There are multiple reports out that beginning in 2012, TCU will begin play as a member of the Big East Conference.
TCU has scheduled a Monday afternoon press conference for a "a major announcement involving the TCU athletics program."
The move will give the Big East nine football-playing members, as well as 17 basketball programs. There had been reports that the Big East basketball coaches were dead set against adding any more members to their sport. TCU is third in the BCS standings, the highest for a non-automatic qualifying team, and in line for a chance to play for the national championship if either Auburn or Oregon lose next weekend. The Frogs likely will play in the Rose Bowl if Auburn and Oregon both win.
Currently the Big East is a graveyard for football prosperity -- at least on the field. The only current Big East team ranked in the AP poll is No. 23 West Virginia (8-3, 4-2 Big East), which is 24th in the BCS standings (which has to have Rich Rod shocked). But West Virginia is not a lock to get the BCS bid for the conference. Connecticut (7-4, 4-2) would get the league’s automatic BCS spot with a win over South Florida this week.
TCU (12-0) meanwhile wrapped up its second straight unbeaten regular season this past weekend with a 66-17 thumping of New Mexico.