If you could make 1 change to the big east, what would it be

[Bill Marsh]

The 1 change I would make has nothing to do with the membership roster or an interconference challenge.

My change would be to improve the conference's communication, and efficiency.

It appears that when the Catholic 7 decided, once and for all, to depart from the old Big East, they did so with a tremendous desire to distinguish themselves from the old league as much as possible. A good thing, IMO, was that basketball had to be the central sport driving the decisions for the league. I hope, though, that the mandate for the league to be basketball-driven does not equate with being anti-football. In other words, if Memphis, Cincinnati, or UConn are ever on the table, assuming those schools could have suitable long-term homes for football only, I would hope the Big East would consider adding them.

More importantly, I get the impression that the C7, and by extension, the three additions, are trying so hard to distinguish themselves as a new, different league unlike the old Big East that they're making mistakes along the way. I'm not talking awful, conference-killing mistakes, just problems that don't have to be there. For instance, in the old league, as in most other conferences, the presidents get the ultimate say-so in conference decisions, but the presidents surround themselves with advisors and consult very closely with their athletic directors. In the new league, AD's have often been kept in the dark about plans for the league (such as the process for choosing the commissioner). Maybe the presidents were so frustrated from having to make compromises they didn't feel comfortable making that they decided, with this fresh new start, they should run the league secretively. The problem with being so secretive, though, is that it leaves fans in the dark. It's like pulling teeth to find news for the league, whereas the other power conferences make sure they're maintaining adequate publicity. Furthermore, I fail to see how healthy it is for a president-AD relationship to keep the AD's in the dark. The lack of input from the AD's may well have caused the decision for a commissioner to be delayed until the eleventh hour. This caused Ackerman, who already would have faced an uphill climb in creating this startup league had she started in May or April, to be even further behind. There still is no office. There still is no website. Even the facebook and twitter pages scarcely have significant new information. So, indeed, before concerning itself with other matters, the league (and the presidents behind it) needs to improve communication within the league, especially with the AD's, and with the public.

Your right, the new Big East should consider letting in some football schools. Memphis and Temple will be begging the Big East to let them in when they realize their football programs aren't good enough for the major conferences. UCONN and Cincinnati will either go to the ACC or Big 10. Memphis and Temple will join on our terms , not theirs. These 2 schools are way better then Dayton and St. Louis and I get the feeling the Big East is waiting to see what happens with football before they expand. Makes all the sense in the world.
The new Big East can't take chances with mid major schools hoping they become better. They have to add established programs to be competitive with the ACC. I've been a Big East fan since 1985 and I'd hate to see this great league get watered down with mid major schools.

I agree that Memphis & Temple would be great additions. Believe it or not, Memphis thinks they're in line for a spot in the Big XII when/if that league expands . . . assuming of course that the Big XII survives and isn't picked over itself.

[Bill Marsh]

I'm not sure how Villanova would feel about adding another Philly school with Temple?

Then they should suggest a construvtive alternative on the East Coast. Maybe VCU?

[Omaha1]

I agree that Memphis & Temple would be great additions. Believe it or not, Memphis thinks they're in line for a spot in the Big XII when/if that league expands . . . assuming of course that the Big XII survives and isn't picked over itself.

There aren't many schools that would be a worse philosophical or academic fit than Memphis. Just saying.

[DanofXav76]

Great point on VCU. I must be missing someting as I hear Richmond mentioned as an expansion candidate more than them. Same geographic area. Must be something in their profile not fitting the BE?

[Jet915]

Great point on VCU. I must be missing someting as I hear Richmond mentioned as an expansion candidate more than them. Same geographic area. Must be something in their profile not fitting the BE?

It has EVERYTHING to do with their profile not fitting the BE. Large public institution which may or may not want football in the future. If VCU was Virginia Catholic University, they would be in the Big East already. Memphis is the same as well.

[JOPO]

I'm not sure how Villanova would feel about adding another Philly school with Temple?

Why is everyone always so afraid of hurting Villanova's feelings by adding Temple? Are they afraid of the competition? Seriously, no one gave a rat's ass when Rutgers was admitted to the Big East. At the time Temple at least added great basketball even if football was mediocre. Rutgers was horrible in everything and only dragged down the RPI of the conference. I also wasn't too thrilled that because they had no real rival that the conference forced Seton Hall to play them twice every year! Who did we piss off to deserve that!? Why the Big Ten took them over UConn still confuses the crap out of me.

I'm Temple deemphasizes football (drop to 1AA) then take them if it is decided to go beyond ten. Villanova should not get to dictate who is in and who is not if the majority decides it is best for the conference. Just my opinion but any school looking to be a part of the Big East should not be playing 1A football, even if they play it badly. I don't want members who are always looking for greener football pastures. This goes for UConn and Memphis as well.

I actually like staying at ten. True round robin and less mouths to feed. What does everyone see as a benefit to going to more than ten?

[DanofXav76]

For the record I'm a huge proponent to stay at ten. Absolutely love the pure home and home schedule. Truly believe that is the way to go.

[Bill Marsh]

I agree that Memphis & Temple would be great additions. Believe it or not, Memphis thinks they're in line for a spot in the Big XII when/if that league expands . . . assuming of course that the Big XII survives and isn't picked over itself.

There aren't many schools that would be a worse philosophical or academic fit than Memphis. Just saying.

No argument here. Was just thinking in terms of basketball.

[Bill Marsh]

Great point on VCU. I must be missing someting as I hear Richmond mentioned as an expansion candidate more than them. Same geographic area. Must be something in their profile not fitting the BE?

It has EVERYTHING to do with their profile not fitting the BE. Large public institution which may or may not want football in the future. If VCU was Virginia Catholic University, they would be in the Big East already. Memphis is the same as well.

Big difference in many ways between VCU and Memphis. BTW, no hint that VCU has any interest in football. No one knows what the distant future may bring, but we can say that for anyone. Heck, a few years ago it appeared that Villanova was going FBS football.

[Bill Marsh]

For the record I'm a huge proponent to stay at ten. Absolutely love the pure home and home schedule. Truly believe that is the way to go.

Yes, it makes complete sense.