I agree, the PAC's religious bigotry is most distasteful. Especially so when they must lie to cover it up. Really, does anyone have recollection of scientific research being a criterion for football membership, prior to the PAC 10's lame use of it as an excuse? Consider that nearly half of their membership does not meet that requirement any more than BYU does.
Having said that, who really knows what previous prejudices the PAC might give up to prevent a Big 12 BYU from dominating the whole Rocky Mountain market, over the top of their new "Red Tail Hawk" member? They are likely to be happy to see BYU continue to be excluded as long as geography and religion excludes the Cougars. But maybe not, if another P5 conference threatens their new acquisition. Who doubts that a Big 12 BYU would dominate Utah for TV and for recruits? And not just in the State of Utah, but possibly California as well? And think of how much more popular BYU would become in Arizona and Colorado. Remember that only Stanford and Cal/Berkely had been saying no to the Cougars. Perhaps they could be pressured by the others. But even then the new Red Tails might vote no, out of fear.
The opportunity for conquest over PAC territory must be intriguing to Bowlsby, if not the Big 12 presidents. You would think that these scenarios would put BYU in the driver's seat here, but again, who knows?
If I may use a cliche: Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men?
