Impact of BYU Football Independence on Recruiting

Does this new announcement create a higher level of interest for those recruits previously considering BYU (i.e. Harvey Langi, Jared Afalava, Riker Matthews, etc.)?



My thoughts are that with greater exposure via BYU-TV, EPSN, we are going to have access to a wider net of recruits than previously possible.

I firmly believe that onece the details roll out regarding games on ESPN, wide availability of KBYU and possible direct HD feed via the internet that it will certainly be a huge upgrade from The Mountain channel--which will probably fold anyway.

dmcougar wrote:
I firmly believe that onece the details roll out regarding games on ESPN, wide availability of KBYU and possible direct HD feed via the internet that it will certainly be a huge upgrade from The Mountain channel--which will probably fold anyway.

It certainly steals a lot of thunder from the ewe. (btw Ryker Mathews just put on facebook that he committed to BYU)



If ESPN does right by BYU, then Boise State just got the shaft and the Cougs are riding quite the gravy train.



The WAC are big winners in this just to be affiliated with BYU again.



Big 12, you're on the clock now. Don't give us a reason to make this permanent.

This is the LDS Church we are talking about. The Church does not act before having its ducks in a row. BYU would not make the just to Indy without knowing how it would affect them financially. I guarantee that the Trustees have been involved every step of the way and pretty much know all the details already. I would be willing to bet that the meeting tomorrow is a rubber stamp session just to review everything again. I also believe that BYU does not make this leap without some sort of agreement in principal with ESPN for TV rights to home games. Basically, I expect ESPN to be the broadcaster for all BYU home games, much like NBC is for Notre Dame. Or least for 5 of the 6 or 7. Either way, imagine the possibilities of having ESPN as a partner to promote the BYU brand? HUGE. This only helps recruiting and in no way hurts. This move is a win all the way around and I am psyched to learn more specifics. By the way, ESPN is also owned by ABC, so chance of getting ABC games now too.

Lawboy wrote:
This is the LDS Church we are talking about. The Church does not act before having its ducks in a row. BYU would not make the just to Indy without knowing how it would affect them financially. I guarantee that the Trustees have been involved every step of the way and pretty much know all the details already. I would be willing to bet that the meeting tomorrow is a rubber stamp session just to review everything again. I also believe that BYU does not make this leap without some sort of agreement in principal with ESPN for TV rights to home games. Basically, I expect ESPN to be the broadcaster for all BYU home games, much like NBC is for Notre Dame. Or least for 5 of the 6 or 7. Either way, imagine the possibilities of having ESPN as a partner to promote the BYU brand? HUGE. This only helps recruiting and in no way hurts. This move is a win all the way around and I am psyched to learn more specifics. By the way, ESPN is also owned by ABC, so chance of getting ABC games now too.

the ESPN brand is actually worth a lot more than ABC. I had a conversation with kansas city resident and the best broadcaster in the world (the best) Kevin Harlan, and he said that ESPN towers over their parent company right now in advertising, sales, and global impact.



I can't imagine that BYU would do anything like this without promises already made. ESPN is a behemoth now and this puts us on the footing that we need to have to convince the Big 12 to take us or lose us. I dont' expect independence to be permanent, however, I'm guessing that the WAC would accept anything that mean the fall of the MWC, even if it meant BYU could leave anytime they wanted. BYU football puts together a 2011 schedule and waits for the Big 12 to get smart in the meantime.



Utah wonders why they arent' getting more attention for the pac-10 falling in their laps after Texas passed them up. Where's that "thunder now?" :munch:

Any move that builds the BYU brand will be worth its weight in gold down the line. It could make us more attractive to the Big12-2 down the line.