Big East Expansion: The Cross Country Travel of Big "East" Conference Play

As well all know the Big East conference is in trouble, and in serious danger of possibly losing the conference all together. Ever since Pittsburgh, Syracuse and now West Virginia have left, the Big East has been scrambling to try to replace those teams. 

There were talks about a possible merger with the MWC and C-USA, but that would probably be the last resort. The main plan is to invite Central Florida, Houston, SMU, Boise State and other schools as they try and keep the conference alive and keep their automatic qualifying BCS bid.

Whatever actually happens is a different story but the fact will remain that the travel situations will be a big problem. Here are some of the worst travel possibilities in the new Big East.

Randy Chambers is a B/R Featured Columnist that covers College Football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or [e-mail]

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SMU and Rutgers

Total miles: 1512

These teams only have two double digit winning seasons combined since 1984. Covering all of these miles, I'm sure fans would like to see a great game but chances are they won't.

Air Force and Connecticut

Total miles: 1914

The way both of these teams are playing, all of this traveling isn't necessary. Just say it was a sloppy game between two sub-par teams and flip a coin. The winner gets the victory and we call it a day. 

West Virginia and Boise State

Total miles: 2138

This game may actually be worth covering the distance and would be played in a great stadium regardless of where it is. You really can't go wrong with Morgantown or the blue field in Boise.

Boise State and Central Florida

Total miles: 2557

Both of these teams have a lot in common as Boise State is out to prove they're really one of the top teams in the country. While Central Florida is trying to prove that they're the next instate team to be placed on the map next to Florida, Miami and Florida State.

Could be interesting but that's a lot of ground to cover.

South Florida and Boise State

Total miles: 2576

Boise would take a trip a little further south to Tampa to take on the South Florida Bulls. This could be another interesting game as the Bulls believe they're the next top Florida team but still have a ton of work to do as they have shown little consistency.