The Independent Expansion Groundswell

[LA Ute]

I agree about it not being much for BYU to pay. In fact, I'm sure BYU couldn't have extracted the promise to stay together from the remaining WAC schools without agreeing to it itself. I'm not sure there is too much that can be read into all this as far as it concerns a possible Big 12 invite.

On the other hand, it DOES appear that Fresno and Nevada were banking on their defections killing BYU's move to the WAC, since it would mean they did not need to pay the $5M. In fact, I'll bet Hair used that as a selling point.

So BYU tried to leave the MWC in a bad spot and Fresno and Nevada actually did leave the WAC in a bad spot. What a bunch of rascals.

[falafel]

So BYU tried to leave the MWC in a bad spot and Fresno and Nevada actually did leave the WAC in a bad spot. What a bunch of rascals.

Hey, I never passed judgment on anyone!

Except for you, you rascal.

[Uncle Ted]

MWC has friendly conversations with BYU, hoping for resolution:

“We’re trying to see what can be resolved,” Thompson said.

The Cougars are still a part of the conference. If they are to leave for the 2011-12 school year, they would have to notify the conference by Sept. 1. Their future remains a mystery.

“They have some major concerns with the television contracts,” Thompson said. “But I’m not going to put words in their mouth, I don’t know (what BYU will do).”

Thompson characterized recent talks with BYU as “friendly conversations.” Mutually beneficial options for a resolution are unclear. Redistribution would probably need some concessions from the television partners.

“Exclusivity is very important to those distribution agreements,” Thompson said.

Letting BYU’s other sports stay in the Mountain West while football competes as an independent isn’t an option. The league’s constitution bylaws state that every conference member has to compete in four core sports: football, volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball.

And making financial concessions to BYU, like giving the Cougars a bigger slice of the revenue, hasn’t been discussed.

[Uncle Ted]

Money may get tight for remaining MWC Members:

“By adding Fresno State, Boise State and Nevada, the Mountain West has added three more mouths to feed,” the source said. “At this point, it doesn’t appear that any television revenue is increasing. You may even see a reduction in revenue.”

[ERCougar]

Letting BYU’s other sports stay in the Mountain West while football competes as an independent isn’t an option. The league’s constitution bylaws state that every conference member has to compete in four core sports: football, volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball.

Define "compete". We'll pretend that TCU competes in basketball and they can pretend that we're in the football conference.

[ERCougar]

Money may get tight for remaining MWC Members:

and paid a fee for two of those mouths. I also was reading that both UNR and Fresno were both already dangerously close to operating in the red prior to this. If the WAC survives in any form, I'm curious how many people will still see this as such a smart move by Thompson (or UNR/Fresno).

[Mormon Red Death]

BYU is talking to the WCC

Utah State trying to get into the MWC

[Surfah]

Hair keep telling everyone how Fresno State and UNR make the MWC better.

http://collegian.csufresno.edu/2010/...harsh-reality/

There will be some growing pains and suffering as an official member of the MWC. Don’t be surprised to see Fresno State finish in the middle of the pack or, even worse, at the valley floor of the mountain.

It might be a little harsh to say, but it’s reality. The Bulldogs haven’t found much success against opponents from the MWC in recent years, especially in the top two revenue sports: Football and men’s basketball.

A Pat Hill-led squad hasn’t beaten a MWC team since 2002, which is eye-opening if you ask me. Fresno State was an upper-tier team in the WAC last year after it finished in the Top 3 in conference play, but it still lost to a middle-of-the-pack MWC team. Against Wyoming in the New Mexico Bowl, Fresno State ran literally into a brick wall four times in a row and lost in double overtime 35-28.

[pellegrino]

and paid a fee for two of those mouths. I also was reading that both UNR and Fresno were both already dangerously close to operating in the red prior to this. If the WAC survives in any form, I'm curious how many people will still see this as such a smart move by Thompson (or UNR/Fresno).

I don't think anyone really believes that they'll pay that fee, especially if the WAC fails. Spiteful though it may be, I would love to see BYU donate some of its lawyers to ensure that the contract is upheld and that UNR and Fresno pay their due.

[Katy Lied]

Maybe Fresno can pay their $5 million defection fine in State IOUs.

[Katy Lied]

what is funny to me is that Fresno and Reno are to the MWC as Utah is to the Pac12. A leverage chip afterthought.

[myboynoah]

BYU is talking to the WCC

Wilner is off his game. No seemingly obligatory mention that "BYU was never in the PAC 10 expansion picture."

That said, I think it's a foregone conclusion that BYU will go independent within the next week. One cannot walk away from partnering with ESPN. This assessment comes from one who has been basking under the reflected glow of the Y on the mountain for a week now.

[beefytee]

Fresno State ran literally into a brick wall four times in a row and lost in double overtime 35-28.

Maybe journalists in general have changed to meaning of the word.

[Surfah]

I guess there is an article on the University of Houston rivals subscription site saying that move to MWC forthcoming. Also talk of it on Houston's scout subscription site. Saw this on the C-USA boards. I don't have access so I can't confirm.

[HuskyFreeNorthwest]

Maybe journalists in general have changed to meaning of the word.

How did the defense build a brick wall in 35 seconds? I think those players have a career ahead of them if football doesn't work out.