As Expected, Pitt And Syracuse Likely To Remain In Big East In 2012

The longer this plays out, the less likely it is that Pitt and Syracuse will be ACC-bound in 2012. In a Charlotte Observer story today, ACC Associate Commissioner says if the schedule is released before both schools are admitted, it's not likely they'll be coming to the conference in time for this Fall's football season:

Barring sudden changes, Pittsburgh and Syracuse will not be included in the 2012 ACC football season.

The league plans to announce its entire schedule in early February and although some modifications could be made later, it would be difficult to extensively revise if the Big East released the two new ACC members without notice.

"You never say never, but it’s unlikely there would be major changes once it’s set," said Mike Finn, the ACC associate commissioner in charge of football communications.

The fact that the schools won't be headed to the ACC this season isn't surprising. But the notion that the Big East could dump the pair, potentially leaving them in the cold for the Fall is incredibly intriguing. That seems a bit far-fetched and I don't see that happening, but could the Big East do that as one way to try to stick it to both Pitt and Syracuse? The article at least mentions that as a possibility, but with all the red tape potentially involved, hard to see such a scenario going down.

For more on Pitt athletics, check out SB Nation's Pitt blog, Cardiac Hill.