The Colorado Springs Gazette is reporting the Air Force Falcons may elect to stay put in the Mountain West conference:
Although moving the football program to the Big East is an appealing option, sources with knowledge of academy superintendent Lt. Gen. Mike Gould’s thought process ... said Gould might be leaning toward staying in the Mountain West.
Conference realignment has been the unofficial nickname of the 2011 college football season, and one of the bigger names yet-decided on their conference appears to be the Falcons. Joining the Big East would meaning joining a BCS conference -- likely adding several million dollars to the Air Force athletics department.
However, the Mount West Conference is a strong conference and has gained prominence over the last decade -- and will be adding three more members in the 2012 season, including the Hawaii Warriors. Craig Thompson, the MWC commissioner, lauded the Air Force for not rushing their decision:
Air Force is diligent and they’re doing the right thing in saying, ‘Let me know all the answers to all the questions.'
For now, the Air Force has not made any official determination on their conference status.
For live and up-to-date news on the Air Force Falcons, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. Head to SB Nation College Football for more in-depth coverage of the 2011 NCAA college football season.