Big East Expansion: Struggling to Survive or Seeking to Be a Powerhouse?

The Big East recently announced it will invite six schools into the conference starting in 2013, most likely in reaction to Syracuse and Pitt accepting invitations to join the ACC.

This college season has seen a huge amount of conference shifts and realignments, mainly because of lucrative television contracts and more exposure for up-and-coming schools.

We'll look at each team the Big East invited and why their presence in the Big East will re-establish the conference as a powerhouse.

UCF

The Golden Knights are the two-time Conference USA champs with a surprisingly good team on the upswing.

They have a natural in-state rival in USF, and putting them in the same conference will breathe some much-needed life into the Battle of I-4.

UCF is ready to face some tougher competition, which they will find in the Big East.

Air Force

Pitting the traditionally brutal running attack of Air Force against the other offensive styles in the Big East will be interesting to see.

The Falcons are a consistent team that has not had a losing season since 2006, and they will be able to continue their rivalry with fellow Mountain West conference foe Boise State.

Navy

Navy has gone to four straight bowl games and could be a contender for a BCS bid in the Big East.

Their storied rivalry against Rutgers and the potential to bring the fight for the Commander-in-Chief's trophy with Air Force could bring big ratings for the Big East.

Houston

Houston has put up some seriously ridiculous offensive numbers in recent years, and their pass-heavy attack could bring some excitement to the Big East.

They've outgrown Conference USA and need a shot at a BCS bowl game.

SMU

The two-time Conference USA West champs are another team looking to get some attention.

They've rebounded well after receiving the NCAA "death penalty" in 1987 but are still looking for consistency in their game.

Boise State

The Broncos have consistently ranked in the top 25 for several years now and even got high enough to contend for a national championship...but the Mountain West conference isn't BCS bowl eligible.

If they join the Big East, they will finally be able to get a shot at the title but will make other teams in the conference pay dearly in travel costs.