Army And Navy as Semi-Big East Members

It's been hashed and rehashed once more this summer, about how the Big East needs at least one more team on the football side of things to allow teams to have an eight game conference slate -- and save some effort and money by trying to schedule four non-conference games rather than five.

The problem is that the Big East doesn't want to go down the football-only membership path in which Temple existed, and the basketball schools sure don't want any more members on that side.

So, how about a couple independents just associate with the Big East to provide some scheduling stability for all?

The [New York] Post has learned that the Big East has explored deals with Army and Navy in football. The concept is for each of the service academies to play four Big East opponents each season on a rotating basis.

For example, in a given year, Army would play Connecticut, Cincinnati, Louisville and Pittsburgh. Navy would face Rutgers, South Florida, Syracuse and West Virginia.

Don't get too excited yet, since it seems both Army and Navy said no to the basic plan.

This one, though, may not go away. There is significant benefit to the service academies to at least continue negotiations. The arrangement would only tie each to four games, leaving each to schedule eight other games with whom they wish. It preserves their athletic independence. Ongoing negotiations would also be very likely to add some tie-ins to the bowls the Big East is affiliated.