We've been spending all this time talking about the Villanova Wildcats joining the Big East Conference for football when maybe we should have been talking about the Temple Owls all along.
The Temple Owls are certainly talking about it. Seems like every player who commits to play for the Owls these days is doing so under the pretense that Temple will be returning to the Big East very soon.
First, there's LB Michael Kalaman:
"I am really excited about being coached under new head coach Steve Addazio, as well as the other coaches he brought along," Kalaman said of the former Florida offensive coordinator. "Temple will hopefully be moving back to the Big East by the time I get there in 2012. I believe they are on the verge of excellent things with their football program."
Then there's TE Jameson McShea:
"I'm more of a receiver, but I have the body to block. They told me they're going to use two tight ends and Coach Addazio, from his history at Florida, I know he'll be passing the ball a lot. The program is probably going to be in the Big East and I know he's gonna get the job done there."
And then there's TE Tanner Kearns:
"I got to meet their coach and like him. I know they play in Eagle Stadium (Lincoln Financial Field) and plan on moving to the Big East soon."
And finally, DB Tavon Young:
"Tavon has committed to Temple," said Mr. Young. "First and foremost is the academics and they pass with flying colors. He has always loved the staff that came up from Florida. He likes the defensive scheme. It is close to home and he will be a part of the Big East in 2012."
Alright, what in the name of Bill Cosby is going on here? As far as I can tell, no one from Temple has spoken publicly on this and I can guarantee you John Marinatto won't say anything other than a whole jumble of words that essentially mean nothing, like "The Big East is exploring many options for present and future discussion and looks forward to analyzing those scenarios."
I wouldn't put any stock in this, but, I mean, four different recruits are talking about this like it's common knowledge. So either Lou Addazio's Dad is a stone-cold liar or...I don't know. There's something there?
Temple DOES bring something to the table that Villanova doesn't...a giant stadium. They're also doing quite well and don't resemble the Big East bottom-feeder that was so bad they made Rutgers Football seem feasible throughout the 90's and early 00's.
So what does Villanova make of all this? They don't seem too surprised, especially considering they're telling their recruits the exact same thing Temple is.
Stacey Bedell, a 2012 tailback, told Scout.com after giving Nova his verbal commitment, that he chose the school because, "[t]he coaching staff was great with me while I was down there, they’re going into the Big East next year which is exciting and it’s a great academic school."
In other words, chances are this is more of a recruiting tactic than anything solid. Still, it's worth keeping an eye on, especially for Syracuse fans who are starting to see Temple pop up in recruiting battles more and more.
Update: Addazio and his staff have denied the Big East claims. Of course they have. It's all just a coincidence, right?