Expansion and attrition involving the Big Ten, Pac-10 and Big 12 were all the rage late this past spring and into the early portion of summer, not to mention on two fronts Tuesday as well.
The Big East made a mini-splash earlier this month by acknowledging their official interest in Villanova joining the conference in football.
Now the Mid-American Conference is looking like the next league that will take a serious look into expanding. At least, that’s what one conference athletic director is stating publicly.
Speaking to AnnArbor.com, Eastern Michigan AD Derrick Gragg said that he “think[s] the MAC is going to try to extend invitations to one or two institutions in the next year or two.” Gragg did not divulge what schools may be of interest to the MAC.
The conference will hold a “retreat” in the middle of October, and additional information could come out of that get-together.
The news from Gragg that could raise the most eyebrows involves the newest member of the conference. According to the AD, he wouldn’t be surprised to see Temple, whose football-only deal expires after this season, leave for another conference at the end of the agreement.
Based on the words of the Owls’ head coach less than 24 hours ago, that prediction from Gragg comes as a surprise.
“The MAC is a great fit for Temple from where we were five years ago,” Al Golden said. “The commitment is growing, our success is growing, and it’s nice to be in a league where you can be competitive.”
Exactly where Temple would move to after this year is unknown. They were basically booted from the Big East in 2004 due to being an abysmal football program and also lacking support both attendance-wise and in facilities.