Jimmer and Football Independence

If anyone questions why BYU went independent in football just watch how Jimmers return to his hometown is unfolding. Sure we want to win another national championship, but taking football 'to the people' is what will be so geat about BYU football. If you grew up outside of Utah like I did you know how unbelievable it is when you can watch a live BYU game. I'm sure there are some LDS families in and around Glens Falls that consider tonights basketball game a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. When you hear Bronco and others talk about wanting to take the football team to play in different parts of the country just watch tonights game and you'll know what they mean.



Go Cougs - the absolute greated sports institution for a LDS fans around the world!!!

agreed. I grew up in NJ and I remember how many people in my ward made the drive to go see BYU play Notre Dame back in the 90's. In case you were wondering, that's a VERY long drive.



It's an untapped market, and there are quite a few more mormons now than there were then.

I think this is a great post. Well done allcoug.

CougarClaw wrote:
agreed. I grew up in NJ and I remember how many people in my ward made the drive to go see BYU play Notre Dame back in the 90's. In case you were wondering, that's a VERY long drive.



It's an untapped market, and there are quite a few more mormons now than there were then.

I had a cross-country meet that day. I was listening to WFAN 660 (I think that was the station) and the BYU-ND game on my walkman as I did my warmups. I literally handed my walkman to my Dad as I walked up to the starting line. He was waiting for me at the finish line and handed me the walkman right after I was done. Had one of my fastest times ever. I couldn't wait to get back and listen to the game.

While I agree with this post for the most part, the thing is, I do not cheer for BYU Football so it can be a LDS missionary tool. I cheer for BYU Football because I love it and want to see the team win. The missionary stuff is collateral to me, not central. I know many in the church may not see it that way. Point being, it will be great to see BYU go play in different venues around the country, unless we lose. Losing sucks. And while the missionary effeect might still be great, the losing still sucks. Winning still comes first for this fan.



I went to the FSU game, and will go to the Ole Miss game next year. Not sure what the missionary effect in those games was because I did not attend the fireside. But the losing still sucked.

allcoug wrote:
If anyone questions why BYU went independent in football just watch how Jimmers return to his hometown is unfolding. Sure we want to win another national championship, but taking football 'to the people' is what will be so geat about BYU football. If you grew up outside of Utah like I did you know how unbelievable it is when you can watch a live BYU game. I'm sure there are some LDS families in and around Glens Falls that consider tonights basketball game a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. When you hear Bronco and others talk about wanting to take the football team to play in different parts of the country just watch tonights game and you'll know what they mean.



Go Cougs - the absolute greated sports institution for a LDS fans around the world!!!

Agreed. I live between Albany and Glens Falls and I haven't been to a BYU game in person since I graduated from BYU. This is definitely a big deal. Add to that the amount of coverage the game is getting in the local press and it's a great time to be a BYU fan. People at work have been bringing up BYU basketball in conversation with me now, the tables have turned! Gotta get the W though, go cougs!

allcoug wrote:
If anyone questions why BYU went independent in football just watch how Jimmers return to his hometown is unfolding.

Are you saying we CAN WATCH the game tonight? What channel/website? Good post, and I completely agree with you. I think that bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of man is a huge part of BYU Football and Basketball. Everyone knows BYU plays football and that the team and its fans are largely LDS. I'm excited for Ole Miss, Texas (possibly going), West Virginia, Notre Dame, Hawaii...etc; Independence will be sweet. Free at last.

[quote="QuarterbackU"]Are you saying we CAN WATCH the game tonight? What channel/website? quote]



Yes. On CBS College sports.



http://www.cbscollegesports.com/



And to Lawboy...you'll notice that in my post I stated that I want BYU to win another NC...not just win games. I, along with all other BYU fans, want a winning program. But there is something truly unique to being a fan of BYU outside of Utah. One of my first experinces I remeber growing up in the south is listening to the BYU/Georgia game on the radio. The game wasn't on tv but the mere fact that the game was being played close to where I lived was AWESOME - although I was crushed when they lost. So your point is taken, but I would never suggest that winning isn't important but the fact that BYU will now be able to play throughout the country and by on national TV every week is going to be unbelievable for BYU fans - especially the young fans.



I enjoy hearing stories of others catching a BYU game in other parts of the country...we definetly take it for granted living in Utah.

CBS-tv is carrying the game tonight nationally. In HD.

Thanks!

Lawboy wrote:
While I agree with this post for the most part, the thing is, I do not cheer for BYU Football so it can be a LDS missionary tool. I cheer for BYU Football because I love it and want to see the team win. The missionary stuff is collateral to me, not central. I know many in the church may not see it that way. Point being, it will be great to see BYU go play in different venues around the country, unless we lose. Losing sucks. And while the missionary effeect might still be great, the losing still sucks. Winning still comes first for this fan.



I went to the FSU game, and will go to the Ole Miss game next year. Not sure what the missionary effect in those games was because I did not attend the fireside. But the losing still sucked.

BYU football does what all college football should do--help the players develope perserverance and team skills. College football should also provide good clean entertainment for the fans.



I aggree lawboy that the missionary stuff is collteral. Talking BYU football is much more enjoyable and entertaining when we win.



I don't know anyone who was baptised because of BYU football, but talking BYU football with friends helps me bring up my faith.

kitic77 wrote:

agreed. I grew up in NJ and I remember how many people in my ward made the drive to go see BYU play Notre Dame back in the 90's. In case you were wondering, that's a VERY long drive.



It's an untapped market, and there are quite a few more mormons now than there were then.

I had a cross-country meet that day. I was listening to WFAN 660 (I think that was the station) and the BYU-ND game on my walkman as I did my warmups. I literally handed my walkman to my Dad as I walked up to the starting line. He was waiting for me at the finish line and handed me the walkman right after I was done. Had one of my fastest times ever. I couldn't wait to get back and listen to the game.

Great story Kitic. I have similar stories from Cross Country meets. Very cool.

Well today I invited a friend to go to the BYU-OSU game in October and the fireside the night before. I think it would be a great experience.