BYU looking to go independent

Espn.com reported that BYU is likely to become and independent in football in time for the 2011 football season. The reported move would come on the heels of their rival (and my school) Utah accepting an invitation to join the Pac-10 beginning next season. All of BYU's other sports would reportedly play in the WAC beginning next season.

I tweeted this morning that I thought the move would be more positive than negative for BYU. I've given it some more thought throughout the day and I have had a tough time grasping that as the correct position. I think it could produce a greater strength of schedule and subsequently a higher BCS ranking with a higher chance of playing for the national title. That way they aren't stuck playing lackluster teams like Colorado State, Wyoming and New Mexico every year.

The down side is that they won't be in a conference and won't be able to aim for a conference championship. They also would not have powers TCU and Boise State on the schedule every year in competition for a crown. The BCS might not guarantee BYU an automatic slot the way it does for Notre Dame if it finishes in the top 8. They also might not have the ranking guarantees they would have in the Mountain West Conference in terms of BCS inclusion. You may take this with a grain of salt since it is coming from a Utah fan but if BYU was unable to qualify for the BCS via the Mountain West Conference it would seem to me to be only tougher to gain access with both a tougher schedule and a tougher ranking required for getting into one of the high profile bowl games.

I think going from the Mountain West to the WAC would definitely be a downgrade for BYU's men's basketball program. I don't think there is any question that the MWC is superior to the WAC in both football and basketball. The MWC had four teams (including BYU) make the NCAA Tournament last season with seeds of 3, 7, 8 and 11 while the WAC had two teams make it -- both as 12 seeds. The basketball strength of schedule would take a definite hit, particularly with the defections of Fresno State and Nevada to the Mountain West today and a conference title would not be making as big of a statement. I'm sure it would be fun around these parts to have Utah State and BYU playing in the same league in basketball and I think that would produce some memorable battles. New Mexico State is usually tough as well but with all due respect I don't think those programs are at the same level as UNLV and New Mexico of the MWC.

It will be interesting to see how this all plays out over the next few days. I fully expect the move to independent status to be announced soon. It's a definite gamble but there could be some benefits to it as well.