Explore the challenges and setbacks faced by the Big East conference in establishing a successful football program, and why its focus should remain on basketball.
The Challenges of Establishing a Football Program in the Big East Conference
( Credit to: Thebutlercollegian )
The Big East conference has long been associated with intense basketball rivalries that have captivated fans for decades. While these rivalries have thrived on the hardwood, the conference's attempt to establish itself as a football powerhouse faced numerous challenges.
In 1991, the Big East expanded its membership to include football teams such as Miami, Syracuse, Virginia Tech, Pittsburgh, West Virginia, Rutgers, Boston College, and Temple. The addition of these teams aimed to add credibility to the conference and create a strong football presence.
Initially, the Big East had only three Division I-A football teams: Syracuse, Boston College, and Pittsburgh. To bolster their conference's reputation, the Big East scrambled to expand its membership by adding West Virginia, Rutgers, Virginia Tech, and Temple. Additionally, Miami joined the new Big East conference, no longer wanting to be independent in college football.
The addition of Miami brought immediate success to the Big East football, winning the national championship in 1991. Throughout the 1990s, the conference continued to achieve success with multiple bowl game appearances.
However, in 2004, the Big East faced a significant setback when Miami, Virginia Tech, and Boston College decided to leave and join the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). This departure diminished the shine of the Big East conference and forced them to make efforts to recover.
In 2005, the Big East added Louisville, South Florida, and Cincinnati to try to regain their strength. However, in 2012, Syracuse and Pittsburgh were lured away by the ACC, and West Virginia and Texas Christian University joined the Big 12, further weakening the Big East's football program.
In a desperate attempt to salvage the conference, the Big East extended invitations to Boise State, Houston, Southern Methodist, Central Florida, and San Diego State. However, the plans fell apart when Boise State and San Diego State declined the offer. The departure of the 'Catholic seven' members, who did not have football programs, ultimately led to the demise of football in the Big East.
Today, the Big East has only one member, UConn, competing at the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level, while Butler, Georgetown, and Villanova participate at the Football Championship Subdivision level. The conference's focus and financial priorities lie predominantly in basketball.
Why the Big East Should Focus on Basketball
Rebuilding a football presence in the Big East would require poaching schools from other conferences, such as Syracuse, Boston College, and Louisville, which were once part of the Big East. However, the financial incentives offered by larger conferences make it challenging to entice schools to leave.
While some fans may yearn for the return of football in the Big East, the reality is that the conference's identity and strength lie in basketball. The Big East has a rich history in basketball, and attempting to revive football would likely dilute its brand and divert resources away from its basketball programs.
The Big East should not bring back football. The conference's current members either lack football programs or have underwhelming ones. Rebuilding a football conference would require significant efforts and financial investments, which may not be feasible. The Big East's legacy and success are deeply rooted in basketball, and it should continue to focus on its strengths rather than attempting to revive football.