Not to worry. Houston, Memphis, SMU, Navy, Air Force, East Carolina and Central Florida are on the way to save the day.
In reaction John Marinade was quoted as saying, "We've got a very very strong 5 team nucleus, seven BCS level football programs interested in joining. We'll be back at 12 teams in no time. And, if that fails, we'll hold Syracuse, Pitt and West Virginia to their 2-1/2 year notice periods like an angry wife who has been left for a younger woman trying to keep her husband from exiting the marriage."
Meanwhile Rick Pitino reiterated that he couldn't believe that another long term commitment could be so casually throw away for the short term gratification of a younger, better looking conference. These schools will regret running out on their long term partners.