((Above is video of WVU and Maryland fans talking about the possibility of Pitt and Syracuse joining the ACC))
The Atlantic Coast Conference has formally invited Pitt and Syracuse to join the conference. The ACC presidents met on Sunday and voted to invite the two Big East schools. And now ESPN reports that Connecticut is making an application to the ACC.
“The ACC has enjoyed a rich tradition by balancing academics and athletics and the addition of Pitt and Syracuse further strengthens the ACC culture in this regard,” said Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner John Swofford. “Pittsburgh and Syracuse also serve to enhance the ACC’s reach into the states of New York and Pennsylvania and geographically bridges our footprint between Maryland and Massachusetts. With the addition of Pitt and Syracuse, the ACC will cover virtually the entire Eastern Seaboard of the United States.”
Here is the formal press release from the ACC.LINK
Syracuse is a founding member of the Big East. Pitt joined in 1982. Their departure from the Big East has many wondering what will happen to the league, which will be reduced to just seven teams after the addition of TCU.
According to Big East bylaws schools must give the league 27 months notive before leaving and must pay an exit fee.
This is the second time the ACC has raided the Big East. In 2004 Virginia Tech, Miami and Boston College left the Big East for the ACC. That promted the Big East to add Louisville, Cincinnati and South Florida to the conference.
Here is what writers and other media outlets around the country are saying about the conference realignment.
ESPN says UConn is trying to get in the ACC as well. LINK.
The New York Times says Big East officials were "blindsided" by the move. LINK
Brett McMurphy of CBSsports.com lays out his opinion on several conference realignment scenerios. LINK
Tom Dowd with silive.com says the Big East should invite Texas to join the conference. LINK
Hoppy Kercheval gives his take on what the shake-up means for WVU. LINK
Charleston Daily Mail reporter Mike Casazza spoke with Big East Commissioner John Marinatto at the WVU-Maryland football game. LINK
Dick Weiss with the New York Daily News blames Marinatto for the demise of the Big East. LINK
Paul Zeise with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has the details on Pitt’s departure from the leageu. LINK
Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski and Louisville AD Tom Jurich have differing opinions on the move. LINK
Orangebloods.com reports that the Big 12 was courting Pitt as a replacement for Texas A&M, which is leaving for the SEC. LINK
There is mixed reaction in Syracuse to the Orange move to the ACC. LINK
Dom Amore from the Hartford Courant says UConn has been talking with the ACC. LINK
Keep checking back with www.wvmetronews.com for the latest on this fluid situation.