The Boise St. Broncos in the Big East. Few things sound crazier than that. The geography problem is glaring, but so is the sense that Boise State can hold out for better or remain in the Mountain West and hope it can build itself into something legit.
Despite a report that the Broncos are being considered as a football-only member, Pete Thamel of the New York Times reports there are long odds against it happening and no formal discussions have taken place. Still, Thamel says some Big East athletic directors are embracing the idea.
Plus there's a contingency plan being talked about in the event that Boise State football does take its show on the road, even if it's only being talked about by someone besides Boise State and the Big East. WAC commissioner Karl Benson told the Idaho Statesman's Brian Murphy that he'd be willing to take on Boise State's non-football schools in the event that they need a home, as his conference is also talking about doing with the Air Force Falcons.
Keeping non-revenue sports close to home helps cut travel costs. Boise State traveling to play football in New England should pay for itself. Volleyball and gymnastics won't.
Not sure why the Mountain West wouldn't want Boise's other sports, though. Kind of assume the MWC would keep them around, right?
For more, visit Boise State blog One Bronco Nation Under God and Big East Coast Bias. Stay tuned for more conference realignment news.