Group of 5, the end of BYU independence

[doctorcoug]

With the release of the agreement for the "group of 5", it is probably safe to say this is the end of independence. If it isn't, then BYU has been lying about access to the big game all along and something else has pulled the strings.

Come here to discuss BYU's new home, as the big East isn't a guarantee landing spot. There is a discussion to be made about returning to the MWC.

via a galaxy s3 far far away

[LiveCoug]

With the release of the agreement for the "group of 5", it is probably safe to say this is the end of independence. If it isn't, then BYU has been lying about access to the big game all along and something else has pulled the strings.

Come here to discuss BYU's new home, as the big East isn't a guarantee landing spot. There is a discussion to be made about returning to the MWC.

via a galaxy s3 far far away

If BYU returns to the MWC, I will punch things. I would rather BYU be in the Big East. That's how much I would hate a return to the MWC.

Ride out independence, Cougs. The alternatives are crap.

[USUC]

If BYU returns to the MWC, I will punch things. I would rather BYU be in the Big East. That's how much I would hate a return to the MWC.

Ride out independence, Cougs. The alternatives are crap.

I agree. BYU is playing quality teams now. They have a better schedule than they have ever had. Ride it out a little bit longer. Returning to the MWC would be a terrible idea. Going to the Big East is a terrible idea.

[YOhio]

I'd wait it out until the spring when Greg Swaim of Big Time Sports gets another good feeling about BYU going to the Big 12.

[The_Douger]

With the release of the agreement for the "group of 5", it is probably safe to say this is the end of independence. If it isn't, then BYU has been lying about access to the big game all along and something else has pulled the strings.

Come here to discuss BYU's new home, as the big East isn't a guarantee landing spot. There is a discussion to be made about returning to the MWC.

via a galaxy s3 far far away

Stay independent. I hate it, but I hate the MWC and BE just as much lately. We'd be in a division with Memphis, Houston, Boise, SMU, SDSU, and maybe Louisville or Cincy.

Blech.

[The_Douger]

I'd wait it out until the spring when Greg Swaim of Big Time Sports gets another good feeling about BYU going to the Big 12.

Who can he catch this year?

[Green Monstah]

Sorry, what is this group of five you're referring to?

[Mormon Red Death]

Sorry, what is this group of five you're referring to?

http://espn.go.com/college-football/...emifinal-games

Also, the highest-rated champion from the "Group of Five" conferences -- the Big East, Conference USA, Mountain West, Sun Belt and Mid-American -- will receive an automatic berth in one of the six access bowls.

[Moliere]

I hope this turns out better than the Gang of Six

[jay santos]

What time horizon is a decision to base a conference affiliation based on? I would think if you're moving to the Big East, it's a 20 year commitment. How often do BCS bowl arrangement change? About every few years. It would be silly to jump to the Big East just because of a group of 5 deal.

[UtahJazzFan88]

I would think BYU waits until they get a figure how much the TV deal will be worth.

BYU makes what 4-6 million per year for football only (1 million per home game). My guess is that the Big East will get somewhere between 7-11 million per year for football only schools. Is that increase & BCS bowl access, along with maybe a "rivalry" with Boise State worth it? And if the Big East does a West/East division format. It's going to be BYU or Boise State going to the Championship Game almost every year.

[Maximus]

I dont think playing a bunch of 2-1s and 1 and dones makes independence better. big east has better bowls, more meaningful regular season afte we lose a game, natural rivarlies, etc. assuming tv doesnt get worse, playing houston, smu etc. is about the same quality of teams we are getting 1 and 1s with now.

[Sullyute]

If BYU Football is a missionary tool, then shouldn't they go where they will get the most exposure? If that means staying independant and playing on ESPN every weekend at 8:30 at night but foregoing a chance at a national title then so be it. If it means joining the MWC or Big East in order to be the top of the "group of Five" to be in the talks for a chance at playing for a national title then so be it. I don't know which one would give the greater exposure payoff for BYU, but money shouldn't really be a factor. (let the flaming begin)

[Indy Coug]

If BYU Football is a missionary tool, then shouldn't they go where they will get the most exposure? If that means staying independant and playing on ESPN every weekend at 8:30 at night but foregoing a chance at a national title then so be it. If it means joining the MWC or Big East in order to be the top of the "group of Five" to be in the talks for a chance at playing for a national title then so be it. I don't know which one would give the greater exposure payoff for BYU, but money shouldn't really be a factor. (let the flaming begin)

I really don't see how the Big East will result in more exposure. For one, our ESPN TV appearances will likely decrease.

[Sullyute]

I really don't see how the Big East will result in more exposure. For one, our ESPN TV appearances will likely decrease.

I guess I am looking at it this way. If BYU is the best of the "group of 5" every 4 years and makes it to a playoff game every 4 years, will that extra exposure offset the lack of exposure during the other 3 years? Does it need to be every 3 years, every other year to make it worth it?