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Sources: 'It's a done deal' BYU football going independent; other sports to WAC
Wally WestAug. 21, 2010 3:32 p.m.
re: Fiddler | 11:29 a.m. Aug. 18, 2010
Is this delusions of granduer or the arrogance that the San Diego paper mentioned that WON'T be missed?
The MWC is folding? News to me. Lets call a spade a spade; BYU is being selfish, greedy, & oh yeah prideful.
ryansutesAug. 19, 2010 11:01 p.m.
To me, this makes no sense. BYU already has access to the BCS. Both Utah and Boise State have done it twice since just 2004. If you finish in the top 14 you already have access to the BCS. You just have to be great, not good. This has been the problem for your team. Not the system. Last year if you didn't get blown out at home by Florida State and TCU then you would have been there.
It's not the system, it's you.
And now you've given up on what you have to be an independent and play the dregs of the WAC and Army/Navy. What kind of reputation are you going to gain.
Utah is in the Pac-10, and you've just become Weber State.
You're not developing a strong national reputation, you're losing a weak one. Who do you think you are?
And for all the non-football atheletes at BYU, how does it feel to be abandoned by your university.
BYU, eat crow, go back to the MWC, and face reality.
You are not what you think you are.
UteinIdahoAug. 19, 2010 4:38 p.m.
What a move by Thompson!! With Utah gone i dont have to worry about the mountain west, but as a big time supporter of the MWC for the last decade, I still have love for the conference deep down.
That's why its awesome and HILARIOUS that BYU pulls this crap, acting like they are powerful enough to bail and take all other athletic programs to the Whack (and play 4-6 teams in football) so Craig Thompson says, "OK, We'll just take the only 2 remaining decent programs from the Whack"!
Remember all the posts yesterday about how BYU is leaving so the whole MWC is gonna fall apart?? NOPE. The MWC can still pick and choose ANY team it wants at ANY time from the Whack!
Sorry BYU... your just NOT that cool.
lubeansaAug. 19, 2010 12:48 p.m.
Go for it BYU! I think this would be a good move. TheMtn has been disastrous for fans and a move of some kind of definitely needed. I look forward to finally being able to access the games on TV again!
66belAug. 19, 2010 11:33 a.m.
There might be a political angle to this as well. If the BCS gives BYU an opportunity to qualify, maybe not as easily as Notre Dame, but still a path to qualify, it might mitigate Senator Hatch's vendetta against the BCS. Couple that with the ESPN deal, the Broadcast facilities, and all the other upsides and it looks like BYU will make a successful run at independance.
RavenalAug. 19, 2010 10:02 a.m.
Why do people keep bringing up getting an AQ BCS bid in 2 years? Let me spell it out for you :IT AIN'T GONNA HAPPEN!!!!!
As long as SDSU, UNLV, NM, WY, and CSU are in the conference dragging it down, the MWC will NEVER get an AQ bid. BYU had to do something and they did, just like Utah had to jump at the Pac-10 offer. Both schools have been exploring their options for years.
Otis SpurlockAug. 19, 2010 9:39 a.m.
I seriously don't know what to say. Utah is invited to the PAC 10 along with Colorado to become the PAC 12. BYU isn't invited by the PAC 12 or the Big XII so it decides to actually descend the ladder a little bit and rejoin the WAC, a conference it left in 1999 because it had become watered-down even by BYU standards with no-talent programs.
Anti Bush-ObamaAug. 19, 2010 7:43 a.m.
BYU's schedule after they go Independant.
1. Ball st.
2. San Jose st.
3. Appalachian st.
4. New Mexico st.
5. Idaho
6. Miami of Ohio.
7. Weber st.
9. Kent st.
10.San Diego st.
12.Hawaii ( The big game)
Maybe in a couple years they will open against Texas or Florida and get pounded.
TurtleAug. 19, 2010 6:24 a.m.
It's called revenue
1) BYUTV will bring in a lot more watchers
2) BYU has much larger stadium than Rice-Eccles
3) BYU does not have problem scheduling big teams - USC, Washington, ND, Florida State (all of these have scheduled to play both places)
Why would anyone stay in the MWC and the MTN? That is nuts!
BlutoAug. 19, 2010 4:23 a.m.
You are all missing the point...
The driving force behind all of this is ESPN.
ESPN loves BYU and is willing to poor a ton of cash at them.
They are not interested in Wyoming or Nevada.
They want BYU back in their fold.
BYU wants to control it's own brand, again, as every team should desire to do.
The Socialistic experiment of the Mtn. is over.
It's the same reason TExas is not about to have equal revenue sharing with Baylor.
This is the new model. USC will be next to demand their own deal.
The days of a Washington State or a soon to be Utah, riding the coat-tails of the top tier within thier own conferences, are over.
Wake up, folks. It's that simple.
All of the other sports, don't reallly matter, BYU can excell in those in any league. Ask Gonzaga.
Football is King.
Tomahawk RedAug. 19, 2010 2:44 a.m.
BYU is making a big mistake. Effectively, they are choosing to be an independent with WAC ties. This is clearly a downgrade for you BYU folk.
As an independent, BYU will NOT become a fully recognized BCS team... whereas if they would just stay in the MWC, that AQ will come very soon.
Quit identifying yourself with Notre Dame. BYU is no Notre Dame, yet you all are expecting to get what ND gets... its own lucrative TV deal and automatic BCS bids with a top-8 finish. BYU's deal will be nothing like that. Plus, you are watering down your schedule with WAC teams... which will hurt you in the national polls.
Why BYU is actually going with this is dumbfounding. Fine, whoop it up BYU fans. In the end, you will find that you are now worse off than you were in the MWC. You certainly are not on the same level as a Pac-12 Utah.
For some reason, BYU is choosing to distance the gap between itself and the U.
UteologyAug. 19, 2010 1:30 a.m.
@Bugoff|12:41 a.m. Aug. 19, 2010
Why is it that your the ONLY one saying more independents yet every sports writer I read says it's headed to a super conferences.
Doea anyone agree with you? Site your source to back your opinion.
BugoffAug. 19, 2010 12:41 a.m.
ESPN cut the deal with Texas to protect it's other contracts from getting raided. Sooner or later they will revise it all. Maybe piecemeal but Texas will go independent if they do not get their actual worth out of the Big 12 TV contract. USC could/should do likewise (maybe after probation). Penn State, Ohio State, MI, FL and others could demand and probably get arrangements similar to Texas.
That cuts the money to the other teams in the so called super conferences.
Some teams are just props in the conferences as far a generating TV revenue. CO was worth very little to the Big 12. NE has a large following and could demand a deal like Texas but either did not want to try with the Big 12 or could not get it from the Texas.
In the long run ESPN (and maybe other networks) will rearrange the conferences to reflect ESPN's interests.
Cougar BlueAug. 19, 2010 12:39 a.m.
No, not every Cougar fan is thrilled with this potential move. I think it is shortsided and filled with deep holes. And now with Fresno and Nevada leaving the WAC, why would we put out minor sports in the unenviable position of playing what is left. And now, no way BSU returns to the WAC. Stay in the MWC, this is madness, cubed! I cringe at the huge MWC fan backlash at this. It does smack of elitism. Goes for Utah too.
chuckieAug. 19, 2010 12:21 a.m.
Check your sources.
Anyone at BYU? Dude, wait to hear something.
Read what Duff Tittle said. This is all rumor, half truths. Point is, we don't know what half are the truths...
Watch it play out.
Holmoe, un-be-knownst to Hedgeho knows what he is doing...
UteologyAug. 19, 2010 12:05 a.m.
Observation Deck | 10:41 p.m. Aug. 18, 2010
Ute Fans... check yourselves. Who is the bigger program nationally?
BYU fans... check yourselves. Bigger programs don't play 4-6 WAC teams annually? It will be interesting to see BYU's 2011 SOS.
poymanAug. 18, 2010 11:21 p.m.
This is just plain stupid.... Don't ever let the guys who are pulling these strings become leaders in our government.... I have to agree with Hedgehog on this one.... If Holmo is involved in making this call he needs to be fired.
poymanAug. 18, 2010 11:12 p.m.
SkippyAug. 18, 2010 10:55 p.m.
Hey all you cougars...Do you remember how you bad mouthed the Utes for going to the Pac for money? It's kind of funny now isn't it?
Good luck with all the money you will be getting.
UteologyAug. 18, 2010 10:55 p.m.
yarrlydarb | 10:05 p.m. Aug. 18, 2010
The more this unfolds, the more it's clear that BYU will be as big as ANY school in the west in a few years.
Bold statement for a 4th place mid-major who hasn't played in January since 1996. Who now will be playing 6 games against the leftover WAC teams.
I think Gary Patterson's opinion caries a little more wight then yours:
"If you're BYU, you better be careful what you wish for...I can tell you this: If you think being an independent is an easier way to get to a national championship, you're kidding yourself."
@ryansutes | 10:31 p.m. Aug. 18, 2010
I agree BYU should have waited for the Big 12 expansion. In my opinion both TCU and BYU are a great fit in the Big 12.
yarrlydarbAug. 18, 2010 10:49 p.m.
@Robert Johnson
You're almost right, Robert, except you got it upside down. The money-maker in college is FB, all the other stuff (except football) is Title IX mostly. Football makes the money. Money comes from tv and cable, and full stadiums. At the bottom of the PAC, Utah cannot compete with it's own fellow conference members in any of those categories. BYU on the other hand, can draw a crowd anywhere in the country better than Utah ever thought of doing unless their BCS busters in a bowl game. But that will soon change, because as LaVell said long ago, "You put money in a program, you build a program" (paraphrasing again).
UteologyAug. 18, 2010 10:47 p.m.
@Bugoff | 6:32 p.m. Aug. 18, 2010
It may be better (more cost effective) for ESPN etc to cut deals with a few major draw independents for key games than to overpay conferences.
Ironic statement considering FOX and ESPN stepped in with a promise of new TV deal to keep the Big 12 from dissolving.
I agree with ESPN, college football is a regional game with its rivalries, etc.
Jeff R.Aug. 18, 2010 10:45 p.m.
Nevada and Fresno St. has accepted the invitation by the MWC. That is straight from the MWC website. So the WAC is left with 6 teams and is crippled. BYU still has options on the table. The WCC, West Coast Conferance said they would allow BYU to play all other sports with them. Which is great when you consider that is were the basketball powerhouse Gonzaga calls home. The other sports would still fair well enough off since the main bulk of revenue comes from Football and basketball. Another option is for the MWC to revise its crud deal with The Mtn network. Allow simulcasts and renew the contract with ESPN. What ESPN doesnt cover, the Mnt, VS, and CBSc will pick up. And the MWC must allow BYU to broadcast games on their high tech BYU TV. Either situation is a win win for the Cougars and a Win, sort ok situation for the MWC. The MWC needs BYU and its vast market and following. If they revise the contract and byu stays, the MWC will be a force, and will get out of that crap bowl deal and send the champ to somewhere other than Vegas for once.
Dave SAug. 18, 2010 10:45 p.m.
Like I said earlier I hope you Zoobs enjoy playing the bottom feeders of the WAC. You may be fortunate enough to sprinkle in a game or two with the big boys of the Pac 12 or Big 10 from time to time so enjoy.
UtahBlueDevilAug. 18, 2010 10:44 p.m.
BYU thinks there is a pot of gold out there waiting for them by going independent... oh please. I like BYU, but that is probably one of the worst moves they could make. Out side of Utah, unless you are LDS, no one cares. There will be no big national TV contract pay day.
If you look at the math, half of the church members don't live in the US, so they could care less. That leaves 6 million people or so, and at least half of those don't care about BYU. BYU through its attempt to be an exclusive school has cut off much of the pipe to a future fan base. Many will have gone elsewhere to school and are loyal to those schools. That leaves about 3 million potential viewers. Now of that half that is left, I know this may be shocking, but a good number don't care about football. I know, not very American of them. My mom who doesn't, and neither do my youngest kids.
So how many households are left to support a BYU sports station - not very many. BYU really over played their hand here.
Observation DeckAug. 18, 2010 10:41 p.m.
Ute Fans... check yourselves. Who is the bigger program nationally? BYU... for sure. The U got into the PAC10 because they HAD to in order to draw bigger $$ and develop the program. BYU CAN go independent. Do you know how huge the ABILITY to go independent is? Can you imagine the U saying "we think our football program can draw enough national attention (translated as "filling the stadium") that we don't need to be part of a conference." Laughable. BYU taking its largest money maker independent is a huge statement about how well the program is respected nationally for its ability to compete at a very high level, increase ticket sales at stadiums on the road, and be an opponent that fans want to see. Don't get me wrong, the U has built a good program & I'm thrilled for Kyle. But Chris & the rest of the administrators on The Hill know better than to consider going Independent.
DUBBLEDUBAug. 18, 2010 10:38 p.m.
Good riddance Cougs, good riddance! Everyone suspected you folks thought you were better than everyone else, now you've proven us right!
ryansutesAug. 18, 2010 10:31 p.m.
I absolutely love the idea of BYU going independent. And that they will use the WAC to fill 1/2 their schedule plus the military schools. Cougar fans, get ready for an awesome schedule including Idaho, LaTech, San Jose St., Hawaii, Utah St., NMSU, Army, and Navy. I can't wait till your team flies in to Ruston Louisiana or Las Cruces New Mexico, or play the Idaho Vandals in front of 16,000 in Moscow Idaho. Meanwhile the Utes are playing against USC, Oregon, UCLA, UW, ASU in a major conference. If the WAC and military schools really are used to fill your schedule that means 4 of your 6 home games are from that pile of garbage. The schedule wont make you the "Notre Dame of the west" anytime soon. If you are playing a schedule like that don't expect a BCS game EVER.
Honestly, I don't hate BYU, I just think that schedule is a recipe for disaster. Just be patient and accept your Big 12 invite in a couple years. I can't think of a better non-AQ school than BYU. Their facilities, fans, stadium, teams, support are all great.
Good luck
Robert JohnsonAug. 18, 2010 10:29 p.m.
Wow....if this is true, it shows the different direction that the BYU and Utah programs are going. Utah gets upgraded to the Pac-12, BYU gets downgraded to the third tier WAC.
Its sad to see BYU's once strong football program falling to this level.
CougFaninTXAug. 18, 2010 10:08 p.m.
I'm amazed at the ignorance. BYU is not leaving MWC because it's a week conference. They're leaving because of the TV contract and money. They'll make 10X more money with this move. Other MWC schools are figuring this out also and will be right behind them. Utah AND BYU kept the conference relevant. TCU and BSU are great football teams, but they don't have the following to keep the conference together. MWC will be irrelevant in a year or two. If WAC was stronger conference, BYU would have joined them for FB. WAC is just the conduit BYU needed to for their other sports. There was not a better conference that invited BYU, so independence was better than staying in MWC. They are doing what Univ of Texas was trying to do before Big 12 offered them tens of millions to stay. MWC doesn't have the pocket book to make the same deal to BYU.
yarrlydarbAug. 18, 2010 10:05 p.m.
The more this unfolds, the more it's clear that BYU will be as big as ANY school in the west in a few years. It has to to with the gate and the tv contracts. LaVell said it many years ago to Paul James when asked, "How did you do it, LaVell? How did you put BYU on the map" (paraphrasing, not a direct quote). Being very honest, LaVall said (paraphrasing again), "You put money into a program, you can build a good program."
All these things take place behind the scenes. Coach Kyle and Utah administration aren't surprised at today's news. Coach Kyle and friends feathered their nest as well as they could, given their circumstances. PAC is darned good, everybody knows. That Texas turned the PAC down made Utah's day because they knew that it was only a matter of time before BYU pulled some strings for itself. And anyone who thinks Utah can out draw BYU in the stands or on the tube or cable in any part of the country other than the Mountain West if it's not a bowl game is in fantasy land.
Johnson72Aug. 18, 2010 10:02 p.m.
Awwwww poor little babys from byu!!!... Have to go indy because they did not get an invite to the Pac-12.. See they are jealous!!!
chuckieAug. 18, 2010 10:00 p.m.
Uteology | 6:03 p.m. Aug. 18, 2010
With your six years relevance, and 2 BCS bowls, and 45,000 seat stadium, could Utah have gone independent
"BYU, according to sources, was stunned that an invitation didn't come its way as the Pac-10 first invited the Big 12's Colorado and then turned to Utah to become the Pac-12 earlier this summer."
Serious? Sources?
Holmoe knew the PAC was not going to invite a religous school three years ago, so it was a pretty drawn out stunned...
GaryAug. 18, 2010 9:51 p.m.
It would be a GREAT decision. It makes sense to go Independent and give BYU more choices than what they have now especially with limits to TV rights, etc. It's time to go back to greatness that BYU once had as an independent. Go for it!
UteologyAug. 18, 2010 9:50 p.m.
According to ESPN BYU football will be playing 6 WAC games and is unlikely to get the Notre Dame exception.
Navy and Army have to finish in the top 2 to get a AQ bid while ND must finish #8.
So if they don't get the AQ status look for the top 10 BYU receivers to dominate the WAC, talk about deja voo, and going to the Humanitarian Bowl. Hey atleast its not Vegas.
Its a good move for money and exposure but I don't buy they will be the Notre Dame of the West. Notre Dame actually has played in January since 1996.
IDCAug. 18, 2010 9:38 p.m.
I think WCC has invited BYU's other sports to join them. Better match than the WAC anyways. I hope BYU's leadership has an idea of where they are headed. Exciting and scary times to be a Cougar.
MOUteAug. 18, 2010 9:34 p.m.
This is silly. The WAC or the MWC...It's like reshuffling the same deck of cards. Who cares???
BYU finally grabbed some headlines today; mission accomplished. Seems like a very risky move but the BYU faithful are happy so CONGRATULATIONS BYU!
Independence is both unique and BYU's only option.
rokAug. 18, 2010 9:34 p.m.
Going independent is a bad idea and going back to the WAC is even worse. Why go back? It's a major downgrade from the MWC when you've got BSU and TCU.
GoUtahAug. 18, 2010 9:21 p.m.
You bring up an excellent point regarding the new independent's bowl affiliation(s) or lack thereof.
There's no question that the tds is trying to back door the BCS system, but the gamble leaves them out of other bowl opportunities.
This is a huge gamble with little or no bowl implications in the balance. I'm so grateful that Utah is not involved in this mess.
Rose Bowl, BCS here we come! "Thank you, thank you very much." "Elvis has left the building."
utah10Aug. 18, 2010 9:19 p.m.
My money is on BYU staying and still creating their own network or whatever they are trying to do. I think with adding those two teams they will be really close in getting that AQ bid. Bringing in those two schools makes up for how bad the bottom half of the league really is. There will be no Wac to join so they will have to stay in the mwc. Better for them in the long run anyway.
NW CougAug. 18, 2010 9:09 p.m.
Did you guys hear about NC State going indy in track and joining the Sun Belt for everything else except fencing, which will remain in the ACC?
CasperAug. 18, 2010 9:08 p.m.
BYUCOLORADO | 8:43 p.m. Aug. 18, 2010
"Harvard of the west" I have heard it and continue to hear it from BYU students. I think it's ridiculous, too.
Btw...BYU students I know think the mission and goal of BYU is to get married.
ouiscAug. 18, 2010 8:58 p.m.
There is no doubt the future of Intermountain West football is in the WAC and not the MWC. The MWC is too restrictive of schools, financially, to keep up with the big boys. And their visibility is next to none due to the awful network.
BYU has been a consistent powerhouse from year to year, and with their bad years behind them, they are returning to form. I'm excited for them to go independent in football. I'm not a fan, but I do enjoy watching BYU football.
Fresno State and the MWC is perfect. Then I don't have to ever see them again.
USportsFanAug. 18, 2010 8:57 p.m.
Interesting development... It looks like a done deal with Fresno and Nevada going to the MWC. Also BSU said that they are not returning to the WAC, though there have been rumors that they might. LA Tech is looking to join C-USA... So, there might not be a WAC for BYU to join.
Jimmy JamesAug. 18, 2010 8:56 p.m.
Joining the discussion late but:
If true, I hope BYU succeeds as an independent. It is somewhat high risk, but there definitely is a potential for high rewards. That's the thing about a conference: when you're on top they can hold you back, but if you're on bottom, it's sure nice to have someone else to help hold you up.
Good luck BYU in whatever happens, and good luck to the Mountain West Conference. My Utes may be moving, but I still think the Mountain West deserves a lot of respect, even if it does end up being just TCU and Boise State leading the way.
BugoffAug. 18, 2010 8:56 p.m.
The WAC can find a couple of teams to add.
BYU will be fine in Basketball. They will have MUCH better coverage and can schedule a lot of other teams including old MTN rivals if they wish. Basketball will benefit greatly from having BYU broadcast all of the games that are not on ESPN.
GoUtahAug. 18, 2010 8:48 p.m.
Utah leaves to go to the PAC 10 and the MWC becomes a "house of cards." Utah was truly the strength of the conference along with TCU.
BYUCOLORADOAug. 18, 2010 8:43 p.m.
RE: cfbrules
BYU does not consider itself the Harvard of the west. That is ridiculous. I think if you asked students and administrators if that was really the case they would laugh and say that is neither important, nor does it have anything to do with the mission and goals of BYU. I wonder where you heard that from.
And that honor(Harvard of the west) obviously goes to Stanford.
TurtleAug. 18, 2010 8:34 p.m.
To Louisiana Cougar,
You can stay in your mediocre state as long as you want, but as for the rest of us we would like to see some games. I welcome this idea - you can have the Mountain...
bvinaz33Aug. 18, 2010 8:33 p.m.
I know the old 16 team WAC broke up before because it did not work geographically, but why not bring the Mountain West and the WAC back together to reform the WAC, get the automatic BCS bid, form its own TV network, and have a lot of potential entries into the NCAA basketball tournament. You can have your Conference Championship and get the automatic BCS birth. Of course this won't happen and its a crazy idea, but its an idea!
cfbrulesAug. 18, 2010 8:25 p.m.
BYU considers itself "the Harvard of the West" (it's not), so now it can be "the Notre Dame of Utah County".
CaliforniaCougarAug. 18, 2010 8:21 p.m.
By far the best move for BYU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If this goes through, I am getting BYUTV!!
This gives more flexibility to scheduling Utah, I like the Utah State/General Conference thing, the Hawaii game is awesome, landing Notre Dame, Army, and Navy would be very welcomed as their large fan bases would be tuning in, and this also gives flexibility to schedule Pac 12 and other BCS opponents.
And really, did any of us really care when they won the MWC or WAC titles? Big deal. Conference championships don't mean anything. Once you've tasted the national title ('84), conference championships lose their luster.
BoomerAug. 18, 2010 8:14 p.m.
Lobo fan here. Totally bummed if BYU leaves MWC; was looking forward to years to come of great UNM/BYU basketball games. But I'd be even MORE bummed if I was a BYU fan. No more huge games for BYU at Thomas & Mack and at The Pit. Looks like the WAC will be down to 6 teams in basketball, plus BYU. Not a very inspiring conference basketball schedule of Idaho, LaTech, San Jose St., Hawaii, Utah St and NMSU. BYU will soon find out if its image of its football program is overinflated. Regardless, all of BYU's non-football sports will pay a steep price. Hope BYU will change its mind.
CrimsonUteAug. 18, 2010 8:13 p.m.
Both Reno and Fresno media are reporting that their schools will join the MWC, with press conferences scheduled for 7:30 Pacific Time. Unless the WAC gets two more teams, it will not have the eight teams required to be an NCAA Division I conference. This is getting pretty crazy.
football43Aug. 18, 2010 7:55 p.m.
The deal ESPN has been negotiating with BYU is between 1.4 and 2 million per home football game. Do the math and this is a no brainer. The other sports, collegiately, are lucky to make enough collectively to pay the expenses.
BugoffAug. 18, 2010 7:45 p.m.
@Y ask Y It is about the exposure, the recruiting will elevate with the exposure.
Besides BSU did very well with a weak SOS in the WAC. BYU will find scheduling easier than BSU because they draw better and have much better home attendance.
BYU can create it's own sports channel and offer it to the cable companies for token cost. They will carry it. BYU has already paid the big expense. Adding a channel to the existing ones is no big deal.
It does not matter if the WAC is weak. BYU will write it's own ticket in basketball, baseball and minor sports. It is not like the MTN did much for BYU in those sports. The MTN was decent in basketball but scheduling is easier in basketball so the MTN will not be missed.
BYU has been planning this option for a long time. Texas has made the timing feasible. The failure of the PAC to grab Texas dooms the super conference idea. ESPN helped Texas write the new rules. ESPN is looking out for itself.
USC and maybe UCLA/UCAL could demand and get arrangements like Texas in the future.
hedgehogAug. 18, 2010 7:28 p.m.
Ok, here is the real deal.
BYU is attempting a mini Texas and forcing the hand of the MWC for a bigger rev share and possibly going indi in football.
Will the MWC budge? Does having Fresno and Nevada make it easier to accept the BYU's terms or give them more power to say "take a hike"
We'll know soon.
yarrlydarbAug. 18, 2010 7:23 p.m.
@TheCanuck again
Not at all. It had nothing to do with the PAC. They had there needs just like every other school. They wanted Texas but Utah was on their list, too, just down the line somewhere. If you think schools react in a matter of weeks or months or even years, you are kidding yourself. Take a look at Hellooo's post. Maybe you'll get the picture.
yarrlydarbAug. 18, 2010 7:17 p.m.
I'd like to ask your age--it's got to be less than 25. You have no idea how many years ahead schools plan their inter-collegic schedules and maneuvers. You think any business with multi-million dollar budgets are going to make any big money deals in a matter of months based on another school's defection announcement of a few months. Do we know how to spell naive?
Y Ask YAug. 18, 2010 7:15 p.m.
I don't understand the reasoning some of you are using. The viewership and TV contracts are only secondary considerations.
Recruitment is a top priority, and this move seems like it will hurt recruitment.
Top players will want to play in top Conferences so they can play against other top players, get the best shot at national attention (BCS bowl games), and better shots at the NFL.
The same goes for competition. Who will schedule BYU? Without a set of standard Conference games, BYU may be hard-pressed to fill their schedule.
On the other hand, top teams will have a full roster of Conference games, but will need to fit some non-conference opponents in. BYU could be the non-conference opponent for a number of good teams.
I am torn about this. I don't think I will sell my BYU season tickets and drop out of the CougarClub just yet.
Dosborn_11Aug. 18, 2010 7:00 p.m.
At this point, BYUtv is a nonprofit channel, which means that cable companies have to pay almost nothing to carry it. If BYU tries to run football games on this channel, it loses it's nonprofit status and therefore would likely be dropped from a large percentage of those 50 million homes, because the cable companies would have to pay a much larger sum to run the network as a part of their free programming. So, the exposure might not be nearly as widespread as people are suggesting.
1984 for lifeAug. 18, 2010 6:59 p.m.
According to the Fresno Bee, both Fresno and Nevada are headed to the MWC. OUCH.
TheCanuckAug. 18, 2010 6:54 p.m.
@yarrlydarb | 6:42 p.m
Yeah like Utah had the PAC10 commish create and execute their expansion plans only because BYU was planning on independence. LOL! Thats so funny! I can't believe you zoobies think this stuff up.
BYU is totally reacting to what big-brother did!
"What about us?" is what BYU is screaming now.
yarrlydarbAug. 18, 2010 6:42 p.m.
@Conference Champions
Don't kid yourself. Utah knew three years ago that BYU was working to go independent, at least in football. Knowing that, they jumped at the chance to go to the PAC, and surely they should have. It's not that BYU close to going independent BECAUSE Utah bolted, it's that Utah could see the "hand-writing on the wall" and KNEW they had to improve their prospects while they had the chance. Without BYU, BSU doesn't stay. Without either of them and TCU for sure leaving the MWC, Utah would have had diddly. So they took a good deal for themselves. But you kid yourself if you think BYU's current negotiations have anything to do with or is a reaction to Utah's defection. At best it only hasten them along.
HelloooAug. 18, 2010 6:40 p.m.
Not a BYU fan, but I like the idea of a conference affiliation for other sports, football independence with control over your own sports broadcast rights. It could be with the WAC, MWC or C-USA, doesn't matter. Here is a schedule USU, Fresno, Nevada, Hawaii, Air Force, Navy, Army, Utah, BSU, TCU, SDSU(whether they are in the WAC or not), Baylor, and Boston College. (Eight home games, Five road games, 13 total). The flexibility is endless, and all teams that BYU has played with some frequency in the past. Regional and national appeal, but with a west coast and Texas emphasis. All games will be broadcast, with some home and away games being broadcast by ESPN. This provides great exposure, and TV $. Just be competitive every three or four years to be in BCS bowl consideration. Doable, not easy. If they can pull this off, even with the good basketball, relatively weak football WAC, it will be the best thing that could happen to BYU sports. They won't need the Big12 or PAC12, rather they become the tv option to both for espn.
BugoffAug. 18, 2010 6:32 p.m.
Actually the "super conference" may not be the future. The era of major independents might be the future.
Texas rewrote the rules in favor of becoming a major independent at a future point of thier choosing. USC could do the same. So could other schools with major draws.
It may be better (more cost effective) for ESPN etc to cut deals with a few major draw independents for key games than to overpay conferences.
All conferences have schools that add very little to the value of the conference TV revenues. A handfull of major schools create the TV value. It is in the interest of those schools to get as much of the revenue as they can and not carry and subsidize the weak schools in a conference.
If a few of the big name schools demand contracts like Texas (wave of the future), there will be no super conferences. There will be more independents who will sign thier own TV deals. Scheduling is less of a problem because of the money generated by playing one of the major TV independents.
The conferences are obsolete and inefficient because they have so many teams that are poor TV draws.
Cougar FilesAug. 18, 2010 6:30 p.m.
Having viewed (or attempted to view) BYU games in Virginia, Texas and Ohio with myriad BYU fans, this would be huge. Most, if not all of these fans, would be willing to pay an additional $50/month to subscribe to an all BYU Athletics Sports channel. This will benefit BYU's exposure and ensure control over advertising and distribution (think, no more awkward questions by your 4 year old about "male enhancement suppliments" advertised during commercial breaks) and increase the revenue for BYU Athletics. At first glance, this was not a move I would endorse, but after thinking about it, there are too many positives not to proceed. Risks, yes, but manageable.
1984 for lifeAug. 18, 2010 6:24 p.m.
Hey Chuckie---If this is so great why didn't we do it years ago? In reality, this will close the gap between the BCS school payouts ($11M- $20M)and our payout (reported as $5m-$7M from ESPN). The BCS won't offer us even close to the deal that Notre Dame has for access to the BCS games and until we win games like others have (Utah, BSU, TCU, Hawaii), we'll never be at a BCS party. BYU administration has done a good job reacting to the exodus of Utah to the PAC 10 and salvaged something. Let's just hope that reports are false about Reno and Fresno joining the MWC or our non football teams will be playing local high schools.
Tommy2ShoesAug. 18, 2010 6:18 p.m.
I hope the Cougs stay put at least for the next few years and give the MWC a chance to be a BCS auto q. e owe that to the other institutions we affiliated with when we formed it. I. for one, was looking forward to as time when the MWC would have it's own championship (once it expanded to 12.
PapaSmurfAug. 18, 2010 6:15 p.m.
You are all jumping the gun. BYU will take advantage of this situation. IF Fresno and Nevada join the MWC then I would suspect that Boise and BYU stick around and BYU gets to use their network outside of 'the Mtn'. IF Fresno and Nevada stick in the WAC then BYU and Boise could leave and do as has been stated in the article.
The thing about this situation is BYU and Boise have no penalties to make any move. Fresno and Nevada do have penalties. I expect it will get more complicated before it is settled.
Have fun with all your speculations!
thelogicaloneAug. 18, 2010 6:12 p.m.
Now I know what the Elder's Quorum "lesson" will be this Sunday.
cvalAug. 18, 2010 6:04 p.m.
Not sure where you heard Fresno was moving to the MWC. The article says they and Nevada declined the offer, viewing the WAC as now the more stable conference.
JMTAug. 18, 2010 6:03 p.m.
This could be a briliant move!
So in 2011 they play Oregon State, Texas, Utah, Norte Dame, Army and Navy.
This is only a possible schedule but the exposure BYU gets is incredible! They play on PAC-12 TVs twice, Big 10 once, Notre Dame's national exposure then East coast TVs with Army and Navy. This would give them incredible national exposure, then throw in BYU-TV reaches far more screens than the Mountain ever dreamed of.
This could be pretty fun to watch. And switching Boise St and TCU for Norte Dame and others is worth it.
For those really moaning about this you can't have it both ways. You can't complain about The Mountain cable contract then moan about this possible effort.
This is great for BYU in many ways and I hope they pull it off.
UteologyAug. 18, 2010 6:03 p.m.
With your six years relevance, and 2 BCS bowls, and 45,000 seat stadium, could Utah have gone independent
Could Oregon? UCLA? Why would Utah, we're in the PAC12.
Here enjoy this from ESPN:
The Cougars are breaking the mold here. There are only three independent teams left in the country - Notre Dame, Army and Navy. The moves this summer indicated college football was moving more toward a superconference era. Does going independent make that easier?
BYU, according to sources, was stunned that an invitation didn't come its way as the Pac-10 first invited the Big 12's Colorado and then turned to Utah to become the Pac-12 earlier this summer.
But if BYU can't be assured a seat at the BCS table, the Cougars won't make the move.
So there you have it it can't bust the BCS so it's trying to get in from the backdoor.
BugoffAug. 18, 2010 6:02 p.m.
BYU is doing this because it is good for them. It has been in the planning for years. The BYU audience will build as more programing is conveniently available.
It really is about exposure first. However, BYU will get more money.
BSU did very well in the WAC as far as getting into major bowls. It will be easier for BYU to do the same as an independent. SOS did not deter BSU. It will not hurt BYU as long as they win.
Scheduling may not be as much of a problem as many suppose since BYU does draw well.
The extra exposure for the basketball, basesball, and other sports is a big plus.
BYU can create it's own sports channel and cut it's own deal with cable companies. It might even be able to make deals with other independents such as Army/Navy etc and provide coverage for them. If they wanted to they could provide coverage for Big 12 schools like Texas Tech.
The BYU facilities can support more than one channel. The variable costs of producing a football game are low and BYU already has paid for the broadcasting infrastructure.
hatuletohAug. 18, 2010 5:57 p.m.
I just read every one of these comments (some more closely than others), and thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed the BYU fans trying to spin this as something other than a move forced upon BYU by Utah's move to the PAC.
I wouldn't say this is a "depseration" move, per se, but it's certainly not something that would have happened had Utah remained in the MWC, bad TV deal or not. A few more years of success against BCS teams would have made a genuine case for the MWC to become an AQ conference; an independent BYU will have no shot at a national title under the current system. At the very least, had Utah not gone to the PAC, BYU would have stuck around a few more years to see how the MWC / BCS question shook out.
I respect the BYU athletic program directors for taking a hard look at an unpleasant reality and responding boldly. Perhaps they could impart that talent upon their fan base? Never the less, good luck BYU, as always. "A rising tide floats all boats."
hedgehogAug. 18, 2010 5:57 p.m.
"The problem is that Utah fans just cannot fathom just how Huge this is."
Busted, I get it. Football for Mormons - nothing more nothing less. I would guess not more than 5 non LDS are BYU fans ( not kidding) - Outside the the ward's around the coutry, no one cares at all.
Very niche.
OsgrathAug. 18, 2010 5:57 p.m.
Reading the previous posts, I have seen so much jumping to conclusions that I am feeling a little queasy, like too much time on the high and heavy seas. Does any single person who has posted on the - up til now - four pages of this thread really know what is going to happen?
For that matter, who among us know what agreements have already been made but not announced. Do any of us know what negotiations are going on? Hedgehog is sure that Fresno State and Nevada are headed to the MWC - even if the offer was tendered, would they accept it? I don't know. My plan is to sit back and watch it all happen, then laugh at everyone that was wrong.
Meanwhile, I am pretty sure that Tom Holmoe is not acting like a loose cannon. I have watched BYU academic politics long enough to know that the athletic director never makes a move without the blessing of administration on up to the Board of Trustees - the same group that doesn't announce any change until it is a done deal - new temple, policy change, whatever. It will be interesting.
liberaustrianAug. 18, 2010 5:56 p.m.
I think its really funny to read all of these comments from people that think they know better than the people who do this as a profession. Most of these morons are on here all day (probably unemployed). It is really amazing to me that they can't see their irrelevance.
There is so much to this deal that we don't know. The people making this deal aren't stupid.
chuckieAug. 18, 2010 5:51 p.m.
hedgehog | 4:39 p.m. Aug. 18, 2010
the MWC has just extended and invitation to Fresno and Neveda.
Yes zoobs you will be going it alone.
hedgehog | 5:00 p.m. Aug. 18, 2010
Now that Fresno and Nevada have been invited to join the MWC is the WAC the worst conference in the Nation?
I would say yes - Good move tds, you'll be looking up to the SUN conference.
So sad, so very very sad.
Old news.
Fresno State and Nevada have already turned down the "conditional invite", and it looks that BSU has the option to retun to the WAC with no financial penalty, which if this rolls out, they will do...
Huge money aside, (HUGE), it will also put BYU football in 50,000,000 homes, and in the 4,000,000 out of state LDS, which will benefit those members...
Geez, no downside, not even one to make-up, and huge upside...
Utah could never have even considered something this big.
It hurts to be the little brother...
Hurting yout head HedgeHog?
MapleDonAug. 18, 2010 5:46 p.m.
Which genius figured this out? Who prayed about going to the WAC? Didn't that person receive any vibe that the WAC would dissolve?
Given Fresno State has now confirmed it's bolting to the MWC (and Nevada will follow suit), the WAC doesn't have a future. Obviously, this wasn't an inspired decision at BYU.
What's the counsel we receive from the pulpit? Be content with what we have. Avoid pride.
Clearly, pride and discontent has resulted in a bad situation for BYU, its football program, and its fans.
wayneAug. 18, 2010 5:28 p.m.
this is a dangerous power game being played. BYU is trying to break out of the MTN TV package. the threat of going back to the WAC is just that a threat. a better situation would be to start anew with a new conference taking the best of both leagues and start over.
independence is not the answer. not in the long run.
the problem with all of this is that BYU is a draw but not the kind of draw that Fighting Irish (independence). CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, CNN, and the Fox money Chanel will not offer a better long term deal than they would to a conference BYU Belonged to. a season full of OU games and ESPN will not want to broadcast BYU
BYU is powerful but not as powerful as Texas who got an extra exclusive TV package and uneven revenue package. BYU could get an extra deal from the MWC but unlike Texas BYU relies on other conference members. always has always will.
Independence is foolhardy and not in the best interests of BYU. the little extra TV money is not worth the risks.
BYU 26 Utah 23Aug. 18, 2010 5:28 p.m.
"is there any BYU fan that honestly believes that ESPN will pick up all of BYU's home games? You might get one a year."
You're sounding more and more like a bitter, jealous, BYU hater.
Not only will ESPN be picking up most of BYU's home games, but, since ESPN immediately posted the following on ESPN's website:
"According to independent multiple sources, BYU is in discussion with ESPN for its football rights."
Suggestions that the television deal with ESPN was already a close to a done deal before the story broke.
AndermartAug. 18, 2010 5:25 p.m.
Fantastic - if it happens. BYU would be independent in football just like Notre Dame and could play with more of the elite. We are talking more revenue, better schedule, and more chance of making the BCS bowls. More National Coverage too. Why not do it. Become an icon.
I think Utah helped us make this decision, but it is incredible. It is a much better option than the Pac-10.
BusterAug. 18, 2010 5:22 p.m.
JohnJacobJingleHeimerSchmidt | 3:47 p.m. Aug. 18, 2010
"No matter how you spin it cooooogar fans, BYU just rejoined the WAC, the freaking WAC."
Dude, did you read the article?
Independence with their own TV network in 50 million homes... That is not the WAC.
Texas is looking at building a network from scratch.
The problem is that Utah fans just cannot fathom just how Huge this is.
SoCalUtahFanAug. 18, 2010 5:22 p.m.
The move to the WAC is like a highschool student chooses to go to junior college for 2 years first before applying to major university to complete their degree.
So, Brian Gumbel would love it. BYU proves he was right...Remember Bo Diddley College anyone?
UteinIdahoAug. 18, 2010 5:19 p.m.
They are not NEARLY as respected as Notre Dame on a national level. It's not the 80's anymore BYU.
Now they are gonna play 4 to 6 Whack teams every year? The only one that would be respectable is BSU IF they back out and go back to the Whack. Lets not pretend though that BSU going back is a done deal. They MWC still has TCU which is much better than BYU in football, an the rest of the conference is still far better than the rest of the whack teams.
The only way that i see thid as a good thing is it might FINALLY get the cougs to a BCS game. Wont be that hard when your playing 4-6 Whack teams, then fill the rest of the schedule with cupcakes.
Overall this was a great move for BYU. A great move BACKWARDS!!! Have fun begging for respect as a "Major Independent" Football team and playing the rest of your sports in the whick whick WHACK!
BusterAug. 18, 2010 5:18 p.m.
Big_Ben | 3:30 p.m. Aug. 18, 2010
is there any BYU fan that honestly believes that ESPN will pick up all of BYU's home games?
How are things my friend...?
BYU-TV is in 50 million homes, has an HD facility on campus, and an HD truck ready to roll to games...
There are over 4 million LDS that live out of the State of Utah, and while not all are fans, many are very rabid fans...
Also, the fans of the teams BYU is playing would have access to the game in HD...
This could affect BCS AQ for BYU, depending on how the BCS looks at it. ND AQ's if in top 8 in country, Army and Navy have to be top 2, so it depends on what deal could be worked out with the BCS
No spin. Just more money and prestige. Ute fans are thowing around the idea the best BYU can do is the Vegas Bowl.
Not after 2011.
Is BYU accidently backing into being an independent?
worfAug. 18, 2010 5:14 p.m.
And BYU can take Texas Techs spot.
flyonawallAug. 18, 2010 5:05 p.m.
Most of you talking about BYU and BSU rejoining the WAC have read it all wrong. Under the speculated agreement, BYU is NOT going back to the WAC in football. The WAC would just be a placeholder for the other sports where conference affiliation is not that relevant (read: sports where there are playoffs in place and where revenue isn't so affected as it is in football).
This is about $$ and about flexibility with TV contracts. BYU is pointing the gun of independence at the MWC and its useless TV deal with the mtn. My guess is that they're brokering for the ability to get an exemption to deliver their games on BYU-TV. Now that Utah is gone, BYU is the only team bringing substantial value to the mtn, and since they have their own network, they don't see the need to continue propping everyone else up.
I think there are a lot of problems with independence, but BYU's probably in as good a seat as anyone - outside the "big schools" - to pull it off. Should be interesting to see how this plays out!
Cougs4LifeAug. 18, 2010 5:04 p.m.
The reason that the NCAA has the special rule for scheduling Hawaii is based on the cost for a team to travel, with gear, to the islands. In exchange, any team thay play @HI gets an additional HOME game to try and make up the cost.
Otherwise, no one would ever play @ Hawaii...
D1Aug. 18, 2010 5:04 p.m.
This seems like a no brainer. WHat is the downside to all of this?
UteologyAug. 18, 2010 5:03 p.m.
@MUSSing with U | 2:58 p.m. Aug. 18, 2010
Now BYU is leveraging their national reputation to go independent in football and jealous Utah fans simply can't handle being knocked out of the limelight once again by the Cougars.
Limelight in Vegas or 1-4 in the first round? Please do tell.
The talk this summer was all about 4 Super 16 conferences. If that is the future then going independent won't help. I think if the Big 12 expands BYU and TCU are a good fit.
hedgehogAug. 18, 2010 5:00 p.m.
Now that Fresno and Nevada have been invited to join the MWC is the WAC the worst conference in the Nation?
I would say yes - Good move tds, you'll be looking up to the SUN conference.
So sad, so very very sad.
TheCanuckAug. 18, 2010 4:54 p.m.
The WAC. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Someone tell me they are just joking? Please?!? I can't stop laughing! The WAC?
This only hurts TCU and BSU as it jumbles the apple cart that was the MWC. Automatic Qualifier status is now in question as now the viability of the MWC is now in question. This will force TCU and BSU to make changes.
BYU is forcing national recognition upon itself by taking such a huge gamble for independence. And TCU and BSU will pay the price for playing great football in a conference with a weak low self-esteemed sister in BYU.
This is not about Utah anymore. Its about BYU screaming "Hey! What about me?"
This ploy for more exposure hurts the schools that helped BYU get to where it is... You know what? BYU deserves to be downgraded to a WAC nothing school.
At best this is a huge gamble. At worst its the beginning of the end of BYU football.
(Ironic as an LDS school is gambling on its future like this)
UteologyAug. 18, 2010 4:54 p.m.
TrueBlue | 2:30 p.m. Aug. 18, 2010
goodbye mid-major
hello MAJOR INDEPENDENT!
That's funny when did the BCS give BYU an automatic invite for becoming independent?
It's BCS conferences + Notre Dame.
Not BCS conferences + Notre Dame + BYU
Maybe it will be someday but as of today no.
OhioUte2218Aug. 18, 2010 4:50 p.m.
Where are all the BYU fans that called Utah a 'sell-out' and other names for going for more money, and that BYU would never abandon their principles for more money? Who's selling out now?
chuckieAug. 18, 2010 4:48 p.m.
Dave S | 2:25 p.m. Aug. 18, 2010
"Hey Zoobs"
Hey Zoobs?
What does that even mean. BYU just outdid the Utes again...
Hey Utes!!!
If you were waiting for BYU to one up the Utes, they just did and in a Huge way.
Once again, BYU is doing what little brother never could dream of.
That's what tradition buys you...
SnarkAug. 18, 2010 4:47 p.m.
This will be a great move for BYU. Its HD Truck has the finest equipment available for remote transmition of HD content. Its new broadcasting building is likewise a remarkable facility, combining both production and broadcasting capacity with the very finest equipment in the industry. Teams will quickly find out that who ever plays BYU will have nation-wide (even international) exposure. BYU's President is very bright. If this comes about, it will not be without all the homework having been turned in and graded.
patriotAug. 18, 2010 4:44 p.m.
I am thinking the Y is going to be done with the NCAA very soon. They will never make it as an independent money wise and I think it is going to be sadly apparent very soon - maybe two years that nobody wants the Y in their conference and funding the program is going to be very difficult. I think this is the beginning of the end for BYU athletics.
chuckieAug. 18, 2010 4:43 p.m.
scott182 | 11:40 a.m. Aug. 18, 2010
"Fiddler, the important teams to a conference are the teams that go to BCS games."
Scottie, are you for real?
45,000 seats that are filled off and on. A program that is not consistent, that doesn't know if it can beat UNLV, or go BCS?
Bto, the only reason that BYU would go independent is simple... BECAUSE IT CAN!!!
All thoss things that Ute fans dismiss, the NC, the consistency of being a top 36 team, the awards (Heisman, Doak, O'Briens, Outlands,)... We're taling tradition, not 6 years of spotty football.
But Scott, answer this if you can...
Ute fans, answer this simple question.
With your six years relevance, and 2 BCS bowls, and 45,000 seat stadium, could Utah have gone independent???
Cougar BlueAug. 18, 2010 4:41 p.m.
Well, it's nice, I guess, that some of you are excited beyond reason. For years, it's been tough for BYU to schedule big name teams in football. Why do you think that it's suddenly going to get easier? It seems to me that a smarter tack would be to stay in the MWC, await the TV Mtn. deal renegotiation, and keep those long rivalries that we've had since the 1950's. This whole scenario is bizarre beyond belief. A pie in the sky scheme. Be very wary Holmoe, be very wary.
hedgehogAug. 18, 2010 4:39 p.m.
the MWC has just extended and invitation to Fresno and Neveda.
Yes zoobs you will be going it alone.
USportsFanAug. 18, 2010 4:37 p.m.
Let me get this straight... BYU is shunned by PAC 10, ignored by Big 12, and here they are taking a step down from the MWC and going to the independent and WAC?
Am I dreaming or did I smack my head too hard? Wow, that is just unbelievable. They will schedule good enough teams to play. But I think that it is an unwise move.
I guess they just want to show their athletic games as they wish, not as the contract dictates. The easiest way to get out of the contract is leave the conference.
Cougar FilesAug. 18, 2010 4:34 p.m.
I think several posters out there are missing the point. BYU football games are unlikely to be included into the BYUTv programming. News broke a few days ago about a local company inking a deal with BYU Athletics TV or some such entity which does not currently exist. Likely this is the pending entity that would be broadcasting BYU's athletics. The new facility has the capability to broadcast multiple stations. Now BYU can remove the middleman in negotiating distribution of it's athletics, control commercials, etc. I don't think BYUTv is going to be the vehicle for BYU Football, except perhaps re-runs a day or two later.
BYU CougarsAug. 18, 2010 4:19 p.m.
If it turns out that hey have spoken to the BCS about potential similarities in BCS deals as ND this could end up being a good thing for the Cougars. Only time will tell whether this was the right decision. I don't like the move from the MWC to the WAC in Basketball the MWC is a much better Basketball conference with the exception of UTAH STATE (that are great in basketball and on the rise in football). That part of this deal I could do without. But if all games are on BYUTV and we can pull in a good different schedule every year. I do hope this will inable us to continue the rivalry with Utah although being in diffent conferences might lessen the haterd(not a bad thing).
AUTO BCS FOR MWCAug. 18, 2010 4:07 p.m.
The PAC10 will be the PAC12 and the BIG12 will be the something else entirely, THE BCS WILL NEED TO WRITE A NEW CONTRACT next year that has the correct wording (i.e. conference names and auto bids) in it. I would perfer them just put an auto bid for the MWC, especially considering in the last two years the MWC has been ranked ahead of one or more BCS conf.'s by the end of the season.
To Ute fans saying they started this take off your rose colored glasses and put on your real glasses the prescription kind. Your move to the PAC10 meant the rivalry might end but the MWC didn't loose anything with BSU coming in. If BYU now leaves the MWC looses one more power house team but with TCU and BSU and a few other teams on the rise they will be fine.
I don't like the move for the basketball team. Last year we had four teams in the tourney the wac had one. Gioing independent COULD BE an OK move for the football team, time will tell. BTW BYU has been considering this for FOUR YEARS go back and look.
RaininTimeAug. 18, 2010 4:06 p.m.
Coach M. doesn't get on the I-Net? YES he does, just not to get coaching or FB advice from a wannabe fan. Coaching FB is exhausting, grueling, extremely demanding coupled with 30-second game situation decisions and the noise of the I-Net isn't worth much.
However, for us fans, this sure is fun, errrrr a war!!!!
scenic viewAug. 18, 2010 4:01 p.m.
"Does anyone understand how playing Hawaii adds a 13th game?? How does that work?"
The NCAA has a special rule that allows any team that plays Hawaii in Hawaii to play an extra regular season game.
MUSSing with UAug. 18, 2010 3:58 p.m.
blue dot!
Get over yourself. This has nothing to do with Utah.
Getting a BCS bid will be no harder for BYU as an independent than it will be for Utah in the PAC 10.
Unless BYU over-schedules themselves, finishing undefeated or with only one loss as an independent won't be any harder than winning a PAC 10 championship.
A 12-0 or 11-1 top 8 BCS standings finish will all but guarantee a BCS invite for BYU.
A very young, but very talented BYU team will be tuning up in 2010 against a very difficult opening schedule.
In 2011, they'll be very talented and very experienced!
ChuckyAug. 18, 2010 3:54 p.m.
this really stinks for the other sports at BYU.
CosmoAug. 18, 2010 3:48 p.m.
Today is a good day to be a BYU fan!
Gooooo COUGARS!
JohnJacobJingleHeimerSchmidtAug. 18, 2010 3:47 p.m.
No matter how you spin it cooooogar fans, BYU just rejoined the WAC, the freaking WAC.
AlteregoAug. 18, 2010 3:45 p.m.
Funny how a story like this allows one to see just how many computer users can't spell independent correctly.
In any case, the evidence is clear; even though Utah and TCU were the only two MWC to experience an undefeated season, BYU always was and still is the "flagship" university of the Mountain West.
It would have taken much more than an undefeated season or two to take that spot away from them.
Quince OrchardAug. 18, 2010 3:44 p.m.
Starting next year, EVERY BYU football fan in the country and tens of thousands of BYU fans from around the world will be able to watch EVERY BYU football game LIVE in HD!
Go COUGARS!
BlutoAug. 18, 2010 3:43 p.m.
UNLV, San Diego State, Boise State and Air Force
drop La. Tech and add TCU/New Mexico and goodbye MWC.
jazzbballAug. 18, 2010 3:42 p.m.
I've never said this, but seriously... several Ute fans here are proving Max Hall right. Not all, but several. What an embarassment you are to the U.
Old ScarecrowAug. 18, 2010 3:41 p.m.
Of course it's about money, but at BYU the more important goal is EXPOSURE, and with an independent ESPN deal plus control over home game broadcasts at least and their new HD tv capabilities, this is great for BYU, the football program and their fans. Are the Utes who are riduling the move really saying that anybody in the country cared who won the MWC? Utah or TCU, the country could care less. So BYU as an independent and on TV regularly will be a solid boost to EXPOSURE, and not having to share the money will help as well. Utah won't have any more exposure than the Y and BYU will eventually develop a list of solid opponents every year. Great far-sighted move that leaves all of the doors open except the one into the dark hallways of MWC TV.
1984 for lifeAug. 18, 2010 3:36 p.m.
Major step back for all of our non football programs. Football will be great if we schedule 8 BCS conference teams and then play 4 WAC teams. Ask USU what the WAC is like in b ball when you win the conference and then lose in the conference tournament----NO NCAA BID.
BlutoAug. 18, 2010 3:36 p.m.
@Utah '95
I would say that a school, BYU, who has won half of it's Conference Championships for 40 years, has the largest TV and fanbase etc.. is the Top Dog!
Last year...
MWC Conference Championships BYU-9...Utah-1
nuff said...
Big_BenAug. 18, 2010 3:30 p.m.
is there any BYU fan that honestly believes that ESPN will pick up all of BYU's home games? You might get one a year.
CobaltAug. 18, 2010 3:29 p.m.
If the WAC could manage to get Boise back and lure a couple of more teams along with them like TCU and Air Force then I think they would have a real conference on their hands. Bowl games might not get better though.
I'm with everyone else as far as TV though. I used to be an avid BYU fan until the Mtn TV network came along. Now that I can't watch them on TV I am lucky to be able to name 5 players who even play for them, and I get less interested every year. If I can watch them again maybe my interest in this program will rekindle.
Everyone seems to be attaching football success to this deal. Notre Dame has a sub-par team every year and the networks still pay the big bucks for them to play mostly Big 10 and military acadamy schools. BYU won't get the kind of money that ND does, but probably quite a bit more than they are now. In the end that is all that matters.
scenic viewAug. 18, 2010 3:28 p.m.
Fans from the SEC, ACC, Big East, Big 10, or Big 12 couldn't care less about Utah's move to the PAC 10 either.
Utah has had a couple of stellar seasons, but BYU has finished in the Top 25 more times than any other team in the MWC.
Your "remind me..." argument is silly.
BYU had never won a national championship, until 1984.
BYU had never finished in the Top 10, until 1983.
BYU had never won a bowl, until 1980.
BYU had never played in a bowl, until 1974.
Things can change quickly, but BYU has been there, done that, and will do it again.
2010 could be the kickoff for an amazing season in 2011.
sports fanAug. 18, 2010 3:22 p.m.
this whole thing sounds like gossip at a junior high school. not a shred of actual evidence just a lot of talk. BYU has built TV capability so they can transmit church related material around the world. i saw BYUtv in africa and eruope and they used it to broadcast conference and training sessions and things like that. football had nothing to do with it. and it has nothing to do with the new HD building they build by the merriott.
RavenalAug. 18, 2010 3:22 p.m.
Someone asked what the team will play for without a conference. That's simple: The goal each and every year will be a BCS Bowl and hopefully a National Championship. Everyone knows that is more important than a conference championship anyway. Just ask Utah which looks better in the case, the conference championship trophy or the Sugar Bowl trophy from that same year????
andrewute1Aug. 18, 2010 3:21 p.m.
As a Ute fan, good for byu for making a move to get out of the hole that is the Mountain West. It is to early to tell if it will help byu or not so im not going to say anthing beyond that. My question is though, what happens when byu drops a few games at the start of the season when they are independent?? How will the players react when there is nothing to play for?? Will fan support drop off since all you have to look forward to is the Humanitarian Bowl?? That is the biggest problem with being an independent is not playing for a conference championship throughout the season which is huge!
Before every season the motto for byu will be BCS or bust plain and simple. Will they be able to live up to the hype? Well since it has not happened yet, im saying no.
StenarAug. 18, 2010 3:19 p.m.
HA HA HA! This is the beginning of the end for BYU football. I thought after Utah left, BYU would become what USU is now... with this plan, BYU will become less than USU.
cougarloveAug. 18, 2010 3:18 p.m.
This makes no sense! we are not notre dame and will not be treated teh same. We are going ot leave teh mw to pla in such a bad conference4-6 games vs the very low end of the wac. Not good
MenaceToSocietyAug. 18, 2010 3:18 p.m.
Utah steps up to the Pac 12.
BYU steps down to the WAC. Duck those losses to Boise State and TCU, Cougies!
San Jose State? Idaho? Nevada-Reno? Louisiana Tech? New Mexico State? Those schools should be in the Big Sky Conference!
This is beyond funny. To the point where I acually feel kind of bad for Cougie fan.
rhalgicAug. 18, 2010 3:17 p.m.
Look on the bright side doubters and ney-sayers -- at the least we'll finally break that Vegas streak!
In seriousness, at first I thought this was kind of just a tactic to get a Texas-style t.v. deal. Even if it's not, I'm starting to warm-up to it. At the end of the day, BYU GETS OUT OF THE MOUNTAIN (worse-tv-deal-EVER). Isn't that really the reason for joining the WAC in all other sports? As I recall, for YEARS Utah and BYU were complaining about that contract; Utah found their escape, BYU made another.
It's about exposure for BYU sports, right? People think all of BYU's football games will be on BYUtv. Probably not. Most games will be on ESPN and maybe rebroadcast on BYUtv. But what about volleyball, lacrosse, SOCCER -- are any of those sports carried by the Mountain (worst-tv-deal-EVER)? Imagine the INTERNATIONAL audience BYU's Men's Soccer (a semi-pro team not beholden to NCAA regulations) could reach by getting off of the Mountain (worse-tv-deal-EVER) and onto their own International t.v. station? It's exciting news.
SportzFanAug. 18, 2010 3:08 p.m.
phramahaphil | 2:33 p.m. Aug. 18, 2010
"Maybe, maybe not. One thing for sure though, the MWC didn't have trouble finding a school better than Utah in BSU: 2 BCS wins and a top 5 ranking in their bid for a 3rd trip to the BCS. The Yewts will go from 3rd place in the MWC to middle of the pack in the PAC. Have fun playing Wyoming in Las Vegas."
Intellectual honesty was never a strong suit for Zoobies. Way to exclude Utah's 2 BCS wins, that's not disingenuous at all.
You suffer from reading comprehension problems. The Utes have 2 BCS wins. BSU has two BCS wins AND a #5 ranking (higher in sports illustrated), AND a legit shot at the title game.
Big_BenAug. 18, 2010 3:05 p.m.
sounds like you are trying really hard to convince yourself. Let me give you a tip: if you don't believe something yourself, the rest of us won't believe it either and saying things like "Makes me laugh", just shows insecurity. Just enjoy it bro. Life is good.
Its all right, take your lumps, regourp, grab some water and then come on back, we won't hold it against you.
RationalAug. 18, 2010 3:05 p.m.
I'm working HARD to suspend my disbelief that this is a good thing.
On the other hand, what if this is a step towards BYU owning not just their own games, but owning the network that broadcast's their conference's games?
Imagine if the MTN was actually good, and in HD, and had a good deal with Comcast AND Dish AND Direct TV? What if it made each of the conference members more than they now make and made BYU LOTS more?
Then this would make sense.
The LDS church owns a number of TV stations AND a satellite. (At least they used to). Could be interesting...
Otherwise, I don't get it.
TheHailstormAug. 18, 2010 3:01 p.m.
Gosh and just when things were looking so good.
Who is BYU going to play when the BCS schools are playing their conference schedule ?
Slippery Rock and West Texas State may not want to play.
Remember when the Blue Bloods were accusing the Utes of mutiny and had abandoned the ship--all for a bigger share of the PAC 12 Television booty ?
I really do appreciate the competition my Utes and BYU had. Deep Down?
To me, this does not seem to be a good move, but rather one of the oddest sport maneuvers that I can think of.
Should be good fodder for our cannons for years to come here at the comment blog.
Please keep your hands on the safety bar and remain seated during the next 2-3 years.. this looks to be quite a ride !
Kyle loves BYU/JazzAug. 18, 2010 2:59 p.m.
Does anyone understand how playing Hawaii adds a 13th game?? How does that work?
I hope this comes with only 4 games against the WAC with Hawaii and USU being 2 of them. 6 is a bit much for me. I wouldn't mind playing Nevada and Fresno too but beyond that there isn't any times I'd really want to see from the WAC.
MUSSing with UAug. 18, 2010 2:58 p.m.
Talk about insecurity Big_Ben, scott isn't the one hanging out on a rival's blog trying to refute every statement he doesn't agree with.
What makes you think BYU won't have ties to a bowl game?
BYU has always been the flagship program of the WAC (for the last 20 years that the Cougars were in the WAC) and the MWC, from when it was created.
You're not being honest with yourself if you think that Utah was invited to the PAC 10 solely because of their superior athletic program.
Take a look at the Sears Cup Standings for the last 20 years. Take a look at the conference championships in both the WAC and MWC for the last 30 years.
Utah isn't even close, by comparison.
The Utes used to have a great basketball program, now in shambles.
The Utes used to have a miserable football program, now with some recent success.
BYU has been very good to great in both for decades.
Now BYU is leveraging their national reputation to go independent in football and jealous Utah fans simply can't handle being knocked out of the limelight once again by the Cougars.
cougarsare1Aug. 18, 2010 2:56 p.m.
Love it. Love it. Love it.
livestrongAug. 18, 2010 2:55 p.m.
Ryker Mathews (4-star athlete, #11 in the country at OL according to Rivals) just committed to the Cougars.
Oh yeah, the battle was between Kansas, BYU, and Utah.
Guess the recruits really do prefer the Pac 10 hands-down over BYU's independent status. I guess Utah really will win all the recruiting battles now.
Or maybe that theory doesn't hold water?
blue dot!Aug. 18, 2010 2:52 p.m.
If getting a BCS bid as an at large in the MWC was tough, what will an independent Y have to do to get one now?
Smacks of sour grapes to me. They just couldn't get over Utah moving to a better conference. Now they are trying like heck to do something, anything, to look like they weren't left standing at the dance without a date.
LiveLifeLoudAug. 18, 2010 2:52 p.m.
@ Kyle loves
The WAC tournament is moving to Las Vegas this year so you'll still have to deal with that but I'll bet anything that UNLV and maybe New Mexico or SDSU follows them. The UNLV/Nevada is a big rivalry in that state as is USU/BYU so basketball would win big time. It'd be the best basketball conference in the West if the PAC-12 keeps up their body of work from last year. Utah State, New Mexico, BYU, UNLV, New Mexico St, and Nevada in one conference would get rowdy! Add decent La Tech, Fresno State, and Idaho teams and that's a tough, tough basketball conference.
Utah'95Aug. 18, 2010 2:51 p.m.
Jealous U,
"BYU's move from MWC to the WAC and independent status will create a seismic shift in the college football landscape."
Ask any fan from the SEC, ACC, Big East, Big 10, or Big 12 if they see this as a "seismic shift" in anything.
"BYU doesn't even need a Notre Dame type Top 8 BCS guarantee....."
Remind me, when was the last time BYU went into Bowl Season ranked in the top 8?
It's no secret that BYU has been a very good football program for decades, and have financially benefitted the WAC and MWC. But to call them the "Flagship" of the conference might be presumptuous, considering that Utah has run the table twice (including BCS wins) and TCU has finished the regular season undefeated once. The Cougars, as you know, haven't done it in twenty-five years.
Utes = Cougars' Big BrothersAug. 18, 2010 2:51 p.m.
...hello MAJOR INDEPENDENT!...
MAJOR INDEPENDENT = no such thing as MAJOR INDEPENDENT
It should be "Hello AA Mid-major" for BYU
RunnerAug. 18, 2010 2:50 p.m.
Congrats to BYU. Rather than being shortsighted and jumping on the coattails of a sinking conference, PAC-10/12, they man up, develop their own TV-HD capability and put themselves in a position to team with Texas and generate their own revenue. Way to go. Not only that, but they will join with the WAC to re-kindle the old rivalries. Very nice.
Looks like Utah with their Pac-10 buddies just got punked once again.
See ya boys...enjoy the sun and surf in Cali...
williaryAug. 18, 2010 2:49 p.m.
re: CT98
Not going to be the case. Any tie-ins with WAC football games, or ESPN games, will not be on Saturday. The WAC's ESPN deal is Thursday/Friday nights.
blauchAug. 18, 2010 2:45 p.m.
The MWC is done
Boise State is going back to the WAC. My bet is TCU is also going to go back to Conference USA. They would make more money and have better competition playing teams like Houston.
BYU has a deal with the WAC to play 4 teams.
May guess is that it will be
Utah State
Boise State
And one other.
BYU will still play Utah
I am sure that BYU has a couple of deals with teams for long term Scheduling. I am sure it will be some Big 12 (with 10 teams) and PAC 10 Teams.
RavenalAug. 18, 2010 2:45 p.m.
Brave Sir Robin | 1:30 p.m. Aug. 18, 2010
Here's the problem: you have a TV channel. Cable companies only show it because it's non-profit religious programming, (required per federal regulations). Once you start showing football with commercials (you'll need that to make any money), the station ceases to be non-profit and it will start costing the cable/satellite companies to keep in on air. Know what happens then? They drop your station because nobody watches it.
Write it down: In 3 years, you will not be able to get a BYU game outside of Utah and BYU will be begging to join the WAC for football so they can be on TV.
Actually, cable companies carry it because it's a low cost channel, there's already a cost to carry it. It has nothing to do with non-profit religious programming. Besides, with the deal for ESPN to use the broadcast truck, they may not even need to use their channel. Write this down: In 3 years, Ute fans will still be obsessed with all things BYU and will still need to change your armor.
DDAug. 18, 2010 2:43 p.m.
This is going to take the fun out of BYU football. What do you have to work for?
DDAug. 18, 2010 2:43 p.m.
This is going to take the fun out of BYU football. What do you have to work for?
Jeff R.Aug. 18, 2010 2:42 p.m.
BYU and UTAH both got it right this summer. Utah was a great fit for the PAC-10 and will reak alot of havoc once they get a good defense in place. BYU going independant in football is the best thing for them right now. Face it people, the reason why BYU is going to the WAC is because the MWC is on its way down because of the horrid tv deal with the Mnt. The Mnt. network is mediocre at best and gives BYU no room to grow. BSU will head back to the WAC since the MWC is crumpbling now. BYU will only be in the WAC for the other sports and Basketball. WAC basketball is closer than people think to the MWC. BYU will still dominate in the other sports. If BSU stays then the WAC will be far supior to the MWC. TCU will leave soon knowing that the MWC is going down. Expect the Big-12(10) to come knocking on their door. This is a great move for BYU. Congrats to all of Cougar Nation, great day indeed.
dww722Aug. 18, 2010 2:42 p.m.
It's so funny how Utah fans are trying so hard to be relevent by making the Utes move to the PAC12 the reason for the MWC's demise. Makes me laugh. Reality is what it is. BYU has always been the MWC bread and butter. It would have been great if the Utes had stayed but it wasn't a death blow when they decided to go. The Utes and their 2 years of football excellence while impressive to some (mostly themselves) are STILL irrelevent.
phramahaphilAug. 18, 2010 2:33 p.m.
"Maybe, maybe not. One thing for sure though, the MWC didn't have trouble finding a school better than Utah in BSU: 2 BCS wins and a top 5 ranking in their bid for a 3rd trip to the BCS. The Yewts will go from 3rd place in the MWC to middle of the pack in the PAC. Have fun playing Wyoming in Las Vegas."
Intellectual honesty was never a strong suit for Zoobies. Way to exclude Utah's 2 BCS wins, that's not disingenuous at all.
TrueBlueAug. 18, 2010 2:30 p.m.
"So . . . we're not even an "mid-major" anymore?..."
No, sadly for the BYU haters, the Cougars will no longer have that mid-major conference millstone handing around their necks.
goodbye mid-major
hello MAJOR INDEPENDENT!
Cougars --Best Little BrothersAug. 18, 2010 2:29 p.m.
Looks like BYU can't even play AAA ball (ie MWC) so they choose AA ball (WAC)...hahaha!!!
Big_BenAug. 18, 2010 2:28 p.m.
@ Kyle loves BYU
I wish there were more fans like yourself. It seems that just about every BYU fan today has not been able to enjoy this news, rather they have to compare themselves to Utah. You are a true fan, you have no insecurities, and you cheer hard while being rational. I tip my hat to you sir, and wish that others on both sides were like you.
DutchmanAug. 18, 2010 2:27 p.m.
If BYU and Boise State reenter the WAC leaving TCU basically alone in the MWC watch for the PAC 12 to swoop in and pick up TCU and Texas Tech and become the PAC 14. Facts:
The Pac 12 is still looking for a Texas connection.
Texas Tech had its bags backed last June for the PAC 10 but was stymied by Texas who they despise.
TCU is a private school no long affiliated with a religion making TCU palatable to the PAC.
TCU is investing $105 million in a new stadium and will not stay in an unstable conference.
TCU and Texas Tech are old rivals from the Southwest Conference.
PAC 14 can easily divide into two 7 team divisions and still play 9 conference games each.
PAC 12 will never again approach Texas or Texas A&M for membership after being stiffed by both last June.
PAC 12 will renegotiate their TV deals in 2011 with two teams in Texas meaning big TV payout.
CrimsonUteAug. 18, 2010 2:26 p.m.
"A return to the WAC would rekindle what were once long-standing rivalries for BYU."
This is a disingenuous statement, in my opinion. Yes, they would play USU more, but they could have done that anytime they wanted to. Hawaii? It was a decent rivalry, but included a lot of late, late games in the islands.
Who else is there? Fresno State? They were in the WAC with BYU for 7 years, and it would be a huge stretch to call that a rivalry. San Jose State played in the WAC with BYU for 3 years. Every other current WAC team joined after BYU, Utah, et. al left and formed the MWC.
This is not the WAC of the 80s or even 90s that you fans remember. BYU will lose the same old rivalries Utah will - New Mexico, CSU, Wyoming, Air Force and even San Diego State. And they won't even be playing fun new teams like Oregon, Washington, and USC - they'll be replacing them with New Mexico State, La Tech and Idaho.
I hope this works out for the best for BYU, but it looks like a bad move to me.
Dave SAug. 18, 2010 2:25 p.m.
Hey Zoobs I hope you enjoy playing 4 to 6 games annually in football against WAC opponents. Those should really be nail biters. Throw in a couple of games against Navy & Army and you've got yourselves one tough schedule with a lot of interest year in and year out.
VegasCougAug. 18, 2010 2:21 p.m.
Cutting ties with the MWC and it's horrible TV deal and limitations...
And Ryker Mathews commits to the Cougars!
landonhemsleyAug. 18, 2010 2:16 p.m.
This is all about TV. BYU gets ESPN and BYUTV and loses the mtn. What a score for the Y, USU, and the WAC! Awesome!
In terms of scheduling, this is excellent. If BSU returns, the Y will play USU, BSU, Nevada, Fresno, and Hawaii (your 4-6 teams) every year. If TCU joins up, there's six. That leaves BYU to pursue BCS conference teams, Notre Dame, and the U. The Y is respected to an extent. They'll fill out fine.
...and if the Y can go undefeated with that schedule (which it won't), it can definitely do great things, like win a title. And it will keep the $$$ for itself.
As an Aggie, I find it satisfying to see BYU crawl back to the WAC, even if not in football, after the U and the Y both rejected USU membership in it 40 years ago. The A is more than happy to welcome the Y to to the Spectrum every year. I can hear "Winning Team, Losing Team" already.
Also, after USU beats BYU this fall in football, the move will only look that much better as well. Mark it down. It will happen. :-D
CT98Aug. 18, 2010 2:15 p.m.
This gives the Cougars the freedom to schedule football games on Saturday's only. Not sure how the WAC will handle Sunday games for Basketball in the next 10 years. I realize the WAC has not scheduled Sunday games yet but that will happen in the next 10 years.
Big_BenAug. 18, 2010 2:15 p.m.
@ scott
at least the utes will have ties to a bowl game. listen, I don't know why you are so insecure. I think its an exciting time to be a cougar, i just have to refute any notion that BYU is the king in this. No one seemed to want them, and now they are just making waves themselves. It remains to be seen if anyone of elite caliber will schedule them.
I am excited to see USU and BYU in the same conference in Basketball. I cant wait to see how the dominoes fall in this.
williaryAug. 18, 2010 2:14 p.m.
I'll give credit to the Cougs. This is a gutsy move.
Think of it this way. These two programs were both looking at the same top-level job that each wanted badly (Pac-10). Sorry, Cougs that's a fact. Utah got the job offer, it was a no-brainer decision, and they couldn't be happier. BYU got shunned, felt bitter about losing the job to their rival, and has decided to start their own company as a result.
Could work out great (Notre Dame), might not change a lot and BYU just stays about the same, or could be a disaster if scheduling can't be worked out.
It's a risk, and I'll give them credit for taking that risk.
Muss ManAug. 18, 2010 2:11 p.m.
Let's not overestimate BYU's television appeal. If you factor 6 million mormons in the US, divide that number by half (minus women), and then assume that 1/3 are loyal fans, you're left with only 1 million sets of eyeballs.
Add a generous 100,000 non-LDS fans, and you're still left with a relatively small fan base.
I think this is a huge mistake. BYU will have no conference trophy to play for and no bowl guarantees. If the Cougars were playing in a BCS bowl every three years or so, it would make sense. But, they have yet to get there...
What happens in January after a 7-5 season?
SoCalUtahFanAug. 18, 2010 2:09 p.m.
Simple to understand why BYU makes this move...
1) BYU wants to be the Boise State...BYU thinks they can get several easy-to-win WAC games a year, 1 or 2 with the good teams and be unbeaten at the end to qualify for BCS...
2) BYU cannot do it the good way --being in a good conference, tough schedule, and unbeaten records like the 2004, 2008 Utah, 2009 TCU, so they need to get out of MWC and try it this way.
MapleDonAug. 18, 2010 2:05 p.m.
Wow! Are you kidding me? Is this April 1st?
What's the logic behind this? Who's the genius who came up with this idea?
First, let's put all the loser teams in the WAC, then we'll form the MWC. Second, we'll bolt the MWC and go with the losers.
Are they thinking they can now dominate the conference Boise State once controlled in order to get the chance to play in the BCS?
Otherwise, they might as well have joined the Big Sky.
hotereneAug. 18, 2010 1:52 p.m.
Wait???? I thought BYU was already in the WAC.
Over the TopAug. 18, 2010 1:52 p.m.
If this does happen - and it looks like it will - congrats to Tom Holmoe for making things happen for BYU, which is something Craig Thompson did not do for the MWC as a whole. No wonder the MWC is imploding. I hope BSU does go back to the WAC.
cougar76Aug. 18, 2010 1:50 p.m.
scott182 | 11:40 a.m. Aug. 18, 2010
...they can find another byu.
Maybe, maybe not. One thing for sure though, the MWC didn't have trouble finding a school better than Utah in BSU: 2 BCS wins and a top 5 ranking in their bid for a 3rd trip to the BCS. The Yewts will go from 3rd place in the MWC to middle of the pack in the PAC. Have fun playing Wyoming in Las Vegas.
Kyle loves BYU/JazzAug. 18, 2010 1:48 p.m.
Seems like the Texas TV deal led to this. I don't think BYU jumps ship if Utah doesn't go to PAC 10.
Now that Utah is gone I don't think BYU cares about keeping games against hardly anyone else in the league.
Big_Ben is right about the TV deal being the albatross of the MWC. Its the reason that I can accept BYU going independent without being too upset. No more MTN! Yay!
Having games on ESPN and BYUTV is infinitely better than the MTN and its friends!!
I'm still worried about the schedule and getting into bowl games but if the athletic department works hard enough they should be able to pull it off.
I will miss playing SDSU, UNLV and UNM in basketball every year but I won't miss the conference tourney in Vegas. BYU basketball should be ok. The Olympic sports were doing fine in the WAC before and they will continue to do so.
Holmoe you just gave yourself a lot of work to do. I hope your up to the task!
RavenalAug. 18, 2010 1:45 p.m.
williary | 12:50 p.m. Aug. 18, 2010
So Utah leaves the MWC and it starts to fall apart.
Utah gets upgraded to a BCS conference and BYU gets downgraded to the WAC/Independent status.
At least this summer has let us know where these programs stand.
You're right we do know where these programs stand. Utah took a small step forward while BYU is poised to make a major leap.
YtxPatAug. 18, 2010 1:44 p.m.
I welcome the change. Going independant will be the best move for BYU. The BCS must have given BYU the same agreement that ND has, otherwise it is only for the TV exposure. Watchig the Oklahoma game last year just says Bring it on!
Go Pitt!
TDS FanAug. 18, 2010 1:41 p.m.
So . . . we're not even an "mid-major" anymore?
MaddenAug. 18, 2010 1:40 p.m.
BYU will make $$$ as an independent (even with no BCS bowl, they will make a lot more than they do today). The actual finance info independence provides can be a bargaining chip to show they will bring more money to the table in the Big 12 a few years down the road. That's the ideal situation for Y fans. Independence can work too, but isn't as great as being on the inside like Utah in the Pac 12.
BoiseSuperBlueAug. 18, 2010 1:40 p.m.
I can't blame BYU for going to our old conference. BYU was never going to beat us as long as they stayed in the MWC.
brooksAug. 18, 2010 1:39 p.m.
This looks like a step down to me. I agree with Utah'95. BYU fans would more often then not, say how inferior the WAC was to the MTN WEST. Now you want to join their league in some capacity. Makes your fans who talked smack look silly. Just sayin.
scottAug. 18, 2010 1:31 p.m.
Sorry buddy, your damage control isn't working. Just be happy that Utah was thrown a life-preserver before BYU decided to jump ship.
Being a middle of the PAC team won't be so bad for the Utes, so keep your chin up.
Brave Sir RobinAug. 18, 2010 1:30 p.m.
Well well well, zoobs, you've been telling us for years how you're just like Notre Dame....now you've got your chance to prove it. But don't be surprised when nobody watches your games.
Here's the problem: you have a TV channel. Cable companies only show it because it's non-profit religious programming, (required per federal regulations). Once you start showing football with commercials (you'll need that to make any money), the station ceases to be non-profit and it will start costing the cable/satellite companies to keep in on air. Know what happens then? They drop your station because nobody watches it.
Write it down: In 3 years, you will not be able to get a BYU game outside of Utah and BYU will be begging to join the WAC for football so they can be on TV.
Captain LAug. 18, 2010 1:30 p.m.
One thing many fans (especially ute fans) don't realize is, BYU is by far the biggest draw fan/TV audience wise, even in Utah BYU has the biggest fan support, and nation wide the fan support for BYU over Utah is even bigger.
BYU has had and still has the best overall sports program, and has had for the last 40 years. Utah has had it moments, ute football since 2002 has been top notch, and under Majerus their bball was very good but overall BYU has had the better teams and nothing has really changed. BYU is unique, kinda like Notre Dame, recruiting, fan support, etc, will always be high because of their ties with the church (LDS). With BYU having their own TV network, it is only smart to take advantage of the fan/TV interest.
BYU was the top dog in the WAC & the MWC. It would be interesting if BSU and TCU decided to bolt the MWC.
If ByU only had to play 4 WAC teams in football it would leave alot of versatility and options to play top notch teams. I hope it happens.
sammygAug. 18, 2010 1:28 p.m.
Help Wanted: Broadcast Engineers, HD camera operators for state of the art HD studio and remote crew in Provo, UT. Former 'Mtn' employees need not apply!
Rest in peace MWC...and 'the Mtn.'
IndependentAug. 18, 2010 1:26 p.m.
"Do you really think the WAC with BYU, or BYU and BSU, or even BYU, BSU, and TCU is stronger than the anticipated 2011 MWC?"
Yes, WAC's good teams stay and add the MWC's best teams. Besides, BYU will be independent and won't have to play the entire WAC. They were already playing USU, so they lose nothing there, and if BSU and TCU join the WAC, there's two quality opponents who go towards fulfilling their WAC requirement. Nevada, Hawaii, and Fresno St. aren't too bad, and they're better than the bottom of the MWC. BYU doesn't have to play the bottom of the MWC anymore, and with only having to play 4-6 WAC teams, there are enough decent WAC teams to make it look respectable.
jazzbballAug. 18, 2010 1:23 p.m.
Congrats to Utah to the PAC12. Congrats to BYU for going independent. Perfect for both in my opinion.
By the way, BYU is negotiating with ESPN. They won't be all on BYUTV. They games be on ESPN family of networks. Doesn't get any better than that.
JohnJacobJingleHeimerSchmidtAug. 18, 2010 1:22 p.m.
BYU would be better off joining the WAC fully to backdoor their easy way into the BCS like Boise State did.
BYU will be independent in football on paper, but in the thoughts and minds of other parts of the country, BYU will bee seen as a WAC school.
Jealous UAug. 18, 2010 1:20 p.m.
The one thing our little brothers up on the hill are having a hard time understanding is that BYU leaving the MWC to join the WAC will automatically make the WAC the better conference.
The flagship program is switching conferences and with them goes the national prestige that BYU has been building for decades.
Unlike Utah, whose entrance into the PAC 10 will hardly create a ripple, BYU's move from MWC to the WAC and independent status will create a seismic shift in the college football landscape.
BYU doesn't even need a Notre Dame type Top 8 BCS guarantee, because any Top 14 BCS team is already eligible for an at-large bid and a Top 8 BYU team would be a lock for a BCS bowl anyway.
livestrongAug. 18, 2010 1:20 p.m.
Haha, I just caught my mistake---I meant a regular rivalry with Notre Dame, not UNLV.
livestrongAug. 18, 2010 1:19 p.m.
Those criticizing BYU for wanting back into the WAC when they have shunned the WAC in the past don't get it --- this situation is MUCH different.
1. The Cougs will only play 4-5 WAC games a year, and the WAC with BSU and possibly SDSU/UNLV/TCU (another rumor) would be a much better WAC than before. There would be good pickings for those 4-5 games.
2. The rest of the schedule is much more flexible for scheduling awesome games. How does a regular rivalry with UNLV sound? Still 1-2 Pac 10 teams a year? The freedom to travel around to other conferences too. ESPN says they'll broker 3-ish big exposure games a year for the Cougs. Cool!
3. IF SDSU/UNLV/TCU come to the WAC, the other sports will do well too. That could make a great basketball conference!
4. The TV deal would be huge. 3-5 games on ESPN (counting WAC ones) every year, and the rest seen INTERNATIONALLY on BYU-TV which EVERY cable package carries.
5. Keepin' all bowl monies to ourselves.
Floyd JohnsonAug. 18, 2010 1:17 p.m.
Re: diegodude
Of the 115 million households in the US, over 50 million have BYU TV. I presume the Mtn. Network is not close to that number. BYU TV is an included channel with many low level cable or dish packages throughout the country.
With ESPN and other networks, BYU retained the rights to re-broadcast football games. They lost that right with the Mtn. contract. The ability to show games live on BYU-TV, and rebroadcast them (say the following Tuesday night) significantly increases the program's exposure.
Johnny AceAug. 18, 2010 1:16 p.m.
I never thought I would actually see BYU step up and flex their financial/ratings muscles to the MWC. They had all the leverage in the world and finally used it. Worst case scenario is the MWC caves and lets the Cougs broadcast their games wherever they want. Best case scenario is that BYU goes out and proves they can generate TV ratings and rake in the bucks and once the Big 12(10) decides they really do need 2 more teams and a championship game, BYU is a no-brainer to join. Win-Win!
RoundelRiderAug. 18, 2010 1:15 p.m.
re:Williary - no, outdoing the Jones' - not stuck with pac-12 teams, refs, etc - free to schedule more of the big boys like Florida, Oklahoma, Texas, etc and actually get better money than staying on the MTN. This looks to be a really good move for BYU. It also keeps the ability to keep up the existing rivalry.
GunnyAug. 18, 2010 1:14 p.m.
BP; hedgehog is out buying a number 15 BYU Football jersey!
Ernest T. BassAug. 18, 2010 1:14 p.m.
byu & boise will become even more irrelevant.
If the Big 12 was going to add byu, byu wouldn't have made this move.
Big_BenAug. 18, 2010 1:10 p.m.
Lost in all of this. Tom Cella of UteZone is reporting that Ryker Matthews commited to BYU last night.
LiveLifeLoudAug. 18, 2010 1:10 p.m.
I really think this could be a win-win for USU and BYU not to mention the WAC. Especially if Boise State does back out and New Mexico and UNLV follow BYU to the WAC. Then you could have three huge (in basketball anyway) rivalries in USU-BYU, Nevada-UNLV, and New Mexico-New Mexico St. All three of those games could get ESPN prime time spots in a few years I think. I know LA Tech has been wanting conference that is closer to them geographically so you could even have TCU or Wyoming added as a 12th member if that happened.
yankee doodleAug. 18, 2010 1:09 p.m.
Chris B and all the Utesies are just scared cuz they know if BYU moves to the WAC they will rule and reign while probably winning another National Championship while the Utesies get pounded day in and day out in the Pac-10 12 16 ? ? And go to the Vegas Bowl aha ahahaha.
DodgerDougAug. 18, 2010 1:08 p.m.
Louisiana Cougar: have you been able to watch any BYU football down in Louisiana since 1984? BYU has been able to win big games all the time. There was a game in Dallas Texas last year against Oklahoma... too bad you missed it.
Henry DrummondAug. 18, 2010 1:07 p.m.
I've been hearing about BYU football going independent for over twenty years. I think financially, they are likely to get more money doing this than by being in a conference. I'm not so sure this is going to improve their prestige however. It depends on scheduling. If they want to boost revenue then schedule a lot of WAC, MAC, and Conference USA games. If you really want to prove you belong then schedule a lot of BCS games and risk losing. It does come across like they are playing on tilt though.
remcycleAug. 18, 2010 1:02 p.m.
This is all about exposure. BYU has been developing it's network for national exposure. Rankings and BCS bowls are great, but year in and year out maximum exposure is going to further advance the missionary work of the LDS Church. That is a continuing goal with or without a BCS bid.
IndependentAug. 18, 2010 1:02 p.m.
I saw somewhere that SDSU wants back into the WAC. This is precisely why BYU needs to stay independent in football.
Big_BenAug. 18, 2010 12:58 p.m.
isnt that funny, because in reality, BYU is leaving the MWC BECAUSE it is crumbling, and not the other way around. Utah got more exposure, BYU wanted in as well, and they are doing this.
As far as "no one cared". Right, i think if you look in the archives, you would see at least 8 threads that had 200+ posts, mostly from jealous cougars.
Qwest PerfectedAug. 18, 2010 12:54 p.m.
I fully expect them to crown themselves conference champions of their own conference every year.
Byu will have a hard time getting home and home games with good competion. Notre Dame does it because many of their games have a long standing tradition. The coogs only have that type of tradition with Utah and Utah State.
Even ND has been considering joining a conference because of the challenges they face and the coogs couldn't get anywhere close to the type of TV contract ND gets.
Good luck - I look forward to the demise of your program.
JLFullerAug. 18, 2010 12:52 p.m.
The Crazy Train is leaving the station and who knows who is driving. What BYU sees in the WAC is anyone's guess but if the Cougs want national attention the WAC isn't the place to be. In one way though, going independent allows BYU to select schools rather than being stuck with all the also-rans. The problem will be in getting other schools to play them with 1 and 1 arraignments. Even though they seat 65000 people, they don't charge enough per seat to be able to match the revenue ($1 mil+/-) better programs will give up by not playing at home or one of the bigger venues and substituting Provo. If they can get the right games it could be a master stroke - one Boise State might want to consider.
Utah'95Aug. 18, 2010 12:51 p.m.
How many of you Cougar fans who are now saying, "This is great" have gone on record over the last six months talking about how superior the MWC is the the WAC? You guys were mocking BSU for how "weak" their schedule was, and now you want to play it instead of them?
Just a month ago you were talking about joining the Big 12. Now you want to join the WAC - AGAIN?
If BYU runs back to the WAC, and Boise State joins them (meaning they "left" for about two months, but never played a game in the MWC), they both look really silly. Outsiders looking in (90% of the sports fans in the nation) will say, "BYU just moved to a LESSER conference - the same one they left 12 years ago. Boise State, who looks like a potential title contender this year, would is the prettiest girl in a small town, has zero self-confidence. It's like a soap opera out there!"
Do you really think the WAC with BYU, or BYU and BSU, or even BYU, BSU, and TCU is stronger than the anticipated 2011 MWC?
Take a deep breath Cougars, and have some confidence....
williaryAug. 18, 2010 12:50 p.m.
So Utah leaves the MWC and it starts to fall apart.
Utah gets upgraded to a BCS conference and BYU gets downgraded to the WAC/Independent status.
At least this summer has let us know where these programs stand.
BPAug. 18, 2010 12:50 p.m.
This could be interesting IF it really happens. BTW, has anyone seen hedgehog lately? Did he get a job or something?
diegodudeAug. 18, 2010 12:49 p.m.
How many press members and coaches subscribe to BYUTV? I'm not sure how this helps exposure on the national level.
IDCAug. 18, 2010 12:48 p.m.
Utes, this has nothing to do with you. Go back to your message boards. No one cared when the MWC traded you for BSU - now the MWC is imploding when the BYU dollars and tv sets are leaving.
As scary as this seemed at first, this could be a great answer for BYU. I would love to see the revenue projections with this switch. As long as I get the games and decent opponents to watch on my TV at home, I hope they go for it. I wonder if they will be able to get into any decent bowls?
John S. HarveyAug. 18, 2010 12:48 p.m.
BYU getting slaughtered in the Spectrum every year! What's not to like. :-)
We would also get to see BYU football twisting in the wind for a few years until they begged to join the WAC with the rest of their teams. It would be great.
carmanAug. 18, 2010 12:47 p.m.
Hey Skippy:
This is the real deal. BYU/BSU to the WAC, the MWC becomes an irrelevance.
ducks-onAug. 18, 2010 12:44 p.m.
Wow I can't believe that the Cougars would go slumming back to the WAC. Isn't that what all the WAC memebers have heard the past years? What a low life conference the WAC is with no talent? Well if this is true you will soon find out life in the WAC isn't as easy as the $ talkers say. I just have to say good luck because it will not be the walk in the park you think it will be, that's for sure.
cougsrockAug. 18, 2010 12:42 p.m.
I said from first rumor this was the only thing to do. Tom Holmoe made references to this from the beginning and our Red friends from the north scoffed at blown smoke. GO Cougars!
williaryAug. 18, 2010 12:39 p.m.
Trying to keep up with the Jones' I guess.
What a knee-jerk reaction to Utah's move to the Pac-12.
They clearly saw the writing on the wall.
1)Without Utah, the MWC will not get an AQ bid.
2)Utah was gone (2 BCS trips), but TCU (1 BCS bid) and Boise (2 BCS bids) were clearly going to keep BYU from a BCS game.
Good luck to the Cougs.
JohnJacobJingleHeimerSchmidtAug. 18, 2010 12:38 p.m.
LOL, the WAC will surely give BYU some schedule respect!
hedgehogAug. 18, 2010 12:35 p.m.
"LOL, Utah leaves, no big deal. BYU leaves, MWC folds. Another reminder as to who the top dog in the MWC really was."
Silly Fiddler, the MWC was "Dead Man Walking" once Utah move to a BCS Confernce.
Good luck play WAC teams at home and getting crushed on the road by BCS teams that wont return the favor.
SkippyAug. 18, 2010 12:29 p.m.
We "Mormons" have always been good at speculation! Sounds like another D-news story trying to fuel the fires again.I guess we will see.
sidmiserAug. 18, 2010 12:27 p.m.
Good move, IMO for the Cougs. I'm happy that they did not go to the LeftCoast 10. That conference didn't want the headaches of scheduling around BYU's no Sunday play. The Y will be just fine.
jazzbballAug. 18, 2010 12:26 p.m.
Congratulations BYU! Big move. I'll be interested to see the ESPN tv deal on it. Still playing Saturdays, i hope?
They would NOT do this without a BCS guarantee in top 8.
Big step up for BYU!
BugoffAug. 18, 2010 12:21 p.m.
BYU's course of action has little to do with Utah, TCU or BSU. BYU have been building the TV capability for years and very extensively for the last 3 or more years. This move is precipitated by long range planning.
It probably does have a lot to do with the really lousy MTN TV contract. It has no reach. Nobody watches it.
Going independent expands the BYU reach out of the Intermountain area into a national arena. That has to happen.
Since BYU tends to draw well they can schedule some decent schools in BCS conferences as ESPN will tend to cover the games making the BYU games more lucrative for the BCS schools who play BYU.
BYU like Utah and BSU will have to do what is in their long run best interest. The MTN is not in BYU's long run best interest. It will never have national interest or exposure.
ConferenceofChampionsAug. 18, 2010 12:15 p.m.
RE: unwholly taciturn
Yeah, Utah leaves and BYU goes to the WAC. Sounds like byu really got the better end of the deal here.
Nice Try. Keep telling yourself that if it makes you feel better.
JustAnotherAverageGuyAug. 18, 2010 12:13 p.m.
Seriously, how does Craig Thompson still have a job? Talk about fiddling while Rome burns.
If he had any skill at all, he would have persuaded BSU to join the MWC several yeare earlier, AND kept Utah from bolting to the PAC-10, thereby making a strong argument to make the MWC an AQ conference.
But why would I expect that from the guy that gave us theMtn and deals with the Fort Worth and New Mexico bowls? Sounds like the MWC is imploding.
hamboneAug. 18, 2010 12:09 p.m.
what ever utah leaves byu gets scared becuase they know they are going to lose money. Once Utah left is when the conference folded. plus byu is moving to a weaker conference the wac if bsu and tcu stay put.
BugoffAug. 18, 2010 12:09 p.m.
It is not about the TV revenue. It is about the TV exposure. BYU has it's own channel. The MTN TV arrangement is an albatross for BYU.
They can threaten to go independent in a move to force the MTN to give them the same TV arrangement Texas has. If the MTN won't then BYU will develop the best situation they can.
RavenalAug. 18, 2010 12:05 p.m.
The MTN Network has killed the conference.
Ogden AggieAug. 18, 2010 12:05 p.m.
This is nuts! It is crazy all that has went down with college football this off-season. I would welcome BYU to the WAC in basketball. With the Ags, Cougs, Nevada, and a decent New Mexico St. team the WAC could be a pretty substantial basketball conference. It would be great to get home and away every year with BYU. Also, with the Cougars playing the same conference opponents it would be easy to tell each year which is truly the better team. Go State!!!
RavenalAug. 18, 2010 12:03 p.m.
"Wiley Old School | 11:38 a.m. Aug. 18, 2010
Unwholly: Are you telling me that BYU would be considering this drastic move even if Utah hadn't accepted a PAC-10 invitation? (Wrong!)"
BYU has been working on this sort of thing for at least 3 years. Utah wanted to do something as well but didn't have BYU's capabilities so when the Pac-10 called, they jumped and I don't blame them. Both schools have been looking at options ever since the Mtn failed.
peacemakerAug. 18, 2010 12:01 p.m.
RUMOR! How did CBS C get in the mix (BYU vs Washington). Thanks again Mtn. Messing with BYU TV games again. Yipes! Let's get out of the MWC and leave the mediocre Mtn in the dust. KSL where are you?
ds7Aug. 18, 2010 12:00 p.m.
this sounds like the same type of drama that preceded texas NOT going to the PAC.
unwholly taciturnAug. 18, 2010 11:59 a.m.
@ Big Ben
You think my statement is arrogant? I beg to differ. I'm not on these boards often, and don't offer opinion for banter. I'm not a fan of Utah or BYU nor am I LDS. BYU is considered a rival by most of the MWC teams, more so than any other conference member. Utah fans are quick to point out that it is because they are the most hated team. The team everyone wants to beat. I simply am pointing out that they have always been the flagship team of the conference. I understand Utah was the first domino, but other teams from the MWC weren't talking about rejoining the WAC when Utah defected. This article states that they now are.
StudentAug. 18, 2010 11:58 a.m.
Football: Boise State, BYU, Nevada, Fresno State and the WAC > Boise State, TCU, Air Force and MWC excluding BYU.
yankee doodleAug. 18, 2010 11:58 a.m.
Ha ha Chris B is scared, If BYU moves to the WAC they will knock BSU out of their throne and reign supreme and probably win another NC! While the Pootes will get Vegas bowl after Vegas bowl in the Pac 10 haa haaha. Why let BSU rule the WAC and get the BCS love when the MWC will never get an auto bid, brilliant move by BYU if it happens, they can go in and take over. I say do it!!
p.s. GO PITT!!
Idaho.AggieAug. 18, 2010 11:55 a.m.
I can't believe BYU fans are against. Fans will have better TV coverage, traditional rivalries will remain, old ones can be renewed, and the Cougs can regularly schedule 7 home games. The best news will be the fall of TheMtn.
MiPAug. 18, 2010 11:50 a.m.
Holmoe say what?
This whole thing is a Colorado Twitter rumor.
fyreAug. 18, 2010 11:45 a.m.
WOW...That is some amazing information especially if BSU decides to return.
But the MWC is dead no matter what so good move I think...and byutv would be nice to watch games on.
reaganyouthAug. 18, 2010 11:43 a.m.
Are you serious? If Utah didn't leave BYU wouldn't be going anywhere......sucks they didn't have a better option like the Utes. Though I'm not sure how this is going to help their in-state recruiting? Would you rather play for a Pac-12 team or an psudo-independent that plays 6 WAC teams a year? Easy choice if you ask me.
CougManAug. 18, 2010 11:43 a.m.
Louisiana Cougar, you're missing the point--this is about TV revenue. Whether the Cougars ever win again the national championship, they want to take advantage of the TV revenue they've generated for years but have had to share with a bunch of uninteresting MWC teams that didn't carry their weight in putting people in the seats or bringing viewers to TV. Yes, it's a dog-eat-dog world in football, so more power to BYU for trying to capture the revenue THEY are generating.
scott182Aug. 18, 2010 11:40 a.m.
Fiddler, the important teams to a conference are the teams that go to BCS games. That would be Utah and TCU, byu is one of the top dogs in the conference but not on the national stage. It would kill the MWC if TCU left after Utah, they can find another byu.
Wiley Old SchoolAug. 18, 2010 11:38 a.m.
Unwholly: Are you telling me that BYU would be considering this drastic move even if Utah hadn't accepted a PAC-10 invitation? (Wrong!)
Interesting game of chicken with the MTN network, though.
MC NMAug. 18, 2010 11:33 a.m.
RIP, MWC (not). Let's hope TCU and Boise bolt (back) to the suddenly relevant WAC. BYU is in a unique position to actually pull this off. Which will once again make the state school to the north about as relevant as Washington State. Awesome. Pull the trigger and do it, Holmoe!
MiPAug. 18, 2010 11:33 a.m.
@unwholly taciturn
Whatever floats your boat. The MWC would be unstable if BSU left, NOT BYU. With Utah gone and BSU out, the MWC suddenly becomes 0-1 in BCS games.
Given the turmoil the MWC currently finds itself, prior to BYU officially leaving, I'd say Utah's departure WAS a big deal not "everything keeps going."
But again, if it helps you sleep at night....
scott182Aug. 18, 2010 11:32 a.m.
This semms like a good, solid move for BYU. I think they should move all sports to the WAC including football. Then they can play on national tv, get even better recruits. It would really hurt the MWC that has recently lost Utah, another blow from a top team could destroy their chances of a BCS berth, who cares though.
CougManAug. 18, 2010 11:32 a.m.
Louisiana Cougar, you're missing the point--this is about TV revenue. Whether the Cougars ever win again the national championship, they want to take advantage of the TV revenue they've generated for years but have had to share with a bunch of uninteresting MWC teams that didn't carry their weight in putting people in the seats or bringing viewers to TV. Yes, it's a dog-eat-dog world in football, so more power to BYU for trying to capture the revenue THEY are generating.
FiddlerAug. 18, 2010 11:29 a.m.
LOL, Utah leaves, no big deal. BYU leaves, MWC folds. Another reminder as to who the top dog in the MWC really was.
CaseyAAug. 18, 2010 11:28 a.m.
Is this all being misread and the reality is BYU wants to go back to the WAC so it can have autonomy to do its own TV channel/deal? If so, would they be able to take TCU and BSU with them to help legitimize the conference?
Big_BenAug. 18, 2010 11:27 a.m.
@ unwholly taciturn
thats a pretty arrogant statement to make, seeing as how Utah was the first domino to fall.
I think altahoops has it right. I just want to see my team on TV!
IndependentAug. 18, 2010 11:25 a.m.
Interesting. So if BYU is required to play 4 to 6 WAC teams in football every year, BSU and USU (two teams they were looking at playing every year anyway) could be among them. Add Fresno St. and Hawaii, and it doesn't look so bad. It's better than playing Wyoming, SDSU, CSU, UNLV, and New Mexico every year on top of playing USU.
idabluAug. 18, 2010 11:24 a.m.
You think the Las Vegas Bowl is bad, . . .how 'bout that Humanitarian Bowl? Really?;-)
Big_BenAug. 18, 2010 11:23 a.m.
I remember when I got off of my mission in 2006, and the talk of the town was that the Mountain West conference was going to form its own TV channel. I thought it was ridiculous. Everyone except Thompson seemed to think it was a bad idea.
Isn't it funny that the two flagship members (Utah and BYU) leave and talk about leaving and the main reason is the TV deal? Because of the TV deal, the entire conference is now unstable, and frankly, I doubt it can save itself.
I wonder where TCU stands on this. I would be willing to bet they are on the phones trying to get back into C-USA.
MenaceToSocietyAug. 18, 2010 11:21 a.m.
...and Texas is moving to the Pac 10.
east of utahAug. 18, 2010 11:20 a.m.
I am so confused...
altahoopsAug. 18, 2010 11:19 a.m.
As long as I could see the Cougars on TV again, I'm all for it.
COUGARNATEAug. 18, 2010 11:18 a.m.
College football is nuts right now!!! Who knows what is going to happen next!!!
unwholly taciturnAug. 18, 2010 11:15 a.m.
BYU hasn't pulled the trigger yet, but it looks like they're ready to. The MWC better act quickly or they may just be a second tier conference in a few days. Especially if BSU decides to remain in the WAC and TCU also joins the WAC.
Utah leaves and everything keeps going, BYU leaves and the whole show falls apart.
Johnny TriumphAug. 18, 2010 11:12 a.m.
Bring it on!
Utes 31 Tide 17Aug. 18, 2010 11:10 a.m.
BYU must know what many of us suspect: a MWC auto-bid is NOT going to happen.
I don't blame BYU leaving or Nevada and Fresno not wanting to join. The MWC TV deal and bowl arrangements are horrendous.
Louisiana CougarAug. 18, 2010 11:09 a.m.
I find this move to be disconcerting. BYU seems to be chasing the Benjamins.
College football is clearly financially motivated, but BYU is not a national football power and never will be. I loved 1984 -- but it was a fluke. Football reached a new low. BYU won the national championship despite narrowly defeating a very mediocre Michigan team.
Oklahoma got upset in Miami and BYU found itself atop the heap -- but struggles to compete against really solid programs (e.g., FSU last year, TCU the past couple of years, and occasionally Utah).
Unless BYU can drop a thumping on some big time schools, it is in the midst of a hallucinogenic dream to think it can be an independent in football and a WAC member otherwise.
Of course, I'm no expert . . . but that's my take on this issue.
Chris BAug. 18, 2010 11:08 a.m.
They heard bsu was coming and got scared. They don't want 30 point losses to 2 conference opponents every year(tcu and bsu)