But when virtually all of the best (and most difficult) games are on the road (see Wisconsin, Notre Dame, Michigan, West Virginia, etc.), it's difficult to expect different results.

My guess is that BYU will eventually need to join the American (perhaps with Boise St.) or a new conference consisting of the best of the AAC and MWC crowds. With an 8-game conference schedule, this will give BYU the chance to schedule 2-3 P5 schools, will give BYU (and its fans) something to play for after losing a game, will give BYU players the opportunity to win conference awards and conference championship trophies, will give BYU access to a Big Bowl via the Best-of-the-G5 provision, and will allow BYU to start developing some new rivalries.

BYU will certainly need to figure out how to retain some of the TV advantages that independence provides. But if it can do so, it may join a non-P5 conference sooner rather than later. Unfortunately, BYU passed on the B12 (or vice-versa depending upon who you ask). And I don't see the B12 or any other P5 conference calling BYU's number any time soon.