When the Big East released its 2012 schedule earlier this afternoon, anybody examining Rutgers’ schedule would have noticed the Scarlet Knights have “only” six home games.
That’s not sitting well with school athletic director Tim Pernetti.
The Newark Star Ledger reports that Pernetti will request financial relief from the Big East Conference to offset the difference in revenue that normally accompanies seven home games (the Star-Ledger states RU gets anywhere between $1.2 million and $1.7 million for each).
The scheduling “conflict” came about after TCU, which originally was supposed to play in the Big East in 2012, joined the Big 12 instead. Rutgers was planning on playing the Horned Frogs at home this year. The Big East’s newest addition, Temple, takes over West Virginia’s old schedule -- the Mountaineers also departed for the Big 12 -- which means Rutgers has to travel to Philadelphia this season.
“We’re disappointed that we were not made whole on a league (home) game with TCU’s departure,” said Pernetti. “Having said that, we took control of our situation. While there were opportunities out there to bring a second 1-AA (FCS) opponent in here that’s just not for us any more. We’re not doing that again.
“I thought it was more important to think longer term about bringing in an opponent that could return the game, that was a high-profile BCS opponent. We ended to a great resolution to the situation with Arkansas.”
Rutgers plays Arkansas in a home-and-home series in 2012-13. Because it’s a two-game series and not a one-time game, RU won’t receive a huge payday to travel to Fayetteville.
The Big East is set to make $20 million from WVU and the Big 12 in buyout compensation, as well as $5 million from TCU and entrance fees ($2.5 million) from new members joining in 2013. The league should also be getting at least $5 million from Pitt and Syracuse as they depart for the ACC.
However, the Big East has also offered $3 million to Villanova to assist in further consideration of a FBS/Big East move. The league had no comment to the Star-Ledger on the request.
No matter how the funding shakes out, what Pernetti is asking for is interesting, although certainly not out of line. Seven home games has become the norm for most major college football programs, primarily because of the revenue it brings in. Rutgers’ athletic department is also strapped for cash as it is, so asking for financial relief is likely a move made out of necessity more than inconvenience.