CONFERENCE EXPANSION AND BYU

Conference expansion is still running a muck all over the U.S. and it has definitely kept me curious on how/if BYU fits in with all the expansion. BYU is currently independent in football and i'm actually fine with that. The only downside i have seen is that BYU basically has to go undefeated to even have a shot at a BCS bowl game. For sure not the easiest way to go. A while ago the rumors were swirling that BYU was going to be the 10th member of the Big12 after Texas A&M left for the SEC, and that turned out not true with TCU joining abrubtly. Then BYU was brought up again along with West Virginia and even Louisville as possible candidates to join the Big12 as the 11th and 12th members. That also has not come to fruition. Missouri is gone from the Big12, joining the SEC along side A&M. And West Virginia seems to be the ones to take their place. And now the Bronco is saying that the Big East has contacted BYU about possibly joining them in their Western Division along with (possibly) Boise St. Air Force, Houston, SMU, and Louisville.

These are some crazy times in college football, especially for BYU whose fans have been on an emotional roller-coaster ever since the fake news broke out last year that they were gonna join the Big12. Here are a couple of scenarios of what might happen with BYU.

1. BYU still to the Big 12
          I know everyone is saying "the door is closed there" but listen to this point of view. BYU already has their spot in the Big12 but the time isn't right yet... this is how that happens..... The Big12 TV partners require at least 10 teams to compete in football in the Big12 each year. After A&M left they needed one school to fulfill that. The B12 wants to get to 12 football schools eventually so they solidify that BYU would be willing to join (they say "yes whenever you need us") so the B12 grabs TCU before they are looped into the 27 month commitment that is currently holding back W.V. then they wait to see what Mizzou does. Mizzou wants to leave (big shock ha ha) So B12 gets ball rolling with W.V. knowing they won't be able to leave for 27 months. Now.. BYU joins the B12 as 10th member and the B12 awaits the arrival of W.V. and adds 1 more school to become 12 again.

2. BYU heads to Big East
            I see this very possible and maybe not even a bad idea... BYU would be in the Western Division with Boise (new rival) maybe Air Force (i hope) or San Diego State (whatever), then SMU, Houston, and Louisville or Cincinatti. To me that doesn't sound too bad actually. BCS status and arguably easier opponents. Win-win right? The only hiccup i see is that in 2 years the BCS renewal happens and doesn't think that the Big East is a strong enough conference to sustain their BCS status and that BCS bid becomes "at large" (since i don't see another conference that has better teams) in that case it might be better for BYU to wait for the B12 possibly calling later or just stay Indy and work for one of the "at large" bids.

Now for what i actually think will happen. I think that BYU goes to the Big East in the Western Division. With all the Schools joining the Big East, the Big East releases West Virginia from the 27 month commitment and allows them to join the B12 as the 10th member and life goes on for BYU in the Big East. And a new rivalry sparks for BYU with Boise St. But we will see probably pretty soon how this all plays out. Always hoping for the best. No matter what happens i'm BYU through and through and will cheer them on no matter what. Go Cougs!