3 Big East teams that can join Pac-12 expansion after MWC schools relocate to a new conference
With the spread of conference realignment through the new Pac-12, new opportunities will be available to many schools. Among those that could be on the move are members of the Big East conference. It is plausible that the Pac-12 might make sense for some of those schools.
Here are three that might want to consider making the jump.
3 Big East teams that can join Pac-12
1. UConn
Sure, the Huskies have been brilliant in the Big East and seem entirely secure. Their entire reason to move could be football. UConn football is sort of the university's forgotten stepchild. It's bad, it's unsightly, and it could scuttle UConn from moving to one of the traditional power conferences.
The Pac-12 could essentially bring on UConn football anyway. The Huskies last had a winning season in 2010, but they do have reasonably nice facilities and could be a Vandy-style opponent for the other teams of the Pac-12.
What could make the Pac-12 more alluring to UConn? Perhaps another hoops rival — maybe getting Stanford or Cal back. San Diego State was a nice pick up, and to draw UConn, the Pac-12 probably has some work to do. But football might create a possibility.
2. Creighton
This one is just a geographical situation. Omaha, Nebraska, is closer to the heart of the newly formed Pac-12 than the Big East. Like most Big East schools, Creighton doesn't have FBS football, so this is another sports move. That said, the sport is a basketball and baseball standout and would be an attractive fit.
Frankly, this is more about the fact that Creighton doesn't fit well into the existing Big East than about it being a perfect member of the Pac-12. But it would be a valuable school and an overall benefit to the league in a way that makes much more geographical sense for everyone involved.
3. Butler
Finally, Butler could be a valuable pick-up for the Pac-12. This one is a stretch —physically and logically. The Bulldogs have done well in the Big East, but Indianapolis isn't exactly a logical spot for that league. That said, it's not a prime fit for a league with Washington State and San Diego State either.
Still, at the end of the day, Butler would merit a look and would be a quality addition to the Pac-12.
What schools do you think could take a flyer on the revitalized Pac-12? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!