San Diego State takes time with conference decision

San Diego State will attend today's Big East Conference meetings in Dallas, making it likely a decision of whether the Aztecs proceed with their move to that league or stay in the Mountain West won't be made before next week.

Big East commissioner Mike Aresco told The Associated Press he expected the Aztecs to take their time.

"Every indication is they want to stay," Aresco said. "Whether they will or not, we still don't know. We're still talking.

"If I had to guess, it would shake out in a couple of weeks."

UNLV athletic director Jim Livengood said Monday he thought San Diego State would make a decision by today, and he expected the Aztecs to remain in the Mountain West.

Livengood said Thursday it was his understanding San Diego State was trying to be thorough in its decision making by flying to Dallas.

"I think they're keeping all their options open," he said.

San Diego State has until the end of the month to make a final decision.

If the Aztecs leave, they would take their football program to the Big East beginning with the 2013-14 academic year and their other sports to the Big West Conference.

With Boise State opting to remain in the Mountain West, San Diego State would have to go to the Big East without a Western partner. The Aztecs' closest Big East competitor would be Southern Methodist, which is located in Dallas.

In the Mountain West, the Aztecs would play fellow California schools Fresno State and San Jose State and have the short trip to UNLV.

"I really want them in the conference," Livengood said. "I would like that to happen, but I don't know when it will be, but I hope soon."

The Mountain West has delayed finalizing a football schedule for next season while waiting for the Aztecs, but Livengood said the league is working with 11- and 12-team models.

"Most of the things will be worked out fairly quickly, and that's exactly why we put in that Jan. 31 deadline," he said.

■ UNLV SIGNEE - The Rebels' football team signed its fifth midyear junior college player. Defensive lineman Pingi Moli (6 feet 4 inches, 265 pounds) made 22 tackles, including three sacks, last season at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, Calif. He is the third junior college defensive lineman to sign early with the Rebels.

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow him on Twitter: @markanderson65.