September 1st is the deadline for BYU to tell the Mountain West what their intentions are if they are to stay in the Mountain West or decide to go independent in football and join either the WAC or the WCC in their other sports. The board of trustees that includes members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints who own the University have given BYU the go ahead and choose the option that is most beneficial for the school:
BYU Is Still Working Toward Football Independence
BYU President Cecil Samuelson presented several scenarios to the school’s board of trustees, comprised of the LDS Church’s First Presidency, members of the Quorum of the Twelve, and other high-ranking church officials, Thursday and received approval to proceed with whichever route he sees as “most beneficial” to the mission of the church and the school, a source told The Tribune.
A lot of news has gone done the last week from emails being released about ‘The Project’, the WAC trying to steal UNLV and San Diego State, and now there is the news that the WAC is now demanding the $5 million exit penalty from Nevada and Fresno State.
This issue still revolves around what BYU wants to do regarding their football program. There are only three options: stay in the Mountain West, join a watered down WAC in non-football sports, or do the same with the West Coast Conference.
The Cougars are still unhappy with the current Mountain West television deal and they want more exposure which can be achieved by leaving the Mountain West which will allow them to be on ESPN and their very own in house network BYU-TV. With the recent news of Karl Benson enforcing the buy out penalty to Nevada and Fresno State make me think that BYU is heading to the WAC. Whatever BYU decides this soap opera will be ending by Wednesday night September 1st when a decision must be made, and then we can start actually talking about actual football games.
See More:
