Memphis to the Big East: What Other Conference Moves Can Still Be Made?

Now that the football season is over, the Big East will take these next several months and try to rebuild its conference.

With the losses of Syracuse, Pittsburgh and eventually West Virginia, the conference is on the verge of becoming irrelevant.

The conference took a big step yesterday by adding Memphis to the Big East in all sports. They will become a member next season as they are leaving the Conference USA after being with them since 1996. Of course the Big East still has tons of work to do, but this is a step in the right direction.

The conference is also expected to add teams such as Central Florida, Houston, SMU, Navy, San Diego State and Boise State in the next few years.

Here are a few moves that the Big East could also make to improve the quality of the conference. (Assuming they'd like to become a 16 team football conference)

East Carolina

The Pirates applied to join the conference a while ago and they have yet to receive a response. East Carolina would add quality to the conference in the football department as they have won six or more games in five of the last six seasons.

East Carolina always has solid attendance as the fans are extremely passionate. The stadium they play in holds up to 50,000 people which isn't bad for a team in the C-USA.

With this program receiving BCS money, this is a team that could become a legit contender in the Big East and instantly improve the conference overall.

Temple

Temple may have only played in two bowl games since 1979, but under head coach Steve Addazio the program appears to be on the rise.

This addition would be a lot like adding Memphis, it strengthens the quality of the basketball and adds another member for football. Except I think the Owls are a little further along as far as football is concerned considering they've won at least eight games the last three years.

The Owls are also a great fit geographically and would tap into the Philadelphia market for the conference overall. Temple is a respected program that should be heavily considered, as it would really improve this conference overall.

Nevada

Nevada would be a great addition to the Big East as they've reached a bowl game the last seven seasons.

This is a program that can already compete with any team in the current Big East or any team the conference plans on possibly adding.

They would also bring a rivalry partner for Boise State who will become members of the conference sooner than later. The Wolf Pack usually plays the Broncos close and three of the last five meetings have been decided by less than 10 points.

Nevada may not have the big name, but they have the tradition and the talent to be a great addition for this conference.

Southern Mississippi

Can the Golden Eagles get some love around here as well? After all, they did win the C-USA last year and haven't had a losing season since 1993.

This is another team that could compete with any team the Big East throws at them and would provide an instant rival for SMU and Houston. They also have a stadium that holds 36,000 people and with a little bit more support this is a team that could become the face of this conference.

Randy Chambers is a B/R featured columnist that covers college football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or [e-mail].