This just doesn't seem like a good thing for them. It works for ND because we have a long established fan base that is nationwide, it helps that the Catholic Church is the largest faith in the USA. Even if BYU gets an agreement with the BCS that is the same as ND's, they will have a harder time than ND in building an independent schedule. They don't have a Nat'l TV Contract, they don't appear on Nat'l TV when they are on the road like ND. I think that Provo would be an even more difficult place to recruit to, and the social atmosphere at BYU is even more restrictive than ND. Seems doomed to failure. BYU
Note the key to this is that the WAC is going to allow BYU to participate in all sports but football. There was talk of Texas going independent, but the problem is the non-football sports. If the B12 would allow Texas to be independent in football and still play in the B12's other sports I could see that happening. Of course if Texas left then you can bet OU and A&M would not be far behind.
the rumor as I was leaving the office is that the MWC will extend an invitation to 2 WAC teams to counter this. I would guess that would be Nevada and Fresno State
Fresno State and Nevada supposedly accepted MTNWest. That leaves the WAC with only 6 teams. Don't know how they can hold together as a conference with that few teams.
Apparently, it's written (I'm told told second hand) that ESPN has contracted with BYU to telecast four games per season for more $ than BYU was receiving from the MWC TV contract. Plus, many cable TV companies carry the BYU TV network, which will allow fans all over the country, like my BYU alum friend in Ft. Wayne, to see all their games. This in turn should enhance the revenues of the network. Previously, the BYU network was prohibited from these telecasts by the MWC TV contract. I think I see here a huge financial reason for the split from the MWC. Of course, it will be a challenge to schedule enough games to fill in the lost conference games, but I'm guessing that the BYU folks already have surveyed the landscape for potential opponents and feel confident that they will have a competitive schedule beginning in 2011. As far as bowl games, BYU is a lock for the Las Vegas Bowl each year as long as they are bowl eligible. Anything more than that (14th or better ranking and a BCS bowl) is gravy.
If the Big 12 collapses... which I understand is a big IF... The MWC and the Pac12 will be right there to step in and probably go to the redefining 16 team format the Pac10 took a run at earlier this year. Right now, I can't see the logic in what BYU is doing. They will get more money in the short term but......... They are now missing out on an exciting looking new MWC. The giant killers have been spread across the MWC and the WAC, but now all of the giant killers will be in one conference sans Utah.. who joined the Pac10. Their instate rival, Utah, has joined the Pac10. Both the Pac10 and MWC may soon be positioning themselves for another expansion and could get heavy hands with BYU. If they can't play people regionally, who are reputable, they are in big trouble.
BYU is now "available" at a moment's notice for any conference with an odd number of teams that wants to balance out or add enough teams for a playoff. Think of how much money Texas could generate as an independent football school. Who knows the future may not be superconferences but a return to a number of independents.
:idea: BYU is pissed off, because the 12Pac didn't offer them when they offered Utah. The reality of the situation is that certain 12Pac schools...like the commie academies Stanford and Cal-Berkeley will never agree to play in a conference with Mormons... I have no idea where BYU intends to take this...
Uh.....Utah?....Under cover of a state university, it is a Mormon institution. Like all the other movements into and out of conferences, the bottom line for BYU is revenue. They will gain significant revenue just by not belonging to the MWC and being out from under the restrictions placed by the MWC on using their own network to televise their games. Also, I wouldn't be surprised if by 2011-2012, their schedule is among the toughest in the country. How? Glad you asked. They will sneak into the 12th game spot for some top tier teams by being willing to play at their stadiums and taking the big payday. This will enhance their revenue even more. Let's see if I'm right. This was not a kneejerk move. It was well thought out and planned.
:idea: Utah State is the other school that Mormons go to. In fact, some of their prophets were Utah State grads. Utah, on the other hand, has lots of Californians and is more of a cultural fit for the commies out here...
Speaking of Utah State; they're now negotiating to join the MWC too. The entire WAC is disintegrating and there was talk in today's Times about the entire WAC joining the MWC to form a gigantic 20-team league, minus BYU of course. In the meantime, Fresno State and Nevada are in... http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=5474774
While BYU's move may well have been calculated, they were absolutely c*ckpunched by the Mountain West Conference. That was the most shrewd move made by someone NOT named the SEC since the inception of the BCS. If the MWC evens up at 12 teams AND even agrees to the BCS play-in game with CUSA.. they will be virtually impossible to ignore. These are the guys beating the big boys, who are now tearing thru the 2nd tier while tossing aside all rules and decorum like a zombie horde for the right to get to the BCS. The fact that they are out at all is downright criminal
Yup, Kudo's to the Mtn West Commish for reacting swiftly to smack down BYU. The WAC is now in a terrible situation and BYU will be begging it's way back into the Mtn West
I am actually not a fan of any of this crap. However, it is the world that we have lived with now and it appears that it isn't going away. I do find it funny that so many folks seemed to be bothered by the moves the Pac10 and MWC have made..
I see that the WAC has contacted Texas State (formerly Southwest Texas State Teachers College and the alma mater of one LBJ) and newbie on the block Univ of Texas San Antonio about joining. Texas State definitely is ready to move up to something like the WAC, not so sure it's a good money move for them though and UTSA which has potential similar to USF and UCF hasn't played a down of collegiate football but has hired a head coach.
If you're looking towards programs who may really grow into something one day, watch out for USA (South Alabama)
I don't know Corey, I've seen Troy, UAB start up or move up, and they have not made much progress. What makes you think USA will?