The Big East has gone of the offensive now as it's being reported on ESPN that sources close to the associated press have confirmed that SMU, Houston, and Central Florida have been invited to join the conference with all sports. While Boise State, Navy and Air Force have been invited for football-only.
This is an effort to maintain their BCS standing and keep together a conference that has been picked apart after losing Syracuse and Pittsburgh to the ACC, and just recently West Virginia and TCU to the Big XII.
Houston has helped itself by having a fantastic season on the football field as they're currently ranked No. 13 in the BCS standings. Big East commissioner John Marinatto released this statement in regards to the invites, via ESPN.com
"The addition of these members will extend our reach, bring us to exciting new markets, strengthen our status within the BCS, and lay the foundation for possible further expansion, all while maintaining the high quality and standards our conference is known for," Marinatto said in a statement.
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