Unless you were checking Twitter Saturday night or live in Idaho, you may not have noticed Boise State waited until the last possible moment to give its notice of resignation to the Mountain West for the 2013-14 athletic calendar. Here is the press release.
By withdrawing prior to July 1st, Boise State only owes the Mountain West $2.5 million for one year of lost revenue. The Broncos could've joined the Big East in football for 2013 at a later date, but would've had to pay additional exit fees to the Mountain West for providing less than one year's notice. That additional penalty figure is estimated at anywhere from $5 million to $24 million, and is an option many considered unlikely.
So, after a brief night of panic for many Big East folks who feel Boise State's membership affects the conference's future bowl and playoff scenarios, nothing actually changes. As planned, the Broncos will officially join the Big East for football in 2013 along with SMU, Houston, Memphis, UCF and San Diego State.
Also as planned, Temple officially joins the Big East today. Again. Welcome back, Owls.