The Big East already interprets the word "east" loosely, but they may be looking to really take things to the next level.
According to the New York Post, the conference has targeted TCU for its potential expansion.
"We are in a situation that requires us to evaluate and analyze all our options including expansion and television," said an anonymous source close to the league. "It’s a good program in a good market. That’s what you look for."
While it is undeniable that Fort Worth is a good football market, Louisville is currently the westernmost member of the Big East football conference, and Depaul and Marquette hold that mark for other sports.
The Big 12, though, may also have interest in TCU — given the departures of Colorado and Nebraska to the Pac 10 and Big Ten respectively. Both of those leagues are expected to continue to grow as conferences increasingly look to become "super-conferences."
The Big East currently ranks last among BCS automatic-bid conferences in terms of power index, a number that a program like TCU would definitely bolster.
Still, the source says, "There are a dozen or so schools that we’re looking at."
