^{Logos authorized for private use by the Big East Conference}

^{USF and all USF logos © Copyright 2003 University of South Florida}

November 4, 2003

Tampa FL,

       The University of South Florida has a new conference affiliation for athletics.   USF has accepted an invitation to join The Big East Conference in all sports commencing with the 2005-06 season.

       An 8-team football alignment will include USF,  Louisville, Cincinnati, Connecticut, Rutgers, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, and West Virginia. 

       In addition to these schools a new 16-team super basketball conference will include Notre Dame, DePaul, Marquette, Georgetown, Providence, St. John's, Villanova, and Seton Hall.

Link:  USF Joins Big East Conference

Interesting point to ponder:  USF already has an all time record of 5-0 against "new Big East" football teams:  2-0 vs. Connecticut, 1-0 vs. Pittsburgh, 1-0 vs. Louisville, and 1-0 vs. Cincinnati.  Not to shabby for a football program born just 7 years ago and playing in only it's 3rd year in the upper division (1-A).   Without having played it's first official Big East game it is quite clear that USF will be competitive in it's new conference come 2005.  --Dave