Temple left out of Big East invites

Big East commissioners travled to Philadelphia over the weekend and extended invites to six schools today.

Temple was not one of them.

The Big East offered invites for football only to Air Force, Navy, and Boise State and all-sports invites to Central Florida, Houston, and Southern Methodist University.

There was some speculation that Temple would receive an all-sports invitation as well. In addition to the meeting taking place in Temple’s home city, Mayor Michael Nutter and former Governer Ed Rendell each sent letters to Big East Commissioner John Marinatto over the weekend pleading Temple’s case.

The Big East conference is undergoing a dynamic transition after several of its premier programs have recently dropped out. Athletic powerhouses Syracuse and Pittsburgh announced their departure for the Atlantic Coast Conference in September, while West Virginia and prospective member TCU will be moving to the Big 12.

The Big East is aiming to reach at least 12 football-playing programs. If the six schools all accept their invites, the Big East will still be one team short of their goal of 12.

In addition to Temple, Memphis is reportedly on the Big East’s radar for the final slot.