By Steven Lassan (@AthlonSteven on Twitter)

(Published January 16th, 2012)

Very Early 2012 Big East Predictions

1. West Virginia

-by Braden Gall (follow at @BradenGall)

There is no doubt this is the era of the Quarterback.

By Steven Lassan (@AthlonSteven on Twitter)

Finally. After losing Syracuse and Pittsburgh to the ACC in September and West Virginia to the Big 12 in late October, the Big East is ready to expand. According to CBSSports.com, the conference will formally add Boise State, Houston, San Diego State, SMU and UCF. The Big East is expected to announce the additions on Wednesday.

The search for the next Penn State head coach took an interesting turn over the weekend with the news that current Miami coach and former PSU player Al Golden signed a new four-year contract extension that stretches to February 2020.

By Steven Lassan (@AthlonSteven on Twitter)

By Steven Lassan (@AthlonSteven on Twitter)

By Steven Lassan (@AthlonSteven on Twitter)

By Steven Lassan (@AthlonSteven on Twitter)

By Steven Lassan (@AthlonSteven on Twitter)

It seems like most of the recent Big East conversation has revolved around expansion, departures or just remaining a viable league. Meanwhile, the gridiron race to wear the conference crown and go to the BCS has become one of the most exciting and unpredictable in college football.