Having gambled on better media pot, Big East facing deal of its lifetime Expecting better leverage later, the Big East turned down a billion-dollar TV deal in spring 2011. Now, with their position weakened, Brett McMurphy says a negotiation window opening Sept. 1 will be critical to the league's future.While the Big East continues to change, league officials stress unity Since the last Big East spring meetings two schools have left, two more made plans to leave and one that was kicked out was invited back. Brett McMurphy says what's happening with the Big East has become commonplace.Tangibles, not hypotheticals, drive ACC when it comes to FSU rumors Will Florida State flee to the Big 12 conference? The perception is it will. Brett McMurphy, on site at the ACC's spring meetings, fails to get any answers out of FSU AD Randy Spetman or ACC commish John Swofford.Florida State isn't leaving the ACC for the Big 12 ... at least not today This much we know: Florida State is a member of the ACC. Brett McMurphy says the Seminoles aren't going anywhere -- today, that is. Will Florida State eventually leave for the Big 12? It's an attractive option, but who knows?Boise State might be reconsidering move to Big East Boise State is supposed to join the Big East on July 1, but might be having second thoughts. Brett McMurphy says uncertain futures facing the WAC (home of its non-football sports) and the Big East are factors.Marinatto easy to target for Big East woes, but he's hardly alone Go ahead, Brett McMurphy says, blame John Marinatto for all of the Big East's woes. Only it's not that easy. School presidents never had his back even as he made moves (TCU, for example) to try to save the conference.There's much to be worked out, but thinking playoffs is real progress Four years ago, the mere proposal of a college football playoff was quickly dismissed. What changed? Brett McMurphy says there's new blood in the BCS hierarchy, and they're listening to the fans and players.CBSSports.com's Brett McMurphy can also be found on Google+.
