The Big East Conference has always been the lowest hanging fruit among the BCS leagues and one that the Mountain West has been nearly on par with over the past few years. With all the conference expansion going on Thompson acknowledged that there have been talks between Air Force and the Big East, however he offers caution in regards to joining the Big East:
"A whole bunch of people are waiting on a whole bunch of other people," Thompson said. Like the Mountain West, the Big East's future could be affected by what the Big 12 and Southeastern Conference decide to do about expansion, Thompson said.
"If I'm one of the service academies or one of the other institutions (pursued by the Big East), I'm going to say, ‘Wait a minute. Who's in your league and do you get to keep your automatic bid (to the Bowl Championship Series)?'" Thompson said. "`And what's your TV package going to look like?'"
Thompson also mentioned that expansion regarding the Big East may carry over into 2012 since that is when their television contract is up. This is also one of the few times where I fully agree with Thompson, Air Force should take a wait-and-see approach to see if their is a Big East to join. Navy has said to be hesitant in joining a league, because they enjoy their independence and do not want to be tied down to a conference schedule. Also, there is news that multiple Big East teams could be joining the Big 12, so there is no reason for Air Force, Navy or even TCU to rush into the Big East.
Speaking of TCU, Craig Thompson offered this comment:
"Just say, ‘Guys, we're not going anywhere, and we might not have the biggest house on the block but we have a roof that's not leaking,'" Thompson said. "That's about all you can do."
Craig Thompson better make an attempt to bring TCU back to the Mountain West, because with the uncertainty of the Big East you never know what their response would be.
Hat tip: Smoove V
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