Tulane to Big East: Projecting How Football Divisions Will Shake out in 2014

In response to Rutgers departure to the Big Ten, the Big East will add Tulane and East Carolina (football only) to the conference starting in 2014.

The move did not adhere to the principles of geography or boost competition. The Big East's two additions signal an attempt to acquire the New Orleans and Carolina television markets, and all the revenue that go along with them.

Politics aside, those new Big East football divisions will have a new look with Rutgers out, along with Tulane and East Carolina in the fold.

Let’s forecast how the conference will shake out if this 2014 football season were to start today.

West Division

Boise State

Houston

Memphis

San Diego State

SMU

Temple

Tulane

Geographically this alignment looks like a huge conundrum, but the Big East had already paired San Diego State and Temple in the same division before Rutgers left for the Big Ten. Feel free to call me out in the comment section below, but this is nothing new.

There’s a lot to dislike if you’re a fan of one of these schools. No preexisting rivalries will be accounted for in this setup, with only SMU vs. Houston being a viable candidate to become a substantial clash geographically.

Tulane’s biggest contribution to college football in recently memory has been Matt Forte. In terms of team success, they haven’t done much competitively in Conference USA. It won’t get much better in the Big East.

Expect the division’s best football programs, Boise St. and Houston, to have their way with the Green Wave. Meanwhile, Tulane should reap the high-payouts that go along with a Big East membership.

East Division

Central Florida

Cincinnati

UConn

Louisville

South Florida

East Carolina

This collection of teams makes more sense, as no one will have to travel further west than Ohio. It should also make for one interesting division race on the gridiron.

East Carolina will join the more “traditional” Big East division, with a chance to make some noise. The Pirates have fielded highly-competitive squads in recent years, including a few with Chris Johnson on the roster.

They are a the winner of this ordeal if these divisions become reality, as the will gain significant rewards and play a manageable football schedule.

Plus, East Carolina avoided playing basketball against this group. Smart move.

Mike Shiekman is a Breaking News Writer for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter @TheRealShiek