Does BYU Have A Chance?

[_moksha]

Interesting story...

Why is any public school still playing football against BYU?
https://www.cityweekly.net/utah/unfair-acts/Content?oid=14160354

[_DarkHelmet]

We are getting sidetracked. Let's get back to how good utah football has become.

Yes, they quickly became a relevant P5 program. The BYU football program has some tough decisions to make. Continue as an independent (where they predictably beat bad teams and predictably lose to good teams) where the only games that matter are Utah and to a lesser extent Utah State and Boise. Swallow their pride and move back to a G5 conference, where they have the opportunity to play for a conference championship and be a big fish in a small pond. Or make a deal with a P5 conference, even if that means getting a magical revelation that changes their position on same sex relationships. None of these options are good for the church. The last option is the only way they can hope to be competitive with the U again, but I don't think the brethren and majority of members would choose the football program over continued discrimination.

[_Dr Exiled]

We are getting sidetracked. Let's get back to how good utah football has become.

Yes, they quickly became a relevant P5 program. The BYU football program has some tough decisions to make. Continue as an independent (where they predictably beat bad teams and predictably lose to good teams) where the only games that matter are Utah and to a lesser extent Utah State and Boise. Swallow their pride and move back to a G5 conference, where they have the opportunity to play for a conference championship and be a big fish in a small pond. Or make a deal with a P5 conference, even if that means getting a magical revelation that changes their position on same sex relationships. None of these options are good for the church. The last option is the only way they can hope to be competitive with the U again, but I don't think the brethren and majority of members would choose the football program over continued discrimination.

Independence hasn't been too good for BYU. It's hard enough recruiting there as it is. I think going back to the Mt. West is what they should do. It makes the most sense.

[_Doctor CamNC4Me]

I don’t know. Check their schedule out:

https://byucougars.com/schedule/football/2019

As an independent they now play, and split the revenue with:

UT - 70k sellout
TN - 105k sellout
SC - 75k probably a sellout
Washington - 75k sellout

If they opt to drop down to a mid-major conference they’ll disappear off the sports map. The key is to win the recruiting with Pacific Islanders, which is what I think they were hoping to do with their current head coach.

- Doc

[_Dr Exiled]

Going back to the Mt. West would give them meaningful games in the back half of the season. Boise State is good year in and year out. Utah State is becoming a quality program. Going against these two and against SDSU and Fresno State, with a championship on the line, wouldn't be too bad. November games would mean something again.

The next realignment chance doesn't happen until 2024 or so when new tv contracts will be negotiated. So, we'll know then if the big boys want an anti lgtb school. I doubt it. The Mt. West is a good alternative, unless BYU gets better and can get power 5 schools to play them in November. But, here again this is doubtful. I think Kalani Sitaki is a good coach but the good poly players are going all over the country now. With the academics and the silly honor code, it looks like a tough sell to get enough of them to make a difference. The talent gap will continue and BYU will continue to trend in the wrong direction.