The Independent Expansion Groundswell

[LA Ute]

But they wouldn't have looked that way if they had just pursued, received and accepted a BCS-Conference invite? Or would independence and BCS-Conference pursuit be perceived the same way?

Oh, I don't want to beat up on BYU here. But just pursuing and getting a BCS conference invite is a lot different from the fairly complex arrangement BYU tried to set up. I don't blame them for doing it, but I can see how the other members of the MWC, who would have been left weakened and with a much reduced ability to do much about it, might feel justified in being unhappy with them.

[Surfah]

WAC just announced they're launching WSN (WAC Sports Network).

[Uncle Ted]

Now, I'm not saying BYU is USC, but the principal applies just the same, only on a smaller scale. BYU is carrying the MWC. This is even more obvious with Utah's departure. Boise State will bring some additional validity to the conference, but they are not about to displace BYU as the top dog as far as money and prestige is concerned.

Yes, BYU is the USC/Texas of the MWC and it is about time they start acting like it. Who the hell cares what other teams think.

As for Boise State they have won some great games. They may even be able to beat Va Tech. I can't say they should be playing in a national championship this year or they are equal to an Utah.

[Uncle Ted]

WAC just announced they're launching WSN (WAC Sports Network).

Maybe they are buying the assets of the mtn with the money they are getting from the UNR and Fresno.

[Jarid in Cedar]

Maybe they are buying the assets of the mtn with the money they are getting from the UNR and Fresno.

The Mtn has assets? Huh, learn something new every day

[Surfah]

Maybe they are buying the assets of the mtn with the money they are getting from the UNR and Fresno.

Learfield is their partner. Aren't they Texas based? And isn't that the same group the Big 12 North met with last week?

[Surfah]

The Mtn has assets? Huh, learn something new every day

BYU.

[Jarid in Cedar]

BYU.

Nice

[Surfah]

Eborn tweeting like crazy right now:

Just spoke to a source close to negotiations of near BYU/WAC deal. Major setback happened, but talks continue & ESPN still actively involved

BYU, source said, simply does not like mtn. & seeking to increase revenue & national exposure. Talks ongoing with MWC/WAC, C-USA teams

Nothing imminent, but Sept 1 deadline a factor in accelerated exploration of options & negotiations for all parties involved, including USU

[LA Ute]

You guys are just too emotionally invested to see things clearly. In both situations.

You're probably right. I need to become as clear-eyed and objective as all you Cougar fans here.

[Uncle Ted]

Learfield is their partner. Aren't they Texas based? And isn't that the same group the Big 12 North met with last week?

Why yes it is...

http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/6270202/24014910

Interesting.

[beelzebabette]

Oh, I don't want to beat up on BYU here. But just pursuing and getting a BCS conference invite is a lot different from the fairly complex arrangement BYU tried to set up. I don't blame them for doing it, but I can see how the other members of the MWC, who would have been left weakened and with a much reduced ability to do much about it, might feel justified in being unhappy with them.

Wouldn't this be the case no matter how BYU left? The MWC is up a foul creek because Utah and BYU want to leave, not because BYU wants to leave.

[Uncle Ted]

The Mtn has assets? Huh, learn something new every day

Maybe assets isn't the right word.

[Moliere]

Eborn tweeting like crazy right now:

Hmmm.....BYU goes independent and all other sports join C-USA. Has anyone considered this? The travel would be expensive, but it would open up a lot fo avenues for recruiting and exposure (remember the 12 want more exposure). Wonder if there is an opportunity to swing the same WAC deal with C-USA?

[Uncle Ted]

Hmmm.....BYU goes independent and all other sports join C-USA. Has anyone considered this? The travel would be expensive, but it would open up a lot fo avenues for recruiting and exposure (remember the 12 want more exposure). Wonder if there is an opportunity to swing the same WAC deal with C-USA?

I have to wonder if Hair Thompson's meeting agenda with the C-USA's commissioner (Banowsky sp?) last week had a line item about blocking this possibility. Maybe a little anti-poaching/anti-BYU friendship deal which most likely means Houston is not getting a MWC invite.