New York Post Report Today...Says that invites will be issues after the increased exit fee vote is done. If Louisville and WV abstain, does that mean the exit fees will take effect?
And I have to feel bad for East Carolina too. They're a school on the East coast who is being passed over for schools in Florida, Texas, Colorado, and Idaho who all average a significant amount of attendance less than they do.
Big East plans to invite six - NYPOST.com
After what was described as two days of acrimonious conference calls in which the Big East's non-FBS members seriously considered the option of splitting from their football brethren, all the schools are on the same chapter, if not the same page, sources said.
The first order of business is for the Big East to agree to raise the exit fee from $5 million to $10 million for the FBS members. The exit fee for non-FBS members, such as St. John's and Seton Hall, would remain at $5 million. There could, however, be some shortening of the 27-month exit window, the source said.
Once the exit fee is increased, which would send a message of commitment and solidarity, the league will invite Air Force, Navy and Boise State, followed by Central Florida, possibly as soon as this weekend. The last two spots, as the league seeks to get to 12 FBS members, is up for grabs among three programs -- Houston, SMU and Temple.
Sources told The Post that Villanova expressed strong objection to sharing the Philadelphia market with Temple. Philadelphia, however, is home to Comcast, which logically favors more Philadelphia-based institutions. It's possible the Owls could receive a football-only invitation.
If the Temple issue can't be resolved, the league will move on Houston and SMU. Some factions in the conference don't favor inviting both Texas schools, although with Boise State and Air Force aboard, it would make sense to have other programs west of the Mississippi.
