TCU has accepted a bid for full membership to become the 17th member of the Big East Conference, effective July 1, 2012. "Having BCS automatic-qualifying status was a priority for our football program and a great reward for the success we've had the last decade," TCU athletic director Chris Del Conte said in a statement. The conference change allows TCU to play in an automatic BCS-qualifying league beginning in the 2012-13 school year. "Access got easier, not the road," said Horned Frogs coach Gary Patterson, whose third-ranked Frogs (12-0) wrapped up their second consecutive undefeated regular season and Mountain West title with a 66-17 win at New Mexico on Saturday. Read more: http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/ncf/news/story?id=5862368