Big East Expansion: 5 Teams Still out There the Big East Should Target

The Big East conference is in trouble as we all know and needs to move fast before it possibly goes under. It's already lost three of its biggest teams in Syracuse, Pittsburgh and eventually West Virginia.

The Big East has already extended invites to schools such as Boise State, Air Force, UCF, Navy, Houston and SMU. Those would all be great additions to the program but there are some other schools out there that could also help get this conference back on their feet.

East Carolina is a school that would accept an invite to the Big East immediately. They can't wait to get out of the C-USA and have a shot at a BCS automatic bid. They would be bringing an up-and-coming football program that plays in a stadium that holds 50,000 people.

The Pirates also have a great fanbase and the school is improving its academic credentials. Even if it's just for football, East Carolina would be a great fit.

What about Tulsa? The Golden Hurricanes would of course have to improve their stadium but this team could benefit the Big East and bring some excitement back to the conference with their high-scoring attack.

It would add a new media market to the conference and would give the Big East the option of adding another basketball program, as Tulsa has won 63 percent of its games since 1996.

I know the conference probably doesn't want to let Temple back in but they would be another solid fit. Geographically they are the best option and they have a nice up-and-coming football program that is no longer the doormat of college football.

They also have a solid basketball program that would help replace the three great teams that left. So what they ruffle Villanova's feathers—they really don't have any other options but to deal with it. 

San Diego State was mentioned a week ago about possibly joining the Big East. I don't like the distance between the other schools but having the Aztecs would have its benefits. They would be bringing a large fanbase and a nice-sized TV market to the table and, once again, a solid basketball program.

Since the Aztecs are a possibility, why not Fresno State as well to create an in-state rivalry? The Bulldogs also have a solid fanbase and a good-sized TV market that would benefit the Big East.

The Big East has a lot of options and a lot of teams that could help fix this conference up. Travel is pretty much out the window at this point when you're as desperate as they are.

It will be interesting to see how this plays out over the next several months or so.

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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