(Image Source: Atlantic Coast Conference)

BY MATT NOONAN

Another twist in the ongoing soap opera of NCAA conference realignment. Pitt and Syracuse are ditching the Big East for the ACC. WTAE in Pittsburgh has the story:

“Pitt and syracuse leaving the Big East and joining the Atlantic Coast Conference. The decision coming down a short time ago. The move increases the ACC's membership to 14, but it's unclear exactly when the move is going to take place. Or take effect.”

As is generally the case, this conference realignment doesn't come without drama. A New York Times article says Pitt's vote to turn down a new television contract, has left the Big East crying foul:

“Big East officials are irate that Pitt led the charge (with Rutgers close behind) to reject that deal, meaning it jeopardized the league’s security in both the short term (by leaving) and in the long term (by helping shoot down a lucrative contract).”

Hurt feelings or not, FOX Sports blogger Pete Fiutak says the move is a home run for both schools and the ACC:

“The ACC is doing two key things here: (1) It’s building up its conference and its profile before the other big leagues make a move, and (2), more importantly, it’s coming up with a preemptive strike against possibly losing some of its members.”

So where does this leave the rest of the Big East? Courier-Journal columnist Eric Crawford says it's time to start being realistic:

“Here’s the truth: No matter what happens to the Big East and Big 12 ‘remainder’ schools, they are not going to have the power to generate eye-popping football revenue. They’re just going to have to put enough schools together to do the best they can.”

So will the latest expansion officially bring college sports to the era of the 16-team super conference? ESPN's Andy Katz says don't bet on it just yet:

“The Big Ten has made it clear that they are comfortable with their 12. They have their own network. Things are working well... The Pac-12 – a lot of athletic directors that I've spoken with right now are comfortable, and don't necessarily want to go to 16.”

Transcript by Newsy.