Big East Commission John Marinotto addressed the topic of expansion during the league’s spring meeting but provided little insight into his contingency plan if the Big Ten lures away one or more of the league’s members. 

"I look at this situation as another threat certainly," says Marinatto. "It would be irresponsible not to be concerned about it. We're trying to position ourselves as best we can. In my mind, you always play out what it is you might do, but we certainly can't do that in a public forum.  It would be even more irresponsible of me to bring in other players to the situation in a public way."

Some speculate the Big East may have its own expansion strategy in place to either expand the current league or replace exiting members.  The Commissioner did not identify any potential “targets” but his comments seem to hint that the league will be ready to move once the Big Ten strikes.  The only problem is the list of potential candidates is thin.  Little quality remains in Conference USA and the likelihood the Big East can pull a reverse-raid on the ACC is nothing more than a pipedream considering the new TV deal signed last week by the ACC. 

Expansion options are few for a league currently locked in a TV contract that pays its members far less than other BCS leagues.  The Big East’s annual $45.3 million deal with ESPN and ABC runs through 2013.  By comparison, the new ACC contract is worth a reported $155 million annually for twelve years.  Only the Big Ten and SEC have secured more lucrative television contracts than the new ACC deal.