Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, February 4, 1991 TAG: 9102040118
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By SCOTT BLANCHARD SPORTSWRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
That's when the Big East will formally announce the formation of a football league that will include the Hokies, who have been football independents for a quarter-century. Big East members Syracuse, Pittsburgh, Miami and Boston College will welcome Tech, West Virginia, Rutgers and Temple into an eight-team league that is expected to begin limited play this fall.
Because of the league's national profile, it is expected to land a lucrative television deal and a tie-in for its champion with a major bowl.
"You can't negotiate with a bowl until you're formally formed," Big East commissioner Mike Tranghese said, although he has confirmed previous preliminary talks with several bowls he would not identify.
The commissioner said the schedule and details about a bowl bid and the money split would be discussed Tuesday.
Tech football coach Frank Beamer believes the new league will boost the Hokies' football program.
"From a TV standpoint and a bowl standpoint, we'll be right there on the same level with the SEC and ACC," Beamer said Sunday. "The exciting part is, there's not many times that you're involved in a situation where you really can take something to another level.
"I just think Tech will be a Top 20 program year in and year out."
Tech athletic director Dave Braine said he will attend a news conference called by the Big East on Tuesday in Providence, R.I.
"We are proud to be a member of the newly formed Big East football conference," Braine said.
Big East officials say the league will begin play this fall, but a true champion won't be crowned for at least another year because of scheduling conflicts among the schools. Braine said Sunday that Tech has but one future conference mate on its '91 schedule, West Virginia, and said he doubts the Hokies will be able to add any more for this fall.
"I can't see that taking place," he said.
What Beamer can see is prosperity, particularly in recruiting.
"The TV contracts, the bowl tie-in, those are some things within Virginia Tech's capability that really haven't been real accessible before," Beamer said. "It all gets back to being able to get the type of player you need to be in the Top 20."
Tech's official inclusion in the Big East ends Braine's exhaustive search for a football home for the Hokies. The Metro Conference's plans for football fell through over last summer; Tech also sought interest from the ACC and SEC but was snubbed by both.
by CNB