Football

Louisville leaves Big East for ACC

Atlantic Coast Conference presidents voted unanimously Wednesday to admit Louisville into the conference in a move to replace Maryland, who bolted for the Big 10 Conference.

Louisville was slated to be a long-term conference foe for UH in the Big East when the Cougars enter the conference next season.

According to The Associated Press, the ACC had also considered Big East member Connecticut and Cincinnati but the league decided to vote on only the Cardinals at this time.

The Big East Conference, likely in a move to buffer against Lousiville’s expected leave, added Tulane and East Carolina on Tuesday.

Despite the recent exodus of schools from the conference, UH Vice President for Intercollegiate Mack Rhoades has remained steady in the Cougars intention to stick with their planned 2013 move.

Wednesday, Boise State president Bob Kustra put rumors aside that the Broncos were speaking about a return to the Mountain West and said they remain loyal to entering the Big East.

“I want to make it clear that Boise State has had no discussions with the Mountain West Conference in the past couple of weeks,” said Kustra in a recent statement.

“We are in constant communication with presidents and athletic directors of the Big East, and we intend to strengthen our conference by adding members who can contribute to a strong conference.”

The loss of Louisville, who is expected to join the ACC as a full-fledged member in 2014, is the seventh Big East school to move over to the ACC.

The Cardinals are expected to pay a $10 million exit fee and will be required to give a 27 month notice, although these figures are expected to lessen through negotiations between the school and Big East.

The new makeup of the 12-team Big East Conference includes UH, Connecticut, South Florida, Cincinnati, Tulane, Temple, Boise State, San Diego State, UCF, SMU, Memphis and ECU.

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1 Comment

  • If UH were smart, they’d fire Levine and SELL, SELL, SELL the media market that is HOUSTON to reputable Conferences!! Rugers got into B1G and they arent a power house school! We can do the same!!! its about TV rights people!! get with the times Renu!! Fire Rhoades and Levine!!

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