4-1-Zoo: WVU & Louisville Battle for Big 12
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) — What once seemed like a done deal is not as "done" as we thought.
And yet again, another press conference that appeared to be scheduled in Morgantown has passed without ever actually happening.
No, the West Virginia Mountaineers have not left the Big East ... at least not yet. And no, there doesn't appear to be an answer on if they will indeed end up joining the Big 12.
That answer seemed signed, sealed and delivered just a day ago, but as Wednesday wore on more and more reports surfaced that Louisville has entered the picture and put a concrete hold on the Big 12's expansion plans.
Late in the day Tuesday, WVU had received and accepted a verbal invitation to the Big 12. A press conference was supposed to happen Wednesday but never did. That's because Louisville reportedly made a last-ditch effort to shoot for Big 12 membership.
Whether that attempt worked or not has yet to be determined. But what's certain is Louisville must have made a compelling case.
The Big 12 seemed split on whether West Virginia was a good fit for the Big 12. There was a faction that believed WVU was a perfect choice, maybe even better than Missouri, which will leave for the SEC. Louisville clearly went out and appealed to the other faction that wasn't sold on the Mountaineers.
So once again, there is no time table or certainty for WVU, its players or its fans. The New York Times went as far as saying the decision has become "too close to call" between WVU and Louisville.
The crazy cycle of college expansion continues, and the fate of the Big East and its member schools hang in the balance...
--
Chris Gates | Area 4-1-Zoo Blog
Twitter.com/Chris_Gates
Chris.Gates@cbsradio.com
