The demise of the Big East as a football conference clearly never came true, but its latest addition to the conference doesn't blow the covers off anyone. The Memphis Tigers are close to joining the Big East, reports CBS Sports' Brett McMurphy. The school has declined to comment on this news, but an announcement could come this week.
Memphis would be the fourth Conference USA team leaving for the Big East in 2013, along with Houston, SMU and Central Florida. Boise State and San Diego State are slated to join as football-only members in 2013 as well. Navy will give up its independent status as a football team starting in the 2015-2016.
The Big East is losing Pitt and Syracuse to the ACC in a couple of years (if not earlier) and West Virginia is battling its way to leaving for this coming fall. TCU was set to join the Big East in 2012, but it bolted for the Big 12 during the fall.
Head to SB Nation College Football for more in-depth coverage of the 2011 NCAA college football season.