Big East Expansion: Why Blocking West Virginia to the Big 12 is The Best Move

As the conference realignment plays out, I'm sure you've all heard that West Virginia is the next team that is trying to leave the Big East. It seems like everybody is trying to leave that conference and the only ones that are staying are the ones that have nowhere else to go.

West Virginia doesn't just want to leave for the Big 12, they want to leave now. They have recently filed a lawsuit against the Big East as they are seeking an immediate leave from the conference so they can become a member of the Big 12 by the time the 2012 football season comes around. 

The Big East is now saying that West Virginia has to follow the rules by giving the conference a 27 month notice in advance. If the Big East ends up winning the case that would mean the Mountaineers wouldn't be able to join the Big 12 until July of 2014.

Big East commissioner John Marinatto said, "We are disappointed that West Virginia has adopted this strategy and cannot imagine why it believes it does not have to respect and honor the bylaws it agreed to as a member of the Big East."

This is the best move for the Big East right now, as they try and hold West Virginia as long as possible. Having the Mountaineers in the conference for a few more years would only benefit the Big East. 

It would give the conference at least one team in the rankings and at least one competitive team that would compete for a BCS bowl. Which would mean they'd be making money off of a team that is leaving and doesn't even want to be in the conference.

But most importantly it may help save the conference as it would provide some type of stability until they can add other teams. Teams like Boise State, Navy and Air Force, Central Florida, Houston and SMU have all been invited to join the Big East.

Hopefully, some of those teams accept for the Big East's sake.

If West Virginia ends up leaving after this season, the Big East would have nothing and would be a mess. If the Mountaineers are forced to stay for a few more years, it would provide the conference with just enough time to pick up the pieces and replace them.

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

Bleacher Report is your home for college football for the 2011 season. From scores, news, analysis, live blogs and updates on your favorite teams and the big national games every week, keep it on Bleacher Report for the very latest in college football news.