Boston College, Villanova's Resistance to Geographical Conference Rivals Based on Pettiness, Not Economics

There's a weird mistake of logic going on in the current, widespread college conference realignment. Everyone agrees the moves are due to money. These things always have been. It wasn't anything personal when Boston College left the Big East for the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2005; the ACC simply offered the Eagles greater financial security. Southern Methodist and Central Florida are in a similar situation at present, preparing to depart Conference USA for bigger bowl payouts and a share of a larger television contract in the Big East. Athletic directors from all of the involved schools have stated these are...