Expansion Talk Again? When Will It Stop?

Will the Villanova Wildcats become a conference foe for USF?

Sigh, yes I am talking about conference expansion again and this time it has to deal with the head man himself, Big East commissioner John Marinatto. Marinatto stated yesterday that the Big East will not simply wait for Villanova to decide if it wants to join the Big East when it completes its financial study in April. [keep reading]

Villanova is conducting an in-depth analysis of what moving to Division 1 status would mean not only for the program, but for the school and community. There are so many costs concerns, facilities, and other topics that have to be researched before making such a big step. The council has stated it would meet in April to discuss any last and additional topics before making a move. The school is reportedly buying up residential property near the stadium and offering scholarships to Division 1 caliber players, not the standard type the school targets. Are these signs the school is moving towards a decision? It can't be said for certain, but it is very interesting.

With Marinatto stating he will not wait for Villanova to decide is very alarming. There are other schools that would be eager to jump to the Big East such as Memphis, Houston, and that other school in Orlando (UCF - sorry this is a USF blog, nothing but hatred for the want-a-be "rivals"). The Big East could extend an invite very soon and many believe this is going to happen very soon and now with the Big East commissioner not waiting for a Villanova decision, this could be very interesting.

There is some talk that USF would try to block UCF coming into the Big East. I just don't see this legally happening, there is an ill feeling for UCF joining the Big East due to the battle for recruits and the lack of care for a rivalry game.

Until then, just sit back and relax and let the Big East expansion talks continue.