Conference Realignment: 3 Moves the Big East Needs to Make to Save That BCS Bid

When it comes to college basketball, anyone and everyone can tell you that there isn't a better conference in the country than the Big East.

But the same cannot be said in football...not even close.

Big East football took another hit earlier this month when Pittsburgh and Syracuse decided to depart from the conference and bolt for the ACC. This leaves the conference with six teams going forward, not including TCU, which is scheduled to come aboard next year.

So what can the Big East do now in order to save that BCS bid?

Let's take a look, right here, right now.

3. Don't Overlook East Carolina

East Carolina has made it clear that they want to become a new member of the Big East.

But as much as they want to join, should the conference want them?

The answer of that question is a flat-out "yes."

While it might not sound to many like an elite program, East Carolina ranked in the top 50 in the nation in attendance last year, something that can't be said by more than half of the remaining teams in the Big East right now.

Adding East Carolina would also bring aboard a wide-range fanbase and new TV markets throughout North Carolina and probably parts of Virginia as well.

New media outlets, new fanbases, and a boost in attendance all seem like pretty legitimate options to welcome East Carolina with open arms.

2. Make It a Point to Get at Least 10 Teams

As it stands right now, with Syracuse and Pittsburgh scheduled to bolt for the ACC and TCU scheduled to join, the Big East should have seven teams set in stone. That leaves the conference in a serious dilemma on how to say relevant as they move forward.

TCU will certainly help the conferences' plea to continue and receive a BCS bid, but what comes after that?

In order to stay BCS relevant, the Big East needs to get at least 10—if not 12—teams in the conference.

That means expanding its current membership by three schools or more, but it has to be a necessity.

3. Add Notre Dame

Notre Dame has made it clear that they do not want to become a member of the Big Ten.

Notre Dame already belongs to the Big East in basketball.

Notre Dame does not want to get left in the dust when teams begin to form these college football super conferences.

These all sound like the perfect explanations as to why Notre Dame needs the Big East and the Big East certainly needs Notre Dame.

The BCS contracts will be renewed after the 2013-2014 academic year and are based on performance. It's tough to imagine schools like West Virginia, TCU and Cincinnati not being enough to allow the Big East to maintain that BCS standing. But with Notre Dame in there, it seems like a sure thing.