Ever since the Big East became a football conference, the rumor of its demise has been discussed.

That rumor could become a reality, as early as within the next week, as the seven non-football and FCS schools are ready to break away and form their own league.

The seven:  Georgetown, DePaul, Marquette, Providence, St. Johns, Seton Hall and Villanova are close to a decision on their future.

The biggest possibility would be the seven would vote to disband the conference and break away to form a new one.  Because the seven have been together for more than five years, they could retain the name, the NCAA automatic bid and most importantly, NCAA tournament shares,.

The new league could then look for like schools to join them.  Schools such as St. Josephs, Saint Louis, Creighton and Xavier, all private, Catholic institutions, could be prime targets.

If this happens, it would leave Cincinnati, South Florida and Connecticut as the only current full time members.  Temple, who is a football only member this year, joins for all sports next year, along with current Conference USA members Houston, SMU, Memphis and UCF, who all join next year.  Tulane is scheduled to join for 2014 as a full time member.  East Carolina, Boise State, San Diego State and Navy are scheduled to join for football only.

However, this new development could alter the value of the Big East television contract, which could leave Boise State and San Diego State re-thinking their plans.

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