Syracuse, Rutgers Could Play Twice If Big East Can't Replace West Virginia

From the sounds of it, West Virginia is basically out the door and headed to the Big 12 for the 2012 football season. This is no surprising, but it does leave the Big East in a bit of a pickle -- likely part of the reason the conference was so dead-set on keeping the 'Eers around, though there's more to the story. And if the Big East can't find a quick replacement for West Virginia, hilarity may ensue.

The solution involves Syracuse and Rutgers and something rather rare, if not unprecedented.

If Big East can't find replacement for WVU this fall, Star-Ledger reports Syracuse & Rutgers could play each other twice

— Brett McMurphy (@McMurphyCBS) February 9, 2012

I have no idea if this has happened before, but nothing immediately comes to mind. Remember, we're not talking about a regular season and postseason matchup; this is two teams playing each other twice during the regular season. It's kind of like college basketball, but not.

For more on the Mountaineers fight to leave the Big East, visit The Smoking Musket. For updates on Big East football, basketball and expansion, visit Big East Coast Bias, and stay tuned to our college conference realignment section.