BYU Football in Conference or Not

[Fido]

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I am heartened to see that no one (yet) has voted to go back into the MW.
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Funny that someone voted for that right after you posted this.

[mormonrasta]

Comparing the last 6 years of being in the MWC vs. the first 6 years of Indy.

We won more games in the MWC. 56-51

We had more respect in the MWC. 42 weeks ranked in the AP 25 vs. 7

We recruited better relative to other teams while in the MWC. Average ranking 48 with 6 consensus 4 star recruits vs. 64 and 5 consensus 4 star recruits.

No question our tv, money, and SOS are better as Indy. But none of that matters if we win fewer games, unable to notch big time wins, and continue to recruit at the FBS median.

Considering that we have out recruited only 2 power 5 programs in 6 out of the last 10 years (Purdue and Wake Forest) and that there have been 50 programs better than us at beating final top 25 power teams in my 40 years on earth there is no reason to worry about playoff prospects.

Our goals are winning as many games as possible, finishing ranked, and perhaps going to a big time bowl. Being in the MWC or AAC would be better option to achieve those goals than being independent.

[EM_Puma]

I was truly surprised by the landslide win by staying indy.

I would agree that having a scheduling agreement with a conference such as the AAC would be good while remaining independent, with also the attachment of bowl games we cannot currently approach.

[SpiffCoug]

The last six years of the MWC also featured two NFL caliber QBs. We haven't had anyone close to that at that position since. Perhaps we do again.

[YNot]

Our goals are winning as many games as possible, finishing ranked, and perhaps going to a big time bowl. Being in the MWC or AAC would be better option to achieve those goals than being independent.

BYU's stated goals for independence are exposure and fan access.

Independence has brought that in spades compared to the WAC and MWC days, even without achieving high national rankings or playing in big-time bowl games.

ESPN compared to the Mtn.

NFL and iconic stadiums across the country against P5 opponents compared to Laramie, Albuquerque, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs.

It isn't close.

But, I agree that independence hasn't helped much to finish higher in the rankings, reach big-time bowl games, or improve recruiting. And home game attendance has declined (though 30K in Phoenix is a big deal...). But, I don't think those are the primary goals of independence.

[hawkwing]

I look at BYU Football as having a three-fold mission.

1. Be a good ambassador of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
2. Gain and expand TV exposure.
3. Earn enough revenue to fund the athletic department.

In every possible scenario these goals are fulfilled better by being independent than by being in a G5 conference.

[jvquarterback]

I look at BYU Football as having a three-fold mission.

1. Be a good ambassador of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
2. Gain and expand TV exposure.
3. Earn enough revenue to fund the athletic department.

In every possible scenario these goals are fulfilled better by being independent than by being in a G5 conference.

This. There are a couple lesser metrics in which a G5 conference might be better but it isn't even close.

[Mars]

I would say that the MWC was better for BYU fans in Utah, and Independence is better for BYU fans everywhere else. BYU has partially given up the state to Utah in order to build up the fan base nationally.

[ABYUFAN]

I would say that the MWC was better for BYU fans in Utah, and Independence is better for BYU fans everywhere else. BYU has partially given up the state to Utah in order to build up the fan base nationally.

I'm not sure how the MWC was better for the fans in Utah... Is it because there were home games in November for a conference championship? Because Big 10 teams, SEC teams and Big 12 teams in LES any time of year is "better" than playing Colorado State in November for a conference championship that people will soon enough forget

[UCChris]

The two key things I think BYU needs to take it to the next level (i.e., be a top 15-20 team year in year out) are:

1) Good matchups in the late season

and

2) Recruiting better talent

They only way to get these two things, IMO, is join a P5 conference. So, I say, if BYU can't join a P5 conference, then staying independent makes sense.