In terms of competing for ESPN's money and such, it's effectively been removed.
We'll have to see about that. Maybe ESPN won't bid high enough on it but that doesn't mean that other TV providers will not. A conference with all 3 service academies and other quality programs in large markets combined with still having the number 1 or 2 best bball conference will still equal money for us. Houston and SMU have arguably the same amount of Football history as Cuse and Pitt and are in much better recruiting territory. Our football product could be better than the ACC's 5 years from now. That is not some wildy optimistic expression it is a fact.
Haven't Army and Navy said no to the BE already?
Army left CUSA because they couldn't compete. Why would they try to take a theoretical step up in class. They can put together a schedule that gives them a reasonable chance to get to .500 and make a bowl. That won't happen in a conference other than the MAC.
Army just got beat by Miami. That's Miami of Ohio - a MAC taem. And yes I know last week UCONN got beat by a MAC team. Doesn't do much for keeping the Big East (or whatever we'll be called) BCS bid. Just saying.