Archived Topic

Would BYU ditch the WCC?

by mcgregor · 8/31/2011

mcgregor

8/31/2011, 3:40:21 PM

In short, YES.

Last night it was rumored on certain forums that BYU was committing to a moral stance that we signed an 8-year agreement with the WCC, and we would stick to it. Essentially, leaving the WCC early would be going back on our word.

That rumor was false.

When Realignmentgate occurred and BYU went independent, it fully expected to be invited into a conference within 2 years. That being said, BYU held very little leverage in WCC negotiations.

BYU would accept a BCS invite under the right conditions, and it would do what it needed to do to protect the relationships we've established with the WCC.

jonnylingo

8/31/2011, 3:50:19 PM

I have to agree with you there. You may have a source telling you this but it was obvious when we went to the wcc that it most likely a temporary deal. They got more money out of their long term tv deal even if we stay just one year. I doubt they will have any hard feelings. I think that whole thing has been overblown and you stating it just confirms that in my mind.

byu seems to be developing relationships with texas and notre dame and going to the big12 is a step in continuing in that direction.

The only hiccup would be if espn was against us going to the big12. my guess is that espn really wanted to see how independence would work, but that they would not be mad if byu went big12. They too knew that this was probably our ultimate goal with a chacne that independence could just work and we would stay. That is why it is a shame this all couldn't be happening a year or two down the road. But by entering now we have some leverage given the big12's situation right now so on the other hand it is good timing. byu will likely lose its espn deal and just step in A&M's shoes.

I wouldn't be surprised if we see BYU accepting a Big12 invite as soon as today.

CrimsonCoug

8/31/2011, 3:52:38 PM

I think that's probably right, but I don't like that during the media day TH said somethign to the effect that we won't use the WCC as a stepping stone. What does that mean if not that we don't intend to bolt--we want to be a long-term player here.?

Lawboy

8/31/2011, 4:03:37 PM

BYU will dump the WCC fast than Larry King dumps a wife. And it will be just as profitable. etc.

I do think BYU will try to do a deal with the WCC long term for games in hoops, women's soccer, etc., as well, to lessen the blow.

mcgregor

8/31/2011, 4:04:11 PM

CrimsonCoug wrote:
I think that's probably right, but I don't like that during the media day TH said somethign to the effect that we won't use the WCC as a stepping stone. What does that mean if not that we don't intend to bolt--we want to be a long-term player here.?

If you truly feel that the WCC makes sense as a long-term partner, but know that you might go to a BCS conference; if you honestly consider independence to be a near-equal or equal to BCS conference membership; then are you really using the WCC as a stepping stone?

mcgregor

8/31/2011, 4:05:06 PM

I would expect BYU Football to join the B12--if that happens at all--a year or 2 earlier than the other sports.

Lawboy

8/31/2011, 4:06:40 PM

Great article on this at Daily Herald today:

Said Holmoe last month: "We feel very good...We had to think that through very carefully when we joined the West Coast Conference (for other sports, as football went independent). We respect them a lot. This isn't a move to be a placemat for when we're going to go somewhere else."

He left himself open for wiggle room:

"There possibly could be a situation that would arise that would change. And if things change, then we have to examine it. But our focus is straight ahead. We have no deals going on the side."

Read more: http://www.heraldextra.com/sports/college/byu/football/article_be2aa068-d3e4-11e0-a1fc-001cc4c03286.html?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed#ixzz1WchqKqHb" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

jonnylingo

8/31/2011, 4:09:00 PM

More comments from Holmoe that confirm this:

Although BYU has secured agreements with ESPN and the West Coast Conference, Holmoe says both entities are aware that football is BYU's "lead dog." If the direction of college football changes in a way that could leave an independent BYU out, BYU could be on the move again.

"We have a duty and responsibility to watch the environment of what's going on," Holmoe says. "We did what we did because it fits pretty good."

http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1258255" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

CAFB_04-12

8/31/2011, 5:44:04 PM

mcgregor wrote:
I would expect BYU Football to join the B12--if that happens at all--a year or 2 earlier than the other sports.

Right. I think the sticking point is sunday play. Football isn't that complicated since almost all games are on Saturdays or weekdays. All other sports are much more diverse with sunday play. I can't imagine sunday play is switch you can just turn off without serious scheduling considerations.

Mars

9/3/2011, 5:52:30 PM

CAFB_04-12 wrote:
I would expect BYU Football to join the B12--if that happens at all--a year or 2 earlier than the other sports.
Right. I think the sticking point is sunday play.

It's not.

The sticking point is a binding agreement that no one else leaves.

BroncoBot

9/3/2011, 5:56:49 PM

Mars wrote:
mcgregor wrote:
I would expect BYU Football to join the B12--if that happens at all--a year or 2 earlier than the other sports.
Right. I think the sticking point is sunday play.

It's not.

The sticking point is a binding agreement that no one else leaves.

I agree with mars. Teams in the big xii would love to add BYU and jump ship when they get a good offer. BYU of course will not join if that is going to be the case.

CAFB_04-12

9/3/2011, 6:11:54 PM

Mars wrote:
mcgregor wrote:
I would expect BYU Football to join the B12--if that happens at all--a year or 2 earlier than the other sports.
Right. I think the sticking point is sunday play.

It's not.

The sticking point is a binding agreement that no one else leaves.

Kind of like the "solidarity" agreement A&M signed last year after Nebraska and Colorado bolted. Binding agreements are only as good as the millions you have in the bank to buy yourself out of it.

BroncoBot

9/3/2011, 6:17:05 PM

That's why you make a HEFTY fine for leaving, and I'm sure that's what BYU is trying to do. Make it hurt if you leave, and give BYU some money if someone does decide to leave.

Mingjai

9/3/2011, 6:56:48 PM

If anything, I'd hope BYU makes individual contracts with OU and Texas that if they leave the conference, they either take BYU with them or pay compensation. I'd imagine that could take some lengthy negotiations...

scott715

9/4/2011, 11:53:39 PM

Joining could be the way to make some big bucks soon when the other teams leave and pay their exit fees.

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