the way.

Anthony (Avenel, NJ)

If the Temple-to-Big East deal becomes a reality, does this mean that the Big East is finally stable, or should we expect to see still more comings and goings in the next 2-5 years?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:01 PM)

I don't think anything is stable in college football. To believe that things are never going to change again is being naive. Look at the events of the last two years. I've gotta believe that there is more to come at some point down the line.

BearcatTerritory (Cincinnati)

A week or two ago, Whit Babcock (Cincy AD) stated that he was dusting off the Nippert Stadium expansion plans, which have been collecting dust since their completion, shortly after Kelly transferred to Notre Dame. I dona??t believe the plans have been published. I do believe Whit Babcock was hired for his past fund-raising success and to sell proposed Nippert box seats to high-paying donors. Have you seen these plans in private or heard what they entail?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:02 PM)

I will be speaking with Whit very soon and will ask him this very question, so stay tuned!

Zac (Ohio)

How do you like being the blogger for the Big East? Do you take a lot of heat from the other conference bloggers about your conference becoming irrelevant? And what do you think it would take for the BigEast to gain some national respect? I personally love seeing teams like Cuse and Rutgers showing signs of life

Andrea Adelson

  (4:03 PM)

I love my job, and I hope that comes through in my writing. Getting to write about college football for a living has always been a dream of mine, and the conference does not matter much. As for national respect, it has to be getting multiple teams into the Top 10 and national championship conversation year in and year out.

Kevin (Pittsburgh)

2 questions. Do you think with a year of experience our OL will be better than last year? (cant get much worse)...Second, do you think Dan Mason will be able to play again?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:04 PM)

I have not heard much on Mason, but I will check next time I speak with Pitt coaches. Thanks for checking on him. As for the OL, I have to believe the group will be better, simply because it will be going back to more of a pro-style system and that generally is the system OL prefer.

Jordan (Lakeland, Fl)

Work with me here. Imagine my question is if all conferences were looking for possible new members regardless of geography. Does USF?s recent hot streak in basketball make them any more attractive?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:05 PM)

I don't think a recent hot streak is going to do it.

Pete (Chicago)

Soooooo Temple would now be what.. 13 schools for football when its all said and done, not counting future departures? you think they tell Villanova to step their game up and get them in as #14 with Navy in 2015?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:06 PM)

I don't even know that Nova would want to move up if Temple joins. It would be really, really difficult to compete with another FBS team right down the street. My theory is that at some point Louisville leaves. I don't know that the Big East will be in a rush to get to 14, and would sit back and wait to see what the Big 12 does. The only reason Temple is a rush is because it needs a team for 2012.

Sean (NJ)

If the big 12 is looking east for expansion do you believe they consider Rutgers and UConn? Would that be the final straw for a basketball/football split?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:06 PM)

Louisville would be atop that list.

Cal (Cuse)

Syracuse plays 3 bcs non conference opponents next season: Northwestern, USC, Minnesota. What do you think their record will be in those games?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:06 PM)

I am going to guess 1-2 for right now.

VanHouston (Houston)

Why does Big East not want to add Houston early? We have the next best program after Boise out of the teams that are being added and we have rich history during SWC days ( 4 SWC titles since we joined late during the life of SWC)

Andrea Adelson

  (4:07 PM)

I have not check with Houston but it may have been an issue with them not wanting to leave early.

Lauren (Michigan)

Now that Boise State is staying one more year, do you think they can get a Big East team to play in Boise for their 13th game? Maybe Rutgers plays someone with a pulse?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:08 PM)

Oh Rutgers is playing someone with a pulse -- added Arkansas. The problem there is the Big East teams missing a nonconference game -- Cincinnati, Syracuse, Pitt -- all want a home game. Boise wants a home game, too.

Jim (Tennessee)

Do you think the non-football BE schools killed the conference helping financially to bring Boise St. in this year to keep their portion of the WV money?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:09 PM)

Great question, and it is one I do not have an answer to just yet.

Adam (philly)

Will temple be offering free pudding pops at the Linc for anyone who shows up?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:09 PM)

Mmmmm. Sign me up!

Ryan (Ohio)

Did Villanova bless these talks with Temple?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:09 PM)

I don't think the talks would have gotten this far without some sort of head nod from Nova.

Anthony (Arlington, VA)

On a scale of 1 to 10, If you are a Big East President or AD what is your level of frustration with the Big East and the way they have handled bringing in a new memeber in time for the 2012 season? They way I see it is they should have had a sure fire back up in place before letting West Virginia leave.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:10 PM)

Again, it is not John Marinatto making these decisions in some cave somewhere. The presidents are the ones who vote on expansion, so clearly they are the ones that had a say in whether to give Boise State $$ to join a year early. I definitely agree there should have been a contingency plan back in October for what to do if WVU left early.

Tony (Cleveland )

AA, Now with Boise state not coming I am feeling very saddened by the Big East actions, it seems we really are catering to the BB schools no matter how hard I deny this. I see the BE being broken up by 2014. so where does this leave the Bearcats in this scenario. I have a few friends in the BIG who believe we would be a great fit but because of OSU thats a not likely scenario. Do you think there is some what of a chance, and if not where else besides the B12 do you see a future for us. Also if you had to put a percentage on us winning either outright or a share of the big east title what would say it is?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:11 PM)

I think Big 12 would be a more likely fit than the Big Ten. Percentage on a share of the Big East title this year ... 40 percent.

Brian (Ohio)

This realignment is getting ridiculous. Do you think Boise State would be better off staying in the MWC and joining this "merger" MWC/CUSA? Seriously, adding Temple in football because they got to beat up on directional Michigan every other week?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:12 PM)

I still think Boise State makes more $$$ in the new Big East than the MWC/CUSA merger. And gets more TV exposure.

Doug (Tampa)

A.A few questions and points to make. Can you give us facts supporting that the BE did nothing to help Boise come in this year and not just speculation. Also what if any word on Temple(the latest) on them coming on board. Again Im a fan of You'rs, please dont get caught up in the ESPN hype that bashes the BE. Keep it real.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:14 PM)

I don't know that I can supply more fact than the statement from Boise State President Bob Kustra. "all of the expenses associated with early entry into the two conferences would not be covered." Who else would Kustra be referring to other than the Big East not covering expenses. You don't need to take a cheap shot at ESPN, either. You should know that I keep it real by now after almost a year on this blog. My opinions are my own. .. As for Temple, they are working on it but I haven't heard that it's a done deal.

Jamie (Sioux Falls, SD)

If Temple actually does make the move to the Big East, can they actually be competitive this time? Sure, the Owls were a contender in the MAC, but they weren't exactly running through that conference either.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:15 PM)

I think they would be more competitive than they were the last time, but I don't know that they will be able to win the conference right away. Temple made huge strides in the MAC but felt short of a league title there.

Dave (Oxford)

What type of expectations should Cincinnati fans have of the Bearcats this year?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:16 PM)

Cincinnati will definitely be in a bowl game. I cannot give you a record until the schedule is complete, though. I think they were No. 3 in my latest power rankings.

Kevin (Washington, DC)

Hey Andrea, any prediction on who will be starting QB for Rutgers this fall?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:17 PM)

Nova.

BE FAN (Providence)

to Zac when has Syracuse shown signs of life lately in FB?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:17 PM)

Hey watch it now, 2010 there was a lot of life!

Kevin (Pittsburgh)

With Ike Bennett playing well at the end of the season and Shell coming in as a western PA superstar, do you think Ray gets the ball as much as he did last year, or does PC take some burden off of him and protect him for the NFL?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:19 PM)

The RB rotation is definitely going to be one I want to watch develop at Pitt this year. All indications point to Ray being on pace during his rehab and ready for the start of the season. You never know how a player is going to come back from an ACL injury. I think all of that is going to depend on Ray and how much of the load he can carry, and how well Ike and Rushel do during camp. Wisconsin was not a one-back team, and I don't expect Pitt to be, either.

josh (Louisville)

Hey AA. In your expert opinion do you think Louisville will end up in the big 12? And if so what does that mean for the big east?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:19 PM)

I think that is an eventuality, though I don't know when it happens. What does it mean for the Big East -- the league is going to survive, it just means there are some teams left that other leagues covet.

Jamie (Sioux Falls, SD)

Ok, somebody already asked my original question, so here's another bonus one: my general sense is that the next big domino to fall with regards to conference expansion is Notre Dame, who might decide to join a league after their TV deal with NBC expires in 2015. If that happens, would their most likely landing point be the Big 10, or is there a chance in the world that the Big East might be able to land them? And if they do go to the Big 10, is Rutgers the logical partner to join them?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:20 PM)

There has been recent talk about the ACC. I don't see the Big East happening.

Ryan (Ohio)

I mentioned yesterday that I thought that the 8 Catholic basketball schools were probably on the verge of leaving due to complaints about the expanded footprint and not getting to play each other twice a year in basketball? Do you think they will use Temple's inclusion in the Big East as an excuse to bolt?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:21 PM)

Well the basketball members have to be onboard with this decision, and this is clearly shifted toward helping out the basketball side. I don't see why this move would be the last straw. Adding another football-only school would be much more damaging in that regard.

Adam (Philly)

Pitt started their season ticket campaign today with 2 TBD games. Do you think the remaining games that Big East schools will sign will be MAC schools if Temple does bolt or are we looking at 1-AA?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:23 PM)

I don't know that there would be holes in the MAC schedules. They are transitioning to a 14-team league for this year, but have been at 13 teams for quite some time. So they would just re-do the conference sked. MAC only plays 8 league games. I don't know what these other teams are going to do.

Strongtino (The State of Kentucky, not the school.)

Louisville will obviously be the next in line to head out, most likely to the Big 12...as they are the last of the "big" programs in both major sports. What do you think happens to the remaining "big name" basketball programs like UConn/Georgetown/Marquette etc? Just stuck in the new Big East or will they try to convince a big conference to take them? I'm specifically interested in UConn as their bball program could be a major program not in a major conference.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:24 PM)

I am sure the ultimate for UConn is an eventual invite to the ACC, which they pushed hard for after Pitt and Syracuse left. Georgetown/Marquette -- stay in the Big East or maybe a hoops split. All those are scenarios that have been thrown out there.

David (Rutherford, NJ)

Do you see the Orange in a bowl game this year?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:24 PM)

I have them last in my power rankings now, but want to see how spring ball goes before I start thinking about that. They would be on the bubble.

Ryan (Ohio)

Why didn't Marinatto just wait on the Memphis announcement a week and make their invitation based upon joining in 2012? He should have known the courts weren't going to hold WVU to their word

Andrea Adelson

  (4:26 PM)

Another good question that lacks an answer.

Jay (Rutgers)

TEMPLE?Didn't we kick them out because there were more people tailgaiting for Sunday than for their own games?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:27 PM)

I believe so, Jay. And I was at a game at the Vet between Miami and Temple back when I covered the Canes and it was not a pretty sight.

Anthony (Arlington )

Do you see Temple and Rutgers turning into a big rivalry given geographic proximity and the fact both teams are playing decent football?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:27 PM)

I will pose that one to the Rutgers fans. Go!

Matt nj [via mobile]

Why do people assume its the BBall schools messing up the conference? To me it's clear it's the FB schools who aren't on the same page and can't be trusted.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:28 PM)

Everybody is acting like they are on an episode of 24. Gotta protect their own backs, but there is no Jack Bauer to come and save the day. Ultimately I think there has been a lack of leadership and vision from all sides. Everybody is equally to blame.

Chris (DC)

Yes, John Marinatto answers to the presidents, but he still has to be a visionary and sell the presidents ideas. It's not like Jim Delany is just sitting in his office all day, twiddling his thumbs, waiting for a university president to come up ideas for him like the Big Ten Network, expanding up to 12 teams, or playoff scenarios...

Andrea Adelson

  (4:29 PM)

You are absolutely right. I wrote that in a column last week. But the presidents ultimately are the ones who can buy into the vision. Maybe John M. did not do a good enough job selling it. But I am more inclined to believe that this league still believes it is beholden to basketball despite the changing landscape.

Chris (Tampa)

Attendance at Temple wasn't a pretty site? You mean just like Pitt?!

Andrea Adelson

  (4:29 PM)

Badum-bum! Hey that will be the ACC's problem soon, right?

Brian (Ohio)

Anthony, Rutgers vs. Temple is a pillow fight.

Kevin (Washington, DC)

With Geno Smith gone to the Big 12 and Mo Sanu leaving for the NFL, who do you think will end up as Big East Offensive POTY?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:29 PM)

Ray Graham!

RUDirtyJersey (Denver)

NO SHOT on Temple and Rutgers becoming a rivalry

Kevin (NJ)

Temple/Rutgers would be a rivalry given that North Jersey fans hate ALL Phily Fans .

Bigg Edd (Somerset NJ)

A.A., first great blog. I love it. Please keep it going. My question is if the proposed move to add Temple does not matriculate, what would the B.E's next move be? I have also heard rumors of the possibility of Texas and Oklahoma going to the Pac 12. If they do, would the B.E. moving and merge with the teams that are left? Finally, will Hamilton coming to RU play his freshman season and have an impact? Thanks!

Andrea Adelson

  (4:31 PM)

You are too kind. Thanks. Texas and Oklahoma are in the Big 12 for the next several years based on an agreement with the league. Now what happens in 5 years? Who knows. The Pac-12 already tried twice to land them so I wonder if the third time is the charm. If that happens, then I have no idea what happens to the Big 12/Big East with all of this new expansion. ... I think we will have to wait and see on Hamilton.

Jamie (Sioux Falls, SD)

To respond to Anthony's question. Whether Temple/Rutgers becomes a decent rivalry depends a lot on whether: A.) Temple can be a legitimately competitive team in the Big East and B.) Rutgers doesn't slide back into mediocrity under Kyle Flood. If both teams are playing well and are legit BE title contenders, then I think the rivalry will have some juice - at least as much as a Temple/Rutgers rivalry can have.

Rob (Boise)

Boise State = Jack Bauer

Bullie (Tampa)

What do you think about USFs hire of University of San Diego Wr coach of 3 seasons Jerome Pathon? He has tremendous NFL experience, and is described to be very technical in his approach and having an infectiously upbeat personality which should translate to recruiting. Any chance you have had a chance to talk with Him or Holtz, and what do you think of the hire?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:33 PM)

I have not had a chance to talk to him just yet, but all the reports I have gotten have been nothing but positive. Any time you can get a proven NFL WR turned coach has to be a positive because I think players will definitely listen. San Diego also is a good breeding ground for coaches as well. This position has been one that has underachieved for several years now, so I think Holtz made the right move here.

Chris (DC)

Yes, the presidents of the Big East can be stubborn and slow to change, but, the Pac-12 presidents hold onto the academic prestige of their conference more than the Big East holds onto its basketball prestige and Larry Scott got the Pac-12 to agree to add Oklahoma State and Texas Tech before the deal fell through. John Marinatto is just terrible at being a salesmen and getting people to buy into the bigger picture

Andrea Adelson

  (4:34 PM)

You make a good point. Remember, Marinatto also comes from the old-school basketball beliefs as well.

Conner (Louisville, Ky)

You don't think Teddy B. will have any chance at offensive POY next year? What if they win the Big East?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:35 PM)

I didn't say he had no chance. He certainly is in the mix. I just gave 1 name.

RUDirtyJersey (Denver)

Chances Rutgers is ranked by the time we play Arkansas on Sept 23rd? chances we can beat them this year in Fayetville?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:35 PM)

That all depends on preseason ranking. I have seen Rutgers ranked in a few of the way too early Top 25s. I think Arkansas wins.

Terry ('the Burgh)

Why did it take all this chaos to wake up the powers-that-be in Providence? What-ifs are easy, but if Big John & The Procrastinators had simply asked Boise to join with TCU, Pitt

Andrea Adelson

  (4:36 PM)

Yes I know. I also made that point last week in a column. Does that keep Pitt and Syracuse in? We will never know.

Dave (Charlotte, NC)

I've felt all along that WVU's $20 million payment was to help the league lure a team for 2012 play to replace WVU and to also help each member fill its schedule from the reneging of TCU. To not use it for Boise and instead spread that money around the Big East schools as "comfort" money is irresponsible. Marinatto, and everyone else who voted for this should be ashamed.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:37 PM)

Before casting judgment, first we need to find out where the $$ is going. I saw the schools were going to split it up, but I would like to find out, if I can, what went into the negotiations with Boise.

Dan (Valley Forge, PA)

The Vet days were the darkest of days for the Owls. It's not exactly Beaver stadium at the Linc now, but the trend line is definitely going in the right direction. I have a theory I call the Smarty Jones Theory. No one in Philly knew a thing about horses before Smarty Jones and then all of a sudden after Smarty wins the Ky Derby the City loves horse racing. If Temple wins, the seats will be filled.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:38 PM)

How many seats will be filled?

A Husky Man (Hartford)

Seems like the best thing to do is bite the bullet for one year and have a crappy schedule this fall loaded with what ever cannon fodder we can load it with... than pay a long term penalty of bringing in Temple. Your thoughts?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:38 PM)

The vibe I am getting is that nobody is in favor of Temple being added, except the Temple fans. Yes?

Sean (Tampa)

A.A., I keep seeing that USF is predicted to finish near the bottom of the BE just about everywhere for the coming season. Do people really expect that bad a season from the Bulls or is it predicting with extreame caution after last season? Seems to me like they have the talent to seriously compete.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:39 PM)

Well they had the talent last year, too, right? I think people are tired of buying into USF every year, only to look silly when they fall short in conference play. My prediction is based on extreme caution. I want to see them actually put a complete season together!

RUDirtyJersey (Denver)

NO TEMPLE, there is a reason we kicked them out 7 years ago

Ryan (Ohio)

i like Temple---I just think Marinatto is a bonehead for not giving Memphis a 2012 untimatum when he had the chance.

Full of Bull (St. Pete)

Also, ECU, UNLV or Colorado State seem a heck of a lot better option. UNLV gives you good hoops, and an awesome place to visit.... plus a bowl game for our west teams. Colorado State... Denver. ECU an excited fan base. Temple... good cheese steaks?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:40 PM)

You are forgetting basketball. UNLV would be the best of that group, but football is terrible and I think the BE is at its limit with terrible football programs added.

Kevin (Washington, DC)

I would rather play Temple than a cupcake game against an FCS team. The conference is already ridiculous with SDSU coming in, what difference does it make adding Temple?

Ryan (Ohio)

What are your thoughts on the Big East filling out the schedule with some rematches? No one's SOS suffers from playing 2 FCS schools and no one has to write a check to a rent-a-victim/

Andrea Adelson

  (4:40 PM)

That is something that has been discussed, but I don't think any school wants to do it. Which is why you are seeing this move to get a team in for 2012.

Brian (Johnstown, PA)

Pitt's football home football schedule is looking bad this year. Is it John Marinatto's fault if they don't have two teams the caliber of TCU and WVU on the home schedule this year, or is it Pitt's president.. i.e. does he vote on allowing TCU and WVU to leave early and create those voids in their schedule?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:42 PM)

I don't think anybody was in favor of allowing TCU and WVU out early. I think the fault lies with expansion. If Pitt hadn't decided to leave for the ACC, do all these other moves happen? It's a great question.

Jon (NYC)

Andrea, if Temple comes in without waiting the 2 years in their current terms, does that give Syracuse and Pitt even more ammunition to leave sooner?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:42 PM)

Well again, Pitt AD said the other day he does not want to pay more than $5 million to leave the Big East. Sounds like finances might come into play there.

Doug (Tampa)

When WVU was in court (before the Big 12 released their schedule) it was reported that the Big 12 had to release their schedule to the networks by a certain date. Does the BE have the same type of contract with TV networks? I know we still have uncertanity with number of teams but when do u see a BE schedule coming out?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:43 PM)

I don't think the BE sked comes out until everybody has their holes filled.

Mitch (West Chester {Ohio not New York or Pennsylvania})

A lot of Cincinnati fans have been talking about wanting to get out of the Big East as quickly as possible, but I was just thinking about all of the debt Cincinnati already had because of its last conference switch. Do you think these financial problems would affect Whit Babcock's decision on switching to a new conference if the situation were to present itself?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:44 PM)

I am not going to speak for Whit, but I think Cincinnati would find a way to make a move if it appeared the Big East was losing other members AND Cincinnati got an invite to what appeared to be a more stable conference.

Ryan (Ohio)

What is the sentiment in the MAC's war room? Wouldn't letting Temple go, bagging a fee from the Owls' departure, and then either renigging on UMass or finding another FCS upgrade not be too bad of a deal for them?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:45 PM)

The MAC obviously wants Temple to stay for the required two-year waiting period. But again, how do you hold a school heck-bent on leaving?

Bearcats 4-ever (Indianapolis, IN)

I think the TV money check from another league might take care of any of your questions on that topic Mitch. Go 'Cats!

Rob (Boise)

What would it take to keep Pitt and Syracuse in the Big East? If Boise State and Houston were both added for the 2012 season, would that strengthen the conference enough for Pitt & Syracuse to reconsider leaving? Or was WVU's departure the determining factor?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:46 PM)

The determining factor was Pitt and Syracuse being the first to leave. They are not changing their minds.

Conner (Louisville, Ky)

I actually don't mind the addition of Temple. They're a decent basketball program, and with UofL, Cincy, Rutgers, and maybe Boise St. forming an upper tier in the conference, you need a few teams like Memphis, Temple, UCF, UConn, Syracuse, etc. to form the middle and lower tiers of the conference.I think a lot of the Big East's issues weren't that all the teams are bad, its that they are all on a very even level, and so they beat each other up, whereas other conferences have a very defined upper tier and lower tier of teams.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:47 PM)

Interesting point of view, Conner, though I think UCF and UConn quibble with your evaluation of them :) And you won't have Syracuse to kick around anymore!

Big Bomb (New Brunswick NJ)

Since the East is bringing in Temple, is there a chance Idaho could be add in the future too (I'm joking)? Don't like the Temple move, but that may be the ONLY option. Is there another option istead of Temple?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:47 PM)

Oh sure there are other options. Like paying Boise some $$ to come in a year early.

Conner (Louisville, Ky)

Well, we'll have them to kick around for 1-2 more seasons, at least ;).

Bryan (Atlanta)

When Boise to the Big East first became a real talking point it seemed to be clear that it depended on a team like Air Force or BYU also joining for a Rocky Mountain traveling partner. With San Diego State is Boise a little miffed? California and Texas are both very far from Idaho.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:48 PM)

Boise State would not have signed on if it was miffed.

Dave (Charlotte, NC)

With the scheduling debaucle of 2012, Pitt and Syracuse have all the ammunition they need to leave in 2013. The Big East's actions (and inactions) cost them millions this year. They will not need to pay to leave early.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:48 PM)

I don't think they leave without having to pay.

Stephen (Syracuse)

In response to "do the other moves still happen?" I'd say yes, but only because of Missouri going to the SEC. B12 would still need a replacement, and probably would still look to WVU. Then Pitt and Cuse would have looked for the ACC. So, perhaps only the order of teams leaving would have changed, but the moves would likely still have happened.

Ryan (Ohio)

have any of the bowls affiliated with the Big East said anything to affirm their commitment to the Big East/ express reservations about the new line up?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:49 PM)

Well they are only locked in for the next two seasons. Then the bowl contracts change.

Bearcatvol (Dalton, GA)

I think the smart thing to do is stagger Temple's entry. (if we are going to jump off that dubious cliff) Negotiate to get them out of the MAC early. Then have them play out the typical 2 years in the A-10 for hoops and other sports. That way they can leave for the minimum amount. There is no hurry to get them here for hoops... yet they still would get that reward they covet just in '13-'14 instead of '12-'13.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:50 PM)

I am sure all scenarios are under discussion.

Jay (Rutgers)

How much do you think the defense of RU was based on Schiano's schemes instead of raw talent?And in a similar vein, do you think Pitt moving back to the pro set will lead to a much better season ala RU from 2010 to 2011?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:51 PM)

I think Schiano's schemes had a great deal to do with the success of the team last year, no question about it. Sure there are some talented players, but I don't recall folks raving about the talent on Rutgers defense before the season started. ... Pitt *should* be in line for a better season, but it's not as if Tino Sunseri was an all-star in the pro-style offense, either. And the defense is losing some really, really good players as well.

Conner (Louisville, Ky)

Dave: Pitt and Syracuse leaving (and TCU being let out early) are what caused WVU to jump ship. Then WVU suing to get out early caused the scheduling issues.You could lay a good part of the blame at the feet of Pitt and Cuse for starting it all. Plus the bylaws are still in effect, so they are gonna have to pay to get out no matter what.

RUDirtyJersey (Denver)

any predictions for Savon Huggins this year?I am thinking he will rush for a around 1,000 yards and 10TD's

Andrea Adelson

  (4:53 PM)

What about Mr. Jamison??? I think carries are going to be split.

ghostdaduc (Clifton)

Andrea the only D-1 FBS teams left with schedule openings are Nebraska, Boise, Hawaii, Nevada, North Texas and Mizzou. Do you see the remaining Big East teams having a possiblity of playing any of these teams or are they destined to play 2 FCS teams this year?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:53 PM)

I think that all depends on whether any of those teams are willing to travel to Big East territory. As I mentioned before, the BE teams are in need of a home game.

Anthony (Arlington )

Which Big East players do you think have the most to gain/lose at combine?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:55 PM)

Most to gain -- Darrell Scott for sure. Most to lose -- I don't know that anybody fits in that category because there really is no sure-fire first-rounder right now. I don't think anybody is losing their spot is what I am saying.

Dave (Charlotte, NC)

Connor: Read Stephen's comment above about order. Every single Big East team would jump to any of the big 5 conferences in a second, if given the invite.

Big Bomb (New Brunswick NJ)

@RUDirty Jersey, I think the RB spot is JJ's to lose. Sav coming off an injury, he's going to have to prove he is healty first and then ready to handle the load second.

USF FAN (Tampa)

Glad everyone is selling USF short this upcoming year. USF was a play away from winning most of their games they lost. They correct the mistakes and play to the potential and I see USF in a BCS bowl.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:55 PM)

Yeah but the good teams make those plays, right? It is the difference between winning and losing.

Chris (DC)

Regardless of who cause who to leave and in what order, can't we all agree that everyone has been trying to ditch this sinking ship since 2003-2004? Regardless of who left and in what order, everyone got an upgrade and would have left regardless. Pointing your finger trying to assign blame is just petty...

Andrea Adelson

  (4:56 PM)

As evidenced by West Virginia's lawsuit against the Big East ... Go back and read it just for fun.

Bearcatvol (Dalton, GA)

When you talk with UC leaders could you ask the question about our schedule? While adding Temple would be nice, but we have 2 spots we have to fill. Is Oberlin available?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:56 PM)

Yes I will ask. One slot is for nonconference, 1 is for conference.

Conner (Louisville, Ky)

Odds on having a Louisville receiver hit 1,000 yards on the season? Or do you think it will be split around enough that no single receiver will get that many yards?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:57 PM)

I also think that the receptions are going to be split. If there is 1 who might have a better chance it's Rogers because of his connection with Bridgewater.

Jon (NYC)

To lay blame on Cuse and Pitt is illogical...If UConn and Rutgers were invited to the ACC instead, they would have jumped on it! Don't hate the player, hate the game!

USFFan (Tampa,FL)

Have you talked to Chris Cosh since he was hired away from Kansas State as DC to USF? What are your impressions on the difference between him and Snyder?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:59 PM)

I did have a chance to speak with him back when he was hired. I think he is going to bring a more aggressive approach to the defense, but before he really talked at length about the players he wanted to get to know them first and study more tape, which is totally understandable.

Conner (Louisville, Ky)

Dave: I agree, every team would jump ship if they could. But Pitt and Syracuse did jump first. Doesn't really matter in the end, probably. Regardless of who jumped first, every team that leaves has to pay its way out. Those are the bylaws.

Adam (Philly)

Does a Big East champion EVER play for a National Championship again?

Andrea Adelson

  (5:00 PM)

An undefeated Big East champion I think benefits from a playoff system. I think the chances are high that an undefeated Big East team would finish in the Top 4 of whatever standings they are going to use to determine who makes it.

Andrea Adelson

  (5:00 PM)

An undefeated Big East champion I think benefits from a playoff system. I think the chances are high that an undefeated Big East team would finish in the Top 4 of whatever standings they are going to use to determine who makes it.

Andrea Adelson

  (5:00 PM)

All right everybody, thanks for joining me today. Another great, lively chat! Have a wonderful weekend, everyone.